<|im_start|>system
You are a helpful AI assistant.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
Can you explain me what part of high school mathematics I should master before diving into differential calculus?<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
It depends on your current strength and weaknesses and also interests. If you tell me about them, I am able to give you a better answer. 
In general, you can interpret the high school mathematics as a toolbox for the higher mathematics, and there are a few parts that always be helpful.

1. Algebra: As simple as it is, it provides the basis for any other field of mathematics. Get familiar with roots and logarithms and exponential if you know the basics, and how to use them. 
2. Trigonometry is needed everywhere, if you feel comfortable with the angle theorems, you are not distracted when solving equations. 
3. The concept of functions is a wide field itself and is of great importance for solving differential equations. 

Most importantly, train to solve mathematical equations or puzzles, if you enjoy having difficult problems to solve, you will improve your skills<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
I meant the question you need to answer, please.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
The part of high school mathematics you should master before learning differential calculus are the basics of algebra. 

1. **Functions** Functions are the fundamental objects upon which the derivative acts, so you should be intimately familiar with the nature and behaviour of polynomials, rational fucntions, and exponential functions (especially $f(x) = a \cdot e^{(b \cdot x)}$).
2. **Factorisation** Knowing the rules of factorisation is essential to manipulating functions, so you should be familiar with the basic factorisation patterns, including grouping, GCF, sum-of-cubes, difference-of-cubes, and difference-of-squares.
3. **Limits** The foundations of calculus are built on limits, and while it isn't necessary to understand limits to understand calculus, school course in calculus usually require work with limits, and differential calculus has many applications to the evaluation of limits.

Would you like to know more about differential calculus?<|im_end|>