- Understand what a Derivative and Integral is! Know, and I mean KNOW, what a derivative and an integral is. Almost every concept in Calculus AB can be directed back to derivatives and integrals. Heck even limits are tie into derivatives. Performing calculus procedures with derivatives and integrals is not enough. How and why is a derivative used? What does taking an integral mean in the real world? Answering these questions and many others are the keys to success.
- Algebra, trigonometry, and calculus procedures need to be flawless! If derivatives and integrals are the most important concepts in calculus, algebra and trigonometry create the most problems. Add in the new calculus procedures that you'll learn and there are countless things that can go wrong. For this reason, when you get a solution incorrect, understanding your mistakes go a long way in preventing future mistakes.
- Practice. Check. Practice. Check. Practice. Check! Spending time practicing and checking your solutions is invaluable. Calculus problems can be phrased in so many different ways. The wording can change how students solve a problem, both correctly and incorrectly. The simple way to improve is to practice. And practice correctly you must!
- Get comfortable being wrong! You will get things wrong and sometimes a lot wrong. Just like the real world, failing is the best way to achieve success. Things will not always go your way. Learning from that adversity teaches us valuable lessons. The measure of a person is not how we act when things are easy, but when they are hard. Learning how to do hard things makes us better people in the long run.
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Find a person or resource that helps you! Let's face it. This stuff is hard. Your are going to have questions and that's ok. I can't tell you how many times I encounter students that pretend they understand. This makes matters far worse. You know if you understand and you know if you don't. Find an ally that can help you master the material.
Find out more on how to improve upon these 5 important tips:
For Students:
For Teachers:
"I'm going to be a double major in political science and economics at Boston University this fall but I seriously never would've considered any kind of math related majors if it wasn't for your class."
- Emma S (Class of '22)
"During my junior year, I had no idea what career path/major I wanted so I felt quite lost. However, spending time in your class and seeing the passion you put into helping students learn calculus inspired me to purse applied mathematics when I move on to college."
- Grace S (Class of '23)
"I have learned life lessons aside from math in your class. "Keep the grind going!" "You gotta keep pushing!" Even during the hardest months of Calculus that were strenuous and difficult, I listened to your words and I have overcome significant obstacles and boundaries. These are life lessons I can take into the real world and use them for anything I set my mind to."
- Logan G (Class of '24)
Your Instructor
Brady Burrill is a graduate of Michigan State University and has taught math for over 20 years in Southern California public schools. Brady has made a significant impact on students' success in math and, more importantly, in life. His work ethic and drive is second to none. Brady brings to the classroom not only his comprehensive understanding of Calculus concepts but also an infectious enthusiasm for the subject. His passion for math is evident in his teaching style, which is both engaging and highly interactive, helping students to connect with the material on a deeper level.