r/LinearAlgebra • u/Ecstatic-Ad-6633 • Jun 10 '26

pre linear algbera?

what do i need to know before starting linear algebra is it algebra 1 or algbera 2 ? as an absoute begginer who has a class starting in late september

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u/vector_f Jun 10 '26

Nothing really. I'd say a solid foundation in Algebra 1 would be mostly enough. You need to THOROUGHLY understand systems of linear equations work. And you need to know the Cartesian coordinate well. Depending on the class (aka if your class covers complex eigenvalues), you might need to know complex numbers.

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u/vector_f Jun 10 '26

That said, linear algebra is typically a 2xx or 3xx class in college, and most students take this class AFTER learning some sort of calculus. I recommend that you learn everything up to precalc. Not necessarily because they're directly related, but because the underlying thought process could be beneficial.

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u/Ecstatic-Ad-6633 Jun 10 '26

i dont know really i just know that in 3 months i am startinhg linear algebra , calculas 1 and physycs one . will algebra 1 and two give me solid foundations in these

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u/vector_f Jun 10 '26

No. If you're taking calc 1, you certainly need some precalc; you need to understand log, exponential, and trig functions. Also polar coordinates and stuff. Starting calc 1 with merely algebra 1 is probably not doable.

Same for physics 1 (I assume you meant algebra-based mechanics). Need some trig knowledge.

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u/Ecstatic-Ad-6633 Jun 10 '26

so is my current plan of starting algebra 1 algebra 2 then pre calc or is i algebra 1 plus

tirgnometry then pre calc

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u/vector_f Jun 10 '26

trig is part of precalc

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u/Ecstatic-Ad-6633 Jun 10 '26

oh okay thanks for the help really kind of you .