Anyone CLEP Calculus?

[gcalvin]

My impression is that if you have never had a Calculus class, it will be quite a feat to teach yourself enough to pass a CLEP. I had Calculus back in high school, almost thirty years ago, and it would have taken me a whole lot of practice to get back to the point where I could pass the CLEP.

Calculus basically consists of differentials and integrals. You need very solid algebra, geometry and trigonometry knowledge, you study limits, and then you memorize and learn to recognize a couple dozen differential forms. Then integrals are basically about running the sausage grinder backwards and trying to get a live pig.

You can use the Aleks program (ALEKS -- Assessment and Learning, K-12, Higher Education, Automated Tutor, Math) to get up to the pre-calculus level, and then google for "calculus tutorial" and search Amazon for a good textbook.

I have to say, I am surprised and even skeptical that any school would require calculus for an undergraduate business degree. I would strongly advise you to check that requirement again. Are you sure it's not pre-calculus? Having worked in business for more than 25 years, I know that calculus is completely useless for the overwhelming majority. In the insurance business, I'm sure actuaries use differentials and integrals, and there may be a handful of other analysts that would find it useful, but it sure seems like overkill to me. Maybe the school just requires calculus for all degrees? Is this MIT?

-Gary-