Final answer:
Calculus is essential for students in college studying engineering or economics, allowing them to solve complex problems and understand advanced concepts. It is not mandatory to take calculus in high school, but it should be taken in the first year of college to ensure a strong foundation. The study of calculus provides significant benefits despite the concept of diminishing returns in advanced mathematics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Calculus is an integral part of the college-level mathematics curriculum, especially in fields related to engineering and economics. Understanding the concepts of differential calculus and integral calculus is crucial for students pursuing these majors as calculus is the mathematics of change and is involved in solving numerous problems within these disciplines. In terms of preparatory education, it's a misconception that if students do not take calculus in high school, they can never become an engineer. Instead, those students should ideally take calculus in their first year of college to lay the groundwork for their future courses.
Economic majors also benefit from learning calculus, as it can aid in grasping more advanced concepts in the field more quickly. Despite the diminishing returns of advanced math in certain applications, the foundational knowledge of calculus is certainly impactful in higher education, particularly in analytical and problem-solving contexts.