Thread: how much math?

  1. #1
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    how much math?

    How much math does programming involve? I heard it involves some Pre Calculous and Calculous but just for games and interactive type programs. I only know a little algebra (i wanted to go into higher maths but my mom didn't let me.. so basically i was forced against my own will to take general math for my first two years of highschool! now i see kids that don't know simple long division and are in Pre Calculous..i couldn've taken algebra in 9th grade! oh well -_-)

    I would want to become a programmer but I don't know if they teach Calculous in college and I'm almost positive they don't teach Algebra 2 (and i know i won't get enough time to take that in highschool) so any information would be appriciated thanks.
    Last edited by Yaj; 06-04-2002 at 08:45 PM.
    o.o

  2. #2
    geek SilentStrike's Avatar
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    You can understand the langauge easily with just some understanding of basic algebra.
    Prove you can code in C++ or C# at TopCoder, referrer rrenaud
    Read my livejournal

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    A solid english background is more important. But maths is a bonus. Soak up as much knowledge as possible. I believe you should do what you want to do too. If you want to do calculus do it.
    Algebra and calculus apply to everyday life more than you would probably believe as well as physics and chemistry. But as I said do what you want to do. If you aren't doing something you want to do you will not enjoy it as much.

    kwigibo

    PS Don't go behind your mums back though talk to her about it and explain why you want to do calculus, don't disrespect your parents they are trying to do things in YOUR best interest
    Last edited by kwigibo; 06-04-2002 at 10:41 PM.

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    if you havent taken any of the higher math your in for one hell of a bad time if you take calculus... and a CS degree involeves more math than in engeneering so you really want to brush up those math skills

    and calculus is like no math you have ever taken before and you need to be really good at algerbra or youll be so lost it wont be funny

  5. #5
    i dont know Vicious's Avatar
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    With me, its just certain things in math I cant understand ( cause my crappy books expact you to know and tell you nothing). But I havent had any problems with programming math wise... yet...

    The way my mind sees it, if its not school, its not really hard.
    What is C++?

  6. #6
    Banned Troll_King's Avatar
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    Math doesn't factor in very much for a while. Not until after you learn the language definitions such as C or C++. After you learn a graphics device interface than you will need to know more math because you are then basically drawing on the screen in order to simulate movement and realism, however that is only one type of program. You need math, however you have some time to learn it, no need to rush, but get involved with it if you can. Algebra will carry you through console and basic windows programming. it will carry you a long way actually. Learning to use algorithms that sort and store data involves math knowledge only if you are creating the algorithms. This typically isn't the case, you just have to learn how to use them.

    You can also learn networking, system administration, shell scripting, etc. This just involves learning how to use the operating system in detail. There isn't any calculus involved there. It all depends on what you are planning to do. You might never need calculus unless for leisure or hobby.

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    Let me put it to you like this. If you are interested in programming games then yes you will need a lot of math.

    Calculus - You will need this mainly for Physics simulation

    Linear Algebra - Everythin else.

    I cannot stress how important Linear Algebra is. Again, you don't need high level math until you start getting into some serious programming.

  8. #8
    Registered User skyline's Avatar
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    computer programming with a standard language (like c) in itself does not require much math (only arithmetic ops: +, -, /, *). but just knowing how to program in c doesn't do anything for anybody. the importance of your programming skills is applying them to solve a problem or practical application, which might involve some higher-level math (i.e. a company hires you to write a program the performs fast fourier transforms).

    if you wanted to study cs after high school then you have no choice but to take the math. in your position right now, it would really help if you could at least get the trig. and pre-calc. done before graduating from high-school.

  9. #9
    Banned Troll_King's Avatar
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    You need math in order to make a light saber too.

  10. #10
    Registered User Commander's Avatar
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    I thought u absolutely needed math for programming! Y would the universities ask for REALLY high marks in math and calculas if it was just a bunus?? You need the power of math if you want to program an AI or a Good game(well that's what I think)
    oh i'm sorry! i didn;t realize my fist was rushing to meet ur face!

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  11. #11
    Registered User Jet_Master's Avatar
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    Good maths skills REALLY help in Programming.
    No math = weak programs...
    I am the Alpha and the Omega!!!

  12. #12
    Another reason most universities/colleges require so many math courses (namely Cal I, II, III and Linear Algebra) is to fill the requirement for a Science Degree (which vary by insititution).

    In most institutions, you only need approx. between 40-50 hrs of actually COMPUTER science. Well for a degree that requries 120 hrs (again, varies by institution), it needs some filler sciences, hence Math, and Physics.

    I have no problem with math, but me and Physics get along like rival gang members. Am I glad I'm not a CS major!

  13. #13
    Registered User Grayson_Peddie's Avatar
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    Beyond HighSchool level?

    Hey!

    I scored 13 in the Sky Math Test at FSDB! But however, I am visually-impaired and got a special deploma, and have to take a G.E.D. to go to college that require regular deploma. Because I am taking Algebra II and VC++.

  14. #14
    Just because ygfperson's Avatar
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    algebra is as important as reading. everyone should know it. as for programming, it's all mostly algebra. (until you get into graphics...)

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    "PS Don't go behind your mums back though talk to her about it and explain why you want to do calculus, don't disrespect your parents they are trying to do things in YOUR best interest"

    If I brought this up with my mom she wouldn't get upset but just go into a breakdown. I know she's looking out for my best interest but sometimes I need to make decisions for myself that involve my future.
    o.o

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