Class decisions: Strong algebra background required for calculus

The decision between Calculus AB and BC can be like night and day for upperclassmen. BC is regarded—and rightly so—as the more rigorous class. But little attention is given to the finer distinctions between the AB and BC.

Senior Jonathan Junqua, who took Calculus BC as a junior, said, “I think a self-motivated and patient student would be most suited [for BC] because when a problem doesn’t work out the first time, you have to re-try it.”

Beyond a student’s willingness to work hard, other factors must be considered when choosing between AB and BC. Senior Michael Zuccarino said students who want to learn calculus but are heavily involved in other activities should take AB instead of BC.

“Calculus BC is really Calculus ABC, you have to do topics A before you do topics B and C, so there’s a full extra chunk of topics that we have to cover,” Calculus BC teacher Audrey Warmuth said.

In calculus BC, students learn about sequences and series as well as polar coordinates, while AB skips these subjects completely.

Calculus AB tends to be a slower-paced class. “We have actually a lot of freedom in AB because we don’t cover as much as BC, so we have the luxury of being able to take our time,” Calculus AB teacher Michele Drouin said.

Drouin and Warmuth stress that a strong math background is essential for success. Algebra, in particular, is required for success in calculus.

“Students often struggle in calculus not because of calculus concepts, but because their algebra isn’t quite up to snuff,” Warmuth said.

Drouin said along with strong algebra skills, a student has to have good critical thinking skills and enjoy problem solving.