Preparing for Calc II: Tips and Resources for Success

[Quixot]

What would be on your list if you were preparing for Calc II right after Calc I? If you could point out some web-sites or places to review, test, and check my existing knowledge and see if it satisfactory for a Calc II class.

Thanks.

 

[Highway]

http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/

go here and teach yourself how to integrate . . . best thing you can do for yourself

 

[Highway]

you can't really do much in 3 days, so just google u-substitution since i don't see it on here, and start doing some integration by parts problems (IBP)

http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcII/IntegrationByParts.aspx

you can also get this book for a penny and $3.99 shipping: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0070434093/?tag=pfamazon01-20

it was my secret weapon for calc2, as it had all of the derivatives and integrals of normal functions listed conveniently in the front, as well as log rules, exponents, etc. and the typical theorems for shells / cylinders, etc.

 

[QuarkCharmer]

I just finished it.

There are some neat little tricks that were helpful on some of the problems. Adding and subtracting a number from the numerator of a fraction to factor and split it. Things like that. It's important to know your trigonometric identities, particularly the half-angle. Completing the square happens quite often too. Aside from that, you really should just fully understand all of the calculus I material. I thought the following topics were more challenging than the rest, and you might work ahead before your course gets to these sections:

Parametric/Polar tangents and arclength
Sequence and Series
Integrals with Partial fractions/trig-sub/by-parts.

The "material" for the integrals sections is not difficult, however, there were (for me at least) many challenging integrals that involved many "tricks" involving algebra/trig that I would not have considered using.

 

[Matrix0]

I understand the importance of thorough preparation and building a strong foundation in mathematics. For students preparing for Calc II after completing Calc I, I would recommend the following tips and resources for success:

1. Review and solidify your understanding of basic calculus concepts: Before diving into Calc II, it is essential to have a strong understanding of the fundamental concepts learned in Calc I. This includes topics such as limits, derivatives, and integrals. I would recommend reviewing your notes and practice problems from Calc I to refresh your memory.

2. Practice solving problems: Calculus is a subject that requires a lot of practice to master. I would recommend solving a variety of problems, including those from your textbook, online resources, and past exams. This will help you identify any areas where you may need more practice and improve your problem-solving skills.

3. Utilize online resources: There are many websites and online platforms that offer resources for studying calculus. Some popular ones include Khan Academy, Paul's Online Math Notes, and MIT OpenCourseWare. These sites offer video tutorials, practice problems, and lecture notes that can help you review and understand calculus concepts.

4. Attend review sessions or seek help from a tutor: Many universities offer review sessions for students preparing for Calc II. Attending these sessions can help you clarify any doubts and reinforce your understanding of key concepts. If you need additional help, consider seeking out a tutor who can provide personalized support.

5. Take practice exams: Practicing with past exams or sample questions can give you an idea of the types of problems that may appear on your Calc II exams. This will also help you identify any gaps in your understanding and focus your studying on those areas.

In terms of websites to test and check your existing knowledge, I would recommend using online quizzes and practice tests from reputable sources such as CollegeBoard and Khan Academy. These resources can help you assess your understanding of calculus concepts and identify areas where you may need more practice.

Overall, the key to success in Calc II is to have a solid understanding of the fundamentals and to practice consistently. With the right resources and dedication, I am confident that you will excel in your Calc II class. Best of luck!