If you understand calculus, then understanding finite math and precalculus is easier, as the latter two are simply what calculus is not. Calculus is the next advanced class after algebra and precalculus. The two main concepts are differentiation and integration. Differentiation allows you to take apart mathematical functions to understand their behavior while integration lets you put them back together, adding together small numbers. You must have strong algebra skills to be successful in calculus.
In finite math classes, the goal is to give students enough information to use mathematical analysis in the real world, at jobs or at home. Topics covered include matrix algebra, probability, statistics, logic and discrete mathematics. You learn the various ways to count, calculate, add, subtract, multiply and divide in a simpler manner, helping you grasp the concepts. Success in finite math does not necessarily prepare you for a full calculus class.
Precalculus, also called algebra 3, is the highest-level algebra class you can take before going into calculus. In this course, you become comfortable with quantitative literacy and logic, such as algorithms, logic and proofs, algebra, function, geometry, trigonometry, statistics and probability. You learn how to form relationships between numbers in a way that provides you more information about what the numbers mean. For example, that might mean solving for an unknown variable by constructing an equation.
The differences between finite math and precalculus are nuanced in the details of the two courses. You will gain a wider variety of mathematical knowledge in finite math, but not all of this knowledge is useful in calculus. In precalculus, everything taught is done with the intention that it will help you in calculus. When you take a calculus course, you will see how necessary algebra and critical thinking become. In finite math, and even precalculus, some students can memorize patterns and pass the class. However, due to the nature of calculus and the level of integrated thinking between concepts, you must be able to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the theory behind the math to be successful in a calculus class.