by Mary Parker, Professor of Mathematics, Austin Community College
The two different beginning calculus courses are Business Calculus I (MATH 1425) and Calculus I (MATH 2413). There are significant differences between the prerequisites for them and in the types of problems that students learn to solve in them.
The prerequisite for Business Calculus (MATH 1425) is either Math for Business and Economics (MATH 1324) or College Algebra (MATH 1314). A discussion of which prerequisite is best under what circumstances is available.
The prerequisites for Calculus (MATH 2413) are Trigonometry (MATH 1316) and Precalculus (MATH 2412). More discussion of this prerequisite is available.
Both courses cover the ideas and topics of calculus, but they differ in the types of functions to which those ideas are applied and the types of applications problems considered. In Business Calculus, we do not consider trigonometric functions and the applications are usually related to business or economics. In Calculus I, which is required in most degrees in science, engineering, or mathematics, we use all types of functions, including trigonometric functions, and application problems from many different areas.
If a degree program requires Calculus I, it is very unlikely that you will be able to substitute Business Calculus for that. However, if a degree program requires Business Calculus I, then, in some circumstances, you may be allowed to substitute Calculus I for that.
Go back to the outline of Mary Parker's "Where should I start in college-credit mathematics?"
This page was prepared by Mary Parker, mparker@austincc.edu. It was last updated on April 21, 2001.