Reply to talking multivariable cal/linear algebra

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[quote=pettifogger][quote=pettifogger][quote=Anonymous][b]1. What makes you think OP's kid is currently in 5th or 6th?  They could have done IM in 6th several years ago[/b] and now be a sophomore debating between AB/BC or BC/MV.

2. I'm a college professor, and I've never seen anyone regret knowing *too much* math.  Those who are weak in math are often stifled-- they avoid taking courses/majors/graduate programs that they would otherwise prefer because they feel constrained on the math front.

It's true that many kids who take BC or MV will repeat the course in college, but that doesn't mean it wasn't worth pushing themselves at the start.  They'll come away from the college course with greater mastery and understanding than if they were learning every topic for the very first time.  They will find the courses easier, too, which is likely to mean they won't fall down to a lower math trajectory because they feel like they can't keep up with peers.

Don't get me wrong-- no one NEEDS MV before college.  But it's baffling that people would discourage kids from doing it if it is within reach.[/quote]

No parent of a high schooler would care in the least bit to discuss an early middle school math class from years back... IM has no bearing on post calculus math electives in high school, such as Linear Algebra or MV. While I agree with you that it would be nice to see more kids get through more advanced topics before college, in reality it isn't likely because many stop after calculus due to multiple reasons (including a shaky foundation in math, and/or not interested enough in taking higher level math senior year, etc).

The real question is why [b]aren't[/b] other mathematics courses offered in high school? For example courses such as discrete mathematics, number theory, probability, combinatorics, learning how to write proofs in mathematics, etc. These are so critical to developing solid logic and reasoning skills, (in addition to being fundamental for computers and computer science). One of the main barriers to hopeful computer science majors is discrete math, and it's one of the big reasons they end up switching away from CS in college.[/quote]

Oops, correction.[/quote]

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