Rutgers MATH 152: Calculus II for the Mathematical and Physical Sciences
MATH 152 (01:640:152) is the second-semester calculus course for math, physics, CS, and engineering tracks at Rutgers, covering techniques and applications of integration, sequences and series, and an introduction to differential equations. It follows MATH 151 and runs on the same common-exam structure.
Fennie is independent and not affiliated with Rutgers University. This is an unofficial study guide.
What makes it hard
Series is the notorious MATH 152 wall: convergence tests, Taylor and power series, and knowing which test applies to which series are tested on harder-than-homework common exams. Integration technique selection is the other spike. As with 151, the common-hour exams outpace the homework, and weak algebra or shaky 151 fundamentals show up immediately.
What you'll cover
- • Techniques of integration
- • Applications of integration
- • Improper integrals
- • Sequences and series
- • Convergence tests
- • Taylor and power series
The MATH 152 study guide
How to study for Rutgers MATH 152, step by step.
- 1
Carry MATH 151 fundamentals in cold
MATH 152 assumes fluency with derivatives, basic integration, and algebra from day one. Patch any gaps in the first week. The common-hour exams won't wait for you to backfill.
- 2
Mix integration techniques every session
Exams hand you a bare integral, so the skill is recognizing whether it wants substitution, parts, partial fractions, or a trig method. Shuffle techniques in practice instead of drilling one at a time.
- 3
Build a convergence-test decision chart
Series is the MATH 152 wall, and most of the difficulty is choosing the right convergence test. Make a one-page flowchart and drill series until picking the test is reflexive.
- 4
Work past common exams on a timer
Old MATH 152 common exams circulate through the department and run harder than the homework. Timed practice from the first midterm window on is the truest difficulty gauge.
Today
Today's MATH 152 plan
What a Fennie Daily Plan looks like for MATH 152. Yours is built from your own syllabus and adapts every day to your deadlines and progress.
First plan free, no card required. Fennie is independent and unaffiliated with your school.
FAQ
Is MATH 152 hard at Rutgers?
Yes. Like MATH 151, it runs on common-hour exams harder than the homework. Series and convergence tests are the notorious wall, and weak algebra or shaky 151 fundamentals surface immediately.
What's the hardest part of MATH 152?
Most students point to series: choosing the right convergence test and handling Taylor and power series. Integration technique selection is the other difficulty spike.
How do I pass MATH 152?
Carry MATH 151 fundamentals in solid, mix integration techniques in practice, build a convergence-test decision chart, and work past common exams under timed conditions.
More Rutgers courses
MATH 151: Calculus I for the Mathematical and Physical Sciences
MATH 151 (01:640:151) is the calculus course for math, physics, CS, and engineering tracks at Rutgers, covering limits, derivatives, applications, and the beginnings of integration at a more rigorous level than MATH 135. It feeds directly into MATH 152.
MATH 135: Calculus I
MATH 135 (01:640:135) is Rutgers' calculus course for life-science, pharmacy, business, and social-science majors: limits, derivatives, applications, and basic integration, with less theoretical depth than MATH 151. It's one of the highest-enrollment courses at the university.
MATH 250: Introductory Linear Algebra
MATH 250 (01:640:250) is Rutgers' introductory linear algebra course: systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, vector spaces, linear independence, bases, and eigenvalues. It's a required course for math, CS, engineering, and many science majors and a prerequisite for upper-level theory.
MATH 251: Multivariable Calculus
MATH 251 (01:640:251) extends calculus to multiple variables: vectors and the geometry of space, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, and vector calculus including line and surface integrals with Green's, Stokes', and the divergence theorems. It's the third calculus course for math, physics, CS, and engineering tracks.