My son is a college freshman and doesn't know whether he should firm up his Algebra skills in College Algebra before taking Methods of Calculus or just take Meth. of Calc at the local community college this summer. He got C's in Algebra in h.s.

Question

My son is a college freshman and doesn't know whether he should firm up his Algebra skills in College Algebra before taking Methods of Calculus or just take Meth. of Calc at the local community college this summer.  He got C's in Algebra in h.s.

anonymous · Answer

If I were him, I would definitely take College Algebra, maybe even a remedial HS algebra course for no credit in college.  If he got C's in high school algebra he might not do so hot in college algebra, let alone pre-cal.

anonymous · Answer

linear algebra (which is what I think you are referring to as college algebra) is not necessary for a first course in calculus. The type of algebra that your son requires is the more fundamental stuff. as the above post mentions, a remedial HS algebra may be useful. Take a quick look at the James Stewart site, there is an algebra review section as well as his thoughts on the importance of algebra to calculus: http://www.stewartcalculus.com/media/11_author_welcome.php

anonymous · Answer

Just have him review algebra over the breaks/summers. Especially since it's a review, it'll be easier to learn. He probably needs to just relearn a few things and maybe strengthen his foundation. Taking the class entirely again seems like a waste of time.