this post was submitted on 03 Jan 2026
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IMO you need basic calculus to understand the laws of physics. Like at least to understand that the derivative is the rate of change, the integral is the area under the curve, the fundamental theorem(s) of calculus, and what limits are. You don't necessarily need to do δ-ε proofs, but at least the qualitative stuff is worth teaching.
I took algebra-based physics for my music degree and then calculus-based physics for my engineering degree. Algebra-based physics explained basically nothing for me and had zero impact on my understanding of the world. Calculus-based physics will stick with me forever.
Like I'm with you that outreach is important and should not be dismissed, but I really don't see the utility of algebra-based physics.