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At my high school, pre-cal mainly consists of trigonometry and advanced algebra and geometry. As the name suggests, it is very important for the preparation of entering a calculus course.

In Calculus, using some, but not all, knowledge learned in pre-cal, you start to do things like solving derivatives and anti-derivatives. These help to solve instantaneous rate of change (or slope) of a curve, and the area under the curve, respectively, and much more advanced calculations. I think it is quite fun, though pretty hard sometimes. But then again I am a nerd.

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Q: What is the main difference between calculus and pre calculus?
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What is after trigonometry?

Generally pre-calculus is taken after trigonometry, unless the trigonometry course was supplemented by a pre-calculus course, in which case the next course would be calculus.


Can you take precalculus and algebra 2 trig at the same time?

No, you can't. Although similar in concepts, Pre-Calculus is more advanced than Algebra 2. Algebra 2 is taken between Algebra 1 and Geometry or after Geometry and before Pre-Calculus. The reason that you can't take both at the same time is because of the curriculum. Pre-Calculus does not spend nearly as much time on linear topics (linear equations, linear programming, etc.) as Algebra 2 does. Pre-Calculus also almost always is 2 courses in one: Pre-Calculus and Trigonometry. Algebra 2 has very little, if any, trig. Topics that they have in common are quadratics equations/functions, polynomial equations/functions, rational functions, exponential & logarithmic functions (sometimes these are not covered in Algebra 2), possibly conic sections in Algebra 2, definitely in Pre-Calculus, factoring, and probability/sequences/series/statistics. In addition to trigonometry, pre-calculus also covers polar and parametric topics (these will NEVER NEVER NEVER be seen in Algebra 2) and an introduction to limits. So, you must take Algebra 2 before pre-calculus. If you want to take 2 math courses in 1 year, try algebra 1 and geometry (not very common), algebra 2 and geometry (somewhat common), and some schools allow honors students with a solid A in Algebra 2 (assuming you took Algebra 2 before Geometry, this differs between schools) allow you to take geometry and pre-calculus in the same year. The study of proofs is not a major topic in pre-calculus, and proofs make up a majority of geometry.


Why is calculus so hard especially pre calculus?

Pre-calculus is hard because it is very algebra intensive but forces you to also incorporate your geometry and trigonometry to solve complex problems. Not only this, but precalculus is designed to expose you to a few of the oddities in advanced mathmatics (holes, end behavior etc). Calculus is then even more difficult because it differs so greatly from pre-calculus. rather than definite answers and standard functions, you now move into "theoretical math," where many problems either have very complex answers or no answer at all, and very often, you are required to prove that your answers are logical using mathematical therums. however without your strong base from pre-calculus, trying to learn these new concepts would be almost completely impossible. My advice you anyone struggling in either calculus or pre-calculus would be to keep at it. study hard and practice as much as possible. Good luck!


Is Pre-Cal harder than Calculus?

Definitely AP Algebra (1)^2.


What is Pre calculus?

its VERY VERY VERY hard math its VERY VERY VERY hard math

Related questions

What is difference between pre-calculus and calculus?

Simple answer: Calculus involves derivation and integration, precal doesn't. Pre calculus gives you some of the algebraic, geometric and trigonometric understanding that is required to comprehend the concepts in calculus. Without the knowledge from precal, calculus would not be easily understood, as it is taught in schools today.


What is the difference between Algebra 2 and Pre calculus?

Im currently taking Pre Calculus and took Algebra 2 last year. To be honest, there really is no difference, there are only three new chapters of content we didnt go over last year in the whole book. If you passed Algebra 2 you'll pass Pre Calculus.


What is the difference between pre algebra and pre calculus?

About four years. You should be able to do algebra as a freshman in high school, and you should be able to do calculus as a freshman in college. This is often compressed to three or two years depending on whether or not you are on an advanced placement curve.


What is the difference between Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus?

Trigonometry focuses specifically on the study of triangles, and concepts that are closely related to properties of triangles. Pre-Calculus is generally a preperation for the concepts of Calculus, and often reviews or builds upon concepts learned in previous forms of mathematics, which may include information learned from Trigonometry.


What is the difference between math analysis and pre calculus?

They're essentially the same thing, but math analysis is a bit more in-depth than precalculus.


What is harder geometry or pre-calculus?

Pre-calculus is supposed to be a stringent review of trig and algebra in preparation for calculus. So, pre-calculus, I would say.


Is elementary calculus the same as calculus?

Pre-calculus refers to concepts that need to be learned before, or as a prerequisite to studying calculus, so no. First one studies pre-calculus then elementary calculus.


What grade is calculus taught?

Calculus is usually taught two years after Algebra two. Between Algebra two and Calculus is Trigonometry or Pre-Calculus. We teach it in A Texas school at grade 12.


Is pre-calculus trigonometry easier than pre-calculus algebra?

If you have the option to take Pre-Calc Algebra, do that.


How is pre-calculus used in the real world?

In the 'real world', the purpose of a course of study in pre-calculus is to prepare the student for a course of study in Calculus.


What is after trigonometry?

Generally pre-calculus is taken after trigonometry, unless the trigonometry course was supplemented by a pre-calculus course, in which case the next course would be calculus.


Is Elementary Calculus the same as Pre-Calculus?

In short, no. Elementary calculus includes finding limits, basic differentiation and integration, dealing with sequences and series, and simple vector operations, among other concepts. Pre-calculus mostly focuses on the algebra necessary to perform those operations, with perhaps some introduction to limits or other simple ideas from elementary calculus.