Those who want to study exact sciences know that some subjects will accompany their studies during graduation, such as lateral limits, derivatives of functions, surface integral and other contents of the discipline of calculus. At first, this can cause insecurity and even doubt whether it is worth following through with plans to become a professional in the area. However, there is no need to despair. With calm and planning, it is possible to obtain good results in studies.
The theory of the calculus discipline is extensive: in limits, there is the Confrontation Theorem; in derivatives, the Mean Value Theorem; in integrals, the Stokes’ theorem?? among many others. But apprehending this information is not the greatest difficulty for students of exact sciences.
According to professor of calculus, physics and linear algebra, Matheus Soares, one of the biggest problems of calculus students is the difficulty with basic mathematics, taught before entering higher education. “It is very common for students to understand the concepts and processes, but when it comes to using basic mathematics, they are unable to advance.” He exemplifies that in studies about limits it is important to know how to work with notable products and polynomials.
Matheus points out other contents of basic mathematics frequently used in the Calculus discipline. “Partial fractions, root calculations, LCM (least common multiple), factoring, functions”, he lists. “Calculus is a study of functions”, he defines.
To solve the gap with basic mathematics, Matheus guides the student to resume these studies in coordination with the content of the calculus discipline. “A mistake that can happen is trying to solve the problem from the back and forgetting about learning in the classroom. With this, the student distances himself from what is being taught and creates a greater gap with calculus.”
What this article covers:
Five tips for doing well in studies.
There is no need to be afraid of the discipline of calculus. With some guidelines when studying, the student can optimize the routine and facilitate the way of assimilating the contents. Professor Matheus Soares gives five tips to help students in their daily lives.
The first is to recognize the difficulty. “If the student identifies that he has not been able to assimilate some content, he should not leave it for later. Take questions with the professor, look them up in books, but don’t let them go by, ”he recommends.
Another guideline is not to limit yourself to a single source of information. According to Matheus, in addition to learning in the classroom, the student should look for different books, websites and YouTube channels that can help with understanding. “Other people will have other ways of teaching. Opening the horizon to new sources helps a lot in learning.”
It is also in this sense that he assesses the importance of study groups for the exchange of information, as content that may be more difficult for one student may be easier for another. Participating in these groups is another tip for exact science students.
Remembering that university life is busy, the professor highlights the importance of organizing studies. “The student is not only on the subject of calculus, there are other subjects with tests, assignments. Many combine college with work”, he analyzes. “It is important to separate a part of the day to study. Put some times in the agenda to perform certain tasks such as reading content, exercising.”
Speaking of exercises, he ends the list of tips. “Training is the best way to learn calculus.”
