I just finished my junior year in high school. I've taken Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II honors and am taking Trig right now. I've always been a straight A math student. I'm planning on studying Astrophysics at university, which requires Calculus I through III. I've studied on my own from a calculus textbook and it's not too difficult. Now I have the option to dual enroll in a community college during my senior year while finishing my last few credits. I want to get ahead and take Calculus I or AP Calculus BC, but I don't want to get ahead of myself and struggle. How essential is Pre-Calc? Is it essential to succeed in further studies, or can a strong maths student jump from Trig to AP Calc or Calc I? Thanks.
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It depends on the student. If you have the discipline to review the material you don't understand, you should be fine.
Trigonometry is the most important.
PreCalculus is essentially a review of complex Algebra and Trig problems to prep you for Calculus.
Not everyone can jump straight to Calculus, but if you stay focused and read the textbook, you should be fine.
Ps. I skipped Trig and Precalculus because I learned it on my own. Made an A in Calculus I-III.
Trigonometry is the most important.
PreCalculus is essentially a review of complex Algebra and Trig problems to prep you for Calculus.
Not everyone can jump straight to Calculus, but if you stay focused and read the textbook, you should be fine.
Ps. I skipped Trig and Precalculus because I learned it on my own. Made an A in Calculus I-III.