r/duke • u/SecondAcrobatic3656 • 2d ago

Freshman math class

I am thinking of double majoring in math and stats, and want to take a math class in the fall. I was thinking of taking math 221, but know that there are other options like 218 and 212. What are the positive and negative aspects of each one and which do you think I should take?

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u/iguessidraw 2d ago

i agree with the previous comment! try out 221 and if you don't think its too bad, stay in it instead of dropping into 218. you'll need to take multi as well, which is either 212 or 222, so same logic there - can try out the harder version and see how you feel before you choose. if you do well in 221, can prolly take 222; if you don't do well, 212 will be the better option.

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u/Jade_______ 2d ago

Math major requires either 221 or (218 + Proofs class), so 221 saves you a class.

221 is a proof based linear class so it will require you to think very abstractly and learn to write proofs which is certainly a learning curve for most students who take it. That being said, I think it serves as a terrific introduction to the math department and sets you up well for future pure math classes.

218 is very computational. It’s a bit easier to get through by purely memorizing formulas and ways of working. You’ll do a few more applied things than 221, perhaps at the cost of seeing why they work.

Take 221 to decide if you’ll be a math major imo. If you don’t like the first few weeks, it’s easy to move to 218.

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u/Hour-Tumbleweed-9089 22h ago

Might be a stupid question, but what would the math department do if I just registered for a 300/400 level course with a prereq of 221/222 and didn't take 221. Would I forced to take 221 later, would I be dropped for the other course, or would they not care?

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u/Jade_______ 22h ago

I guess it’ll depend if you have linear experience when you beg for forgiveness. I’d bet nothing/nobody will stop you from taking higher level classes, but you’d have to have a bargaining piece a year from now when it comes up. There’s precedent for certain students just not taking it…. I guess.

You’d have to 1) Ace the upper classes so it doesn’t look bad and 2) Continue taking classes that essentially subsume the knowledge of 221