If you’re a high school student and you’re deciding between taking Algebra or Trigonometry as your next math class, you need to make a wise choice. While both of these are important for success in doing well in higher-level math courses in college, picking the right class at the right time can help make your learning experience more fun.
How to Pick The Right Path in Math
Algebra refers to that branch of mathematics that deals with equations, functions and expressions. Algebra is learning to work with numbers and symbols and variables to solve problems around exploration of relationships between quantities.
Trigonometry is another branch of mathematics, adjacent to algebra and geometry. This branch is only concerned with triangles – mostly right angle triangles – and specifically, their proportions and scales, their angles and sides and their properties. Sounds simple enough, until you realize that it’s a whole entire course.
What Makes Trigonometry So Special?
Almost all of the other math subjects are built on top of algebra. The basic topics that you’ll focus on when studying algebra in preparation for Trig will include:
- Learning how to solve linear and quadratic equations.
- Interpreting the behaviour of graphed functions.
- Learning about exponents and polynomials.
These three “pillars” are the foundation for more advanced mathematical work that you will have to understand before advancing on to college math courses. Trig introduces students to wholly separate concepts, such as sin (sin), cos (cos) and tan (tan), and the unit circle.
When Should You Take Algebra or Trigonometry First?
A trigonometry prerequisite to physics or other science classes is a natural part of many schools’ math pathways, so you may have to get it sooner. Still, the general rule is to take Algebra first, and here’s why:
Foundational Skills
Trigonometry uses algebra to do its work. One example is equations involving trigonometric identities, where you must work with equations and expressions. In some cases, skipping algebra and going straight into trigonometry might be the better choice.
Broader Applications
All areas of math, from geometry to calculus, use algebra. First mastering algebra makes it a lot easier to transition into trigonometry and other more advanced courses.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Trigonometry requires students to manipulate an algebraic expression, which means most schools require students to take at least one algebra course before taking trigonometry.
If you’ve already done well in a full algebra course, you may be ready to move on to trigonometry without spending an entire year revisiting what you already know. Also, if you enjoy studying geometry, and you’re good at visualizing shapes and you love solving applied problems, you may find trigonometry highly intuitive.
Geometry Prepares You to Do Trigonometry
If you’ve already been through geometry, you may be wondering how geometry shapes your thinking when it comes to trigonometry. Knowing geometry before taking Trig usually helps more than it hurts when you are preparing for trigonometry.
Understanding Shapes and Angles
Triangles, circles and angles are the core of trigonometry and they are the focus of geometry. And you’ll be using these concepts over and over again, namely the Pythagorean theorem and properties of similar triangles.
Visual Thinking
Geometry helps you understand problems better. It’s a universal application of spatial reasoning, in which you’ll have to use your newfound skills on a deeper level once you advance onto trigonometry.
Properties of Circles
The circle has a lot to do with many trigonometric ideas such as radians and sine waves. These topics are clearer when you have a good handle on circle theorems and arcs.
Logical Reasoning
Proving things in geometry is a key aspect of geometry and that is exactly what you need in order to master trigonometric identities: you need to be able to solve problems.
Could Taking Geometry First Hurt When Taking Trig Later?
In general, having good geometry skills will help you a great deal in learning trigonometry. While geometry almost always helps, there are rare cases where it might pose challenges. Think of geometry as “reasoning in space” – think “proofs” and logic and such. However, trigonometry uses more formulas and algebraic equations. If you did well in geometry and struggled with algebra, the change might be noticeable for you.
With that in mind, geometry can lead to having overconfidence in visual skills. The formula-driven aspects of trigonometry may be hard for students to understand if they rely solely on visual reasoning from geometry. Students tend to say that Trigonometry is easier for them when they like to work with shapes, angles and visual problems, or when they enjoy solving real world problems such as measuring distance and height.
Assuming you’re okay with memorizing and applying formulas, you might deeply enjoy Trig. On the other hand, students report Algebra being easier if they enjoy symbols and abstract equations, or if they’d rather work with variables and numbers than visualise shapes.
Which Is Better To Take: Trigonometry, Or Algebra?
If you like the slow, step by step learning process of Algebra, then the pace of Trig might feel slightly different. Generally speaking, trigonometry is taken as a bit more specialized, while we consider algebra to be a bit more foundational.
The algebraic concepts are important for success in trigonometry. By taking algebra first, you’ll get the foundational skills you need for trigonometry and beyond. In addition, it provides your freedom to take more advanced math courses down the line such as calculus and physics.
Need Help with Algebra, Trig, And Beyond?
If you’re currently undecided between the two, it’s almost always better to take Algebra first, unless you’ve already done and done well in algebra. If you have a solid geometry background and feel comfortable with visual and applied problems, you can skip Algebra.
You might think you have to choose between algebra and trigonometry, but it’s all about building a solid basis for your future studies. Contact OMC today to polish up your math skills and get ready for exams all through high school to gear up for college.
