To take Math 132, you should have successfully completed Math 131 (or its equivalent elsewhere).

The version of Math 131 you took should have included an introduction to Riemann sums and the definite integral (sections 5.1–5.2 of the text).

If you took Math 127 instead of 131, or even Math 127 and 128, it is likely you are not prepared for Math 132.  This is due to the significantly greater technical facility with algebraic manipulations that is involved in Math 131 as contrasted with Math 127–128.

If you are in doubt that you are adequately prepared, consult your instructor.  You may wish to test your skills against the old Math 131 exams that are posted at www.math.umass.edu/Courses/Math_131.

Did you already take AP calculus in high school and take the AP exam?  If so, you might be better off going directly into multi-variable calculus (Math 233) instead of Math 132.  You may even get credit for Math 131 and/or Math 132 after taking that subsequent course! (See the Department’s AP credit policy.)  Or, you could take the Honors version, Math 132H, of Math 132.

A score of 5 on the “BC” exam (which includes everything in “AB” plus parametric curves and series means you should probably be taking Multivariable Calculus (Math 233); and a score of 4 there means very likely the same thing. On the other hand, an AP exam score of 3 is problematic.

If you are in doubt as to whether you are ready for Math 233 after taking AP Calculus, you might want to sit in on a few meetings of that course, and/or talk directly to an instructor there.

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