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I noticed that linear algebra courses are typically offered in colleges after calculus. Is there a reason why?

• qntty 10y ago
  You need knowledge of calculus sooner in a typical undergrad curriculum for most majors. For example, freshman physics assumes you're taking Calc I/II concurrently. Most college kids can't handle two math classes at a time, so they take linear algebra after.
• GomezSandra 10y ago
  Perhaps its tough for the average student?!
• sn9 10y ago
  In addition to the other reasons already mentioned, many believe that calculus further develops the ambiguous quality known as mathematical maturity so students who take calculus before linear algebra will be better prepared for the more rigorous course than those who jumped in. (Here I use "calculus" to refer calculus courses without an emphasis on proofs.)
• LeanderK 10y ago
  in my experience calculus is a good bridge between your average math-background in school and linear algebra. In some sense calculus is the natural extension of school math (at least in germany), its more complicated, more rigorous and more abstract, but still familiar. For example you still want to differentiate/integrate, but maybe in R^n. You also touch a bit of the most fundamental topics of linear algebra in calc 2 when you transition from R to R^n and (in my experience) develop some fundamental understanding that help you with linear algebra. My roommate is studying math and music to be a teacher and i advised him to take calc first and then linear algebra and until now it's working out. Source: Currently studying CS Bsc. in Karlsruhe where we are required to take Calc 1 and 2 and Linear Algebra 1 and 2, but in parallel (so first Calc 1 and LA 1 and then Calc 2 and LA 2, it's also doable).