Source
r/rutgers•
RandomHumanOnline

calc 151 ISuckAtIt

For those of you who are math lords. I am taking Calc 151, and not even going to lie, doing terrible in it. I got no clue wtf I am doing. Does anyone have a good way to learn it? I go to lecture and take notes but like the professor doesn't write well and I think I have come to the conclusion that I am just shit at it, but I need to take this class. I just want to know what ways you all studied/learn, is it through youtube videos/random math websites/reading the whole textbook and doing every problem. Any and all advice is appreciated :( #WhyIAmSoTerribleAtCollege :(

Posted Mar 6, 2020, 4:19 PM UTC

69
Kirbooo•

Look at practice examples, then do them yourself. About the only way.

8
RUFooked•

Ngl I struggled too, but tbh I know I didn't put in the right amount of effort at times, and my teacher was mean sl and didn't like helping me (Mavrea if anyone wants to confirm) but I did a shit ton of cramming the night before with Professor Leonard videos on Youtube and I still believe that he saved my grade. I'd recommend checking out his videos now and watch them until the end of the semester for the topics you cover and hopefully you'll do better. Good luck with everything!

7
Just_Your_DadSUFFE:R:ING•

Username checks out

3
RUFooked•

You’re not wrong, that’s where it all began...

2
SoysauceAndLove•

Success in any calculus class is oftentimes correlated to how often you practice, but another aspect that most students don’t understand (which is why many people struggle) is it also correlates strongly to the quality of your practice. Every time you do a practice problem, analyze every single technique that you use and why. There are only so many techniques out there. The hard part is knowing when to use what technique.

Every practice problem is a prime example of when to use a specific technique. Don’t just autopilot a fuckton of problems like I used to do. Instead, take your time with each one, really understanding every single step. A good habit to develop is writing out every single process down when solving a problem. For instance, if you’re having trouble with a chain rule problem, first write down the derivative of both functions, then write down where the derivative of f(x) goes, then write down where the derivative of g(x), etc. Just get in the habit of knowing how everything works, down to the smallest details.

Some resources online would definitely be the textbook (do all questions, check Slader for the even numbers), TheOrganicChemistryTutor on YouTube, Prof. Leonard on YouTube, and a bunch others (but that should be sufficient). I personally suggest prioritizing doing the questions first, before looking at solutions. Really struggle with them. Once you see the solution, do the problem yourself, with the same analytical mindset as I’ve described above.

Good luck! Stick with it, you got it!

3
Positron311•

Can confirm Professor Leonard is a lifesaver.

2
hedge_haul•

Go to learning centers. When I took 151, I went almost daily for walk in tutoring. They helped a ton!

2
jdsoswag•

Go to the office hours or learning centers! You can even get 1 on 1 tutoring for it I believe. It will make your life alot easier

2
[deleted]•

Professor Leonard saved my life.... nuff said

2