davidrune

Can I take linear algebra b4 mvc?

YankeeMagic24

yeah thats what i did. You barely need to know calculus for linear algebra, basic linear algebra at least; its a different branch of thinking.

texas137

I agree with Yankee, you don't actually need multivar for linear algebra or diff. equations. That's why the overlapping sequence Tony describes will work. But most people do prefer to take the entire calculus sequence (differential, integral, multivariable) sequentially without long breaks. So if you are only going to do one math course at a time, you would generally do multivar before lin. alg.

You may want to complete the entire calculus sequence in one place if you can, rather than changing schools in the middle because you go off to a different college. The full sequence is going to be pretty much the same from school to school, but schools vary in how they break it up. At some colleges calculus is a 2 semester sequence, and at other places it's a 3 semester sequence. If you come in with a high AP score, or one semester at a college with a different system, they will know where to place you (there may be a separate section for those folks). But you may end up repeating some stuff. If you have multivariable, you're definitely done with the entire calculus sequence and it makes for a cleaner transition.

monydad

What you ought to take next may depend somewhat on how you plan to relate to mathematics in the future.

If your interest leans more towards pure mathematics, proofs, etc. you might take linear algebra next.

If your interest leans towards applications to physics & engineering you might take differential equations next.

If your interest leans more towards social science applications, or you're doing advanced science research work, you might want to take probablility & statistics next. A good calculus-based course, though; you'll fall asleep in the versions of these courses offered outside of the math department.

If you major in math or physical sciences you will ultimately take all of these courses, preferably in the earlier part of your studies. If you have different objectives then you may not need all of them.

texas137

If you are going to be pre-med, or major in something like biology or economics, you can do that with just calculus, plus probably statistics, as Monydad says. But I am assuming that kids who are mathy enough to be taking multivariable in high school are probably going to be math majors. Calculus through multivariable, linear algebra, and differential equations are sort of the "core" lower division courses that all math, physics, and engineering students take by the end of sophomore year. All of the math majors and probably all of the physics and engineering majors (I'm not as sure about them) will also take abstract algebra and real analysis. These are all common prereqs for upper div. courses.