Is Calculus Hard To Learn? The Verdict is it Doesn’t Have to Be
Math can be hard for some students but it’s not always hard to learn for others. When you first start learning calculus in high school math class it can look hard. It is hard when you don’t know algebra, trigonometry, and geometry, for example, you need to be fairly good with functions from algebra class.
It is essential to be comfortable with your mathematical foundations before you start learning calculus. This will make the learning process less overwhelming. You may find that coming back to content from previous classes will seem easier!
Students who tend to fail at Calculus see the concepts as meaningless procedures with no function. But it is the language of motion and change. For more information read Infinite Powers: How Calculus Reveals the Secrets of the Universe
What Do Many Students Studying a Calculus Course Say?
Many students say that calculus is not hard particularly when you are okay with algebra, trig, and geometry however it depends on your level of interest and your teacher. Our tip is to read over concepts and ideas before applying derivative and integration procedurally.
Calculus and other advanced mathematics classes can be difficult for all students to learn but with practice, it does get easier.
Calculus in High School
These days calculus is a high school topic for the most academically strong students and it is taught through Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus and there are two versions AB which equates to a semester of college Calculus and BC which equates to a whole year.
Calculus class in high school should only be taken if the student is confident in algebra, trigonometry, and geometry. If not then it is better the student doesn’t rush into calculus and rather strengthen his/her foundations.
Taking calculus in high school is not necessary, for example, it is common that college students who repeat the Calculus course after high school would lose interest in mathematics and along with their confidence.
Calculus in College
At the college level, students are placed in college classes where teachers are not there to hold your hand the whole way through. Motivation needs to come from the student themselves as no one is going to chase you up to do your homework. Another difference is that a calculus course is one semester-long, not a whole year so students get less time to dilly dally.
Calculus is hard in college and many students fail the exam and the cause is mainly due to the lack of interest and having weak foundations in algebra, trigonometry, and geometry. It is okay to fail, just don’t give up.
FAQs
Is Calculus Really That Hard?
Is calculus hard? Yes, many students struggle with calculus but it doesn’t have to be this way.
In terms of skills, it is usually because they’re lacking in the fundamentals in algebra, trigonometry, and geometry but don’t be discouraged. Most students have weaknesses and these can be strengthened with practice. Ideally, you strengthen this topic before you take calculus.
Math is sequential, which means concepts you learn in previous classes will relate to the next class topic. So don’t rush in calculus.
Is Calculus Easier than Algebra?
Calculus is harder than algebra. They’re about the same in terms of difficulty but calculus is more complex, requiring you to draw on everything you learned in geometry, trigonometry, and algebra. Calculus is built on top of these previous courses so without a solid foundation all around, you’re doomed to fail calculus.
What is the Hardest Math Class?
Advanced calc (aka analysis) is the hardest math class in undergraduate and many consider this course to be the rite of passage into graduate studies in mathematics.
In Harvard, this course is called Math 55 and is described by the Harvard University Department of Mathematics as “probably the most difficult undergraduate math class in the country”.
Can the Average Person Learn Calculus?
Is calculus hard? Yes.
Can the average person learn it? Yes!
The average person can learn and do calculus to a high school level with some difficulty. However many would struggle at the college level particularly for engineering, sciences, and mathematics degrees.
Calc class is hard for many people and takes practice to learn to be good at it.