Is there an alternative to calculus?
Asked by: Casandra Hoppe | Last update: January 25, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (18 votes)
The non-Newtonian calculi of Grossman and Katz are alternatives to the classical calculus of Newton and Leibniz. They provide a wide variety of mathematical tools, and are used worldwide in science, engineering, and mathematics.
What can I take instead of calculus?
AP Statistics
This course is a good option for students who want to take an AP math class but either don't feel ready for calculus or would rather take it in college, or for those who feel statistics will be more useful than calculus for their future career.
Is calculus the hardest math in the world?
A study published in the Journal of Mathematical Behavior reported that approximately 30-40% of students found calculus to be the most difficult topic in their mathematics curriculum.
What math is calculus most similar to?
Analysis. Analysis is the branch of mathematics most closely related to calculus and the problems that calculus attempts to solve.
Is it okay to not take calculus?
Some schools still require calculus so if you don't take it you're only limiting which schools you can apply to. There's no good reason to avoid it really.
How to Make it Through Calculus (Neil deGrasse Tyson)
Do most students fail calculus?
The course is usually required for anyone pursuing careers in science, engineering and medicine, but it has one of the highest rates of failure and withdrawal across California State University campuses statewide.
What happens if calculus is left untreated?
If left unaddressed, the bacteria in dental calculus can cause periodontal disease, a dangerous gum infection that can destroy the gums and bone (the jaw) supporting the teeth, as well as a host of other health issues.
What is the hardest math in the world?
- The Monty Hall Problem. ...
- The Travelling Salesman Problem. ...
- The Twin Prime Conjecture. ...
- The Poincaré Conjecture. ...
- The Goldbach Conjecture. ...
- The Riemann Hypothesis. ...
- The Collatz Conjecture. ...
- Navier–Stokes Existence and Smoothness.
What math is harder than calculus?
It is difficult to determine which subject is harder as it depends on an individual's strengths and weaknesses. However, linear algebra involves abstract concepts and requires strong analytical skills, while calculus involves more concrete applications and requires strong mathematical reasoning.
Do colleges like to see calculus?
Even though 95 percent of the respondents agreed that calculus isn't necessary for all students, 74 percent put the College Board's Advanced Placement calculus course among the top four math courses that carry the most weight. Almost a third of respondents said calculus gives a student an edge in admissions.
Why is calculus so feared?
Calculus is hard because it's effectively a new subset of the language of math that you learn late, and it's where math starts to get abstract. Before calculus, everything in math can be easily given a physical analogue. Calculus is where that approach can start to break down.
What is the hardest math class at Harvard?
At Harvard, the legendary Math 55 (officially titled "Honors Abstract Algebra") has often been called the most difficult undergraduate math class in the country. This class covers two years' worth of material in one-year and is known to require a massive time investment and an extremely strong mathematical foundation.
What's the hardest course in college?
- Calculus. ...
- Quantum Mechanics / Physics. ...
- Anatomy. ...
- Linguistics. ...
- Economics. ...
- Thermodynamics. ...
- Statistics. Math courses are hard in nature. ...
- English Literature. If you're not a fast reader, it is likely that readings will pile up quickly.
What majors don t require calculus?
- Anthropology.
- Art and Art History.
- Classics.
- Communication.
- English.
- Environmental Studies.
- Ethnic Studies.
- History.
Can you get rid of calculus?
Unlike plaque, you can't remove tartar with brushing and flossing. A dentist or dental hygienist must remove it during a professional dental cleaning. Another name for tartar is dental calculus.
What's harder, AP Stats or Calc?
On the other hand, AP Calculus can be relatively more challenging because it covers more advanced mathematical concepts, such as derivatives, integrals, and limits. The course typically involves intricate problem-solving and a solid foundation in algebra and geometry.
What's harder, trig or calc?
In general, calculus is considered to be more difficult than trigonometry due to the complexity of the concepts. However, the difficulty level can also depend on your personal strengths, interests, and previous experience with math courses.
How many people pass calculus?
I have been amazed to discover that across the country it is typical that 25 or 30% of students who take their first calculus course in college fail. It seems to be a national expectation that a significant percentage of students will be lost—indeed, should be lost—from a STEM pathway after taking college calculus.
What math is higher than calc?
After completing Calculus I and II, you may continue to Calculus III, Linear Algebra, and Differential Equations. These three may be taken in any order that fits your schedule, but the listed order is most common.
What is the hardest math in college?
Abstract algebra and linear algebra stand out as two of the most challenging math classes for undergraduate students. These courses delve into advanced mathematical concepts that require a strong grasp of mathematical proofs and abstract thinking.
Who invented calculus?
Calculus is commonly accepted to have been created twice, independently, by two of the seventeenth century's brightest minds: Sir Isaac Newton of gravitational fame, and the philosopher and mathematician Gottfried Leibniz.
What is math 55 Harvard?
Math 55 is a two-semester freshman undergraduate mathematics course at Harvard University founded by Lynn Loomis and Shlomo Sternberg. The official titles of the course are Studies in Algebra and Group Theory (Math 55a) and Studies in Real and Complex Analysis (Math 55b).
Why is calculus bad for teeth?
This hard layer, calculus, will create a protective shield for bacteria on the teeth. The bacteria in the mouth releases acids which will break down your tooth enamel and lead to cavities and tooth decay. If calculus is not removed it will irritate your gums and over time causes gum disease (gingivitis).
Is calculus actually useful?
Calculus is applied in many areas of life. It can be used to model systems where there is change. Examples of the applications of calculus in scientific fields are space exploration, telecommunications systems, computer science, engineering, medicine, pharmacology, business, meteorology, and music.
What is calculus disease?
Kidney stones (also called renal calculi, nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis) are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Diet, excess body weight, some medical conditions, and certain supplements and medications are among the many causes of kidney stones.