Learn Calculus from Scratch with Khan Academy

Are you looking to master calculus from the ground up? Khan Academy is a premier resource that offers comprehensive and beginner-friendly courses. This guide will walk you through how to use Khan Academy to build your foundational skills in algebra, then progress to mastering calculus.

Building a Strong Foundation in Algebra

Before diving into calculus, it's essential to have a solid understanding of algebra. Khan Academy provides a wealth of resources to help you build these essential skills. Start by exploring the following sections:

Graphing Functions and Determining Asymptotes: Graphs of functions and asymptotes of rational functions are crucial concepts that will lay the groundwork for calculus. Polynomials and Rational Functions: Polynomials and rational functions are fundamental in calculus and will help you understand key algebraic concepts. Understanding the Slope of a Line: The slope is one of the most important concepts in both algebra and calculus. Khan Academy’s detailed explanations and exercises will make it easier to grasp. Computing Area of Polygons, Especially Rectangles and Triangles: Calculating the area of basic shapes is a prerequisite for understanding the concept of integration. Khan Academy’s comprehensive guide will ensure a solid foundation. Understanding Infinity: A crucial concept in calculus, especially when dealing with limits at infinity. Understanding infinity is explained in-depth on Khan Academy.

Progressing to Calculus

Once you have mastered the algebraic concepts, you can move on to calculus. Khan Academy offers a structured curriculum that builds on your algebra skills, gradually introducing you to the core concepts of calculus:

Limits: Begin by understanding the concept of a limit and how it forms the basis of calculus. Khan Academy’s lessons are designed to make this concept accessible. Differentiation: Learn how to differentiate functions using rules and techniques. Khan Academy provides a variety of exercises to help you master this fundamental calculus concept. Integration: Once you have a grasp of differentiation, integrate your knowledge by learning about the fundamental theorem of calculus and integration techniques. Khan Academy’s comprehensive resources cover all you need to know. Sequences and Series: Dive into the world of sequences and series, learning about convergence and divergence. Khan Academy’s detailed lessons and exercises will ensure a thorough understanding.

Getting the Most Out of Khan Academy

To make the most of Khan Academy’s resources, follow these tips:

Use the On-Ramp course to refresh your algebra skills if needed. Practise regularly using the Practice Test feature to assess your progress. Engage with the community through forums and discussion boards to get additional support and insights.

Conclusion

With its comprehensive resources and user-friendly interface, Khan Academy is an excellent platform to learn calculus from scratch. By building a strong foundation in algebra and progressively exploring calculus, you can gain a deep understanding of this fascinating field. Start your journey today and discover the joy of mastering calculus with Khan Academy!