Is Calculus III Harder Than Calculus II?

One of the first questions a lot of students ask when going into Calculus III is "Is Calculus III harder than Calculus II?" The honest answer? Yes. Many students find Calculus III to be a more rigorous course because of the introduction to 3D graphing, vectors, multiple integrals, coordinate changes, and other new concepts. Many describe Calculus II as a more straight forward approach to Calculus that includes a planned out process to solve problems. While in Calculus III they often describe learning a more decision based reasoning on how to approach a problem, what coordinates system to use, and what tools to use to solve an integral if needed. When in Calculus III you will find yourself spending a lot more time thinking about how to approach and solve a specific problem with the tools you have. 

So in the end is Calculus III harder than Calculus II? We think so. And the majority of the students who we have asked agree.

Happy Calculating!

-Dylan Miller