PreCalculus OR Finite Math?

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Hi, I'm finishing my pre-req's for my BSN.

I am trying to decide if Pre-calculus or Finite Math is more useful in the long run. It seems like Finite is more of an applications course, but I'm not sure. Any thoughts?

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Either course exceeds the requirements for most BSN programs. I was only required to take College Algebra and have only ever seen College Algebra as a requirement for nursing programs. I would take the course that interests you most if you have a choice.

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Thanks. One of these classes is required at UABirmingham. Also, organic and inorganic chem are required. I haven't seen this many places either.

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Are you more familiar with one than the other? I would do pre-cal if you had it in high school so at least you have had some exposure. I've never taken finite math but have heard it is somewhat different than math we learn in high school.

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I just finished intermediate college algebra, but I won't be taking another math for while. I wanted to take a math this summer, but I'm doing my A&P's and micro first, and I didn't want to kill myself. (I'm part time with 1 year old twins at home.)

Algebra was pretty easy, but I still don't know exactly what Finite math is all about.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Infusion, peds, informatics.

what does precalc at your school encompass?

at most schools i've gone to, precalc and college algebra are the same class. however, i've also seen trig called precalc.

i would probably go with finite math, if i were you. i've taken quite a bit of math (including 3 semesters of calculus) and i can honestly say i've never used calculus in nursing. there may be some concepts that i grasp slightly easier because of it, but not much.

algebra is very helpful in nursing and nursing school/prenursing courses. but, that is mostly algebra ii. college algebra will be helpful in some of the prereq courses, but not so much in the nursing courses.

trig is helpful in physics, and maybe chem to a much lesser extent; but i don't see it as very helpful in nursing or nursing classes.

finite math is a general overview of some problem solving techniques. problem solving techniques are always helpful. even if you never use them, they sharpen your analytical thinking skills. the ability to think analytically is very helpful in nursing.

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I took finite math, and I thought it was a great foundation for statistics. Good luck!

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