Is pre-calculus and calculus much harder than algebra?

Can I take business calculus without taking precalculus?

• I am taking my last 10 credits towards my AA degree in Accounting right now. One of the required classes is Business Calculus. The school suggests precalculus as a prerequisite, but you don't have to take it if you've taken College Algebra & Statistics. I have taken both of those classes, but I am kind of worried. Anyone who has taken business calculus-do you think you could have passed it without taking precalc first? I need an idea because I don't want to fail the class of course. Thanks!

• Answer:

  Precalculus is algebra and trigonometry. Since trigonometry is not used in business applications then algebra will suffice. I do have one reccommendation for anyone taking calculus--solve as many problems as you can from each section of the textbook, not just the ones assigned. This will give you plenty of practice so you should be able to pass the tests without a lot of difficulty.