How to prepare for Integral Calculus (Calculus 2)

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I'm majoring in computer engineering and I have Calculus 2 coming up this semester. From what I understand, Calculus 2 is the most difficult math class in the engineering path.

Over the summer, I've been studying the material to be covered in Calculus 2 and I'm not sure which area should be given the most focus - based purely upon degree of difficulty. I was able to pass Calculus 1 with an A so I'm hoping that the degree of difficulty is just hype.

Here are the topics my book covers for Calculus 2:

  • Applications of Integration
  • Techniques of Integration
  • Further Applications of Integration
  • Differential Equations
  • Parametric Equations and Polar Coordinates
  • Infinite Sequence and Series

I've been focusing heavily on Techniques of Integration, and it seems that this section is the 'heart' of the class. I've covered and practiced through half of Further Applications of Integration and haven't had too much trouble.

Is this a good strategy to prepare for this course?

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2 Answers

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I would say to master the basics. Make sure you know all of the elementary antiderivatives. Focusing on techniques of integration is a good idea, as knowing which method of integration to use is harder than knowing which differentiation rule to use (in my opinion anyway). Judging from your strong foundations in differential calculus, you should be fine.

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I haven't used these in Calc 1, but they will be used in Calc 2, I've had to brush up on these since it's been a while:

logarithms, & inverse trigonometric functions

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