macrocephalopod

I don't *want* to weigh in on the California calc thing because it's such a shitshow. But I note I always struggled with algebra and more basic math but then was an absolute monster at calc+ in HS/uni. Could be a function of aging but the view the material is *extreme* seems off

F(x) = x^2 then dF/dx = 2x and d/dx tells you the slope of F(x) at any point x which has all sorts of applications Is easier than "here are fifty sines in a system of complex numbers and polynomials, simplify the equation. Hope you don't lose track of your place, fuck you, die"

Simple differentiation is one thing, and solving more complex integrals is another. A lot of the concepts will just end up being retaught in university anyway because high schools don't provide the right foundation; so that class time might be better spent on other concepts.

Calculus is pretty routinely taught to 16-18 year olds in the UK and would be expected knowledge for someone starting a math degree (tbh even for engineering/physics) so the argument that it’s too complex is a little strange to me.

Well I'm not saying it's too complex just that maybe it's not the best use of time. Tbh I don't remember exactly what calc I did in HS but I do remember that we basically did it all over again in university