math question

[sasKuatch]

what kind of math do you people usually use when writing programs? i'm in Calc 1 right now, and i'm struggling, does that mean that i won't be any good at programming?

please clear me up, thanks

[nuisance]

For the programs I've written (including employment), the highest level of math I've used is algebra. The thing that Calculus has helped me with is to be able to think abstractly. I've never had to use any of those equations in programming.

To answer your other question, not doing well in Calculus courses (I didn't either), doesn't mean you won't be a good programmer.

[scanez]

It also all depends on what kind of programs you are writing. If you are going to be writing approximation type programs and what not, then calculus would come in handy. Writing 3D games would be easier with some knowledge of linear algebra and multivariable calc. I personally have used a lot of algebra (abstract algebra that is) in my programs but that's because that's what the programs are for, abstract algebra ;)

It just depends on what type of programming but I'd think that a background in discrete math would be more important than one in calc.

[JockVSJock]

I've working on my MIS, and right now I've been forced to take time off from it because it has been 10 years since I've taken Algebra.

So I'm going back to the community college to brush up on it and a few other math subjects and hopefully this will get me ready for it.

-Chris

[siqe]

The highest I've ever used in a program was linear algebra and/or multi-dimensional calc. That is of course when I'm not working on my math library, which requires whatever type of math I can get my hands on.

I think most people find calc 1 difficult because of new concepts, but lots of people I talk to find calc 2 and 3 easier after they've taken calc 1. My advice is to not worry about it. I know several good programmers that aren't comfortable with calc or higher. For instance one guy writes fantastic OpenGL programs for the compuational physics group at my university and another guy is always cranking out simple games and other neat stuff for palm pilots and all that.

[sasKuatch]

thanks, people, it's not that i don't find it interesting and all, but this semester is only 7.5 weeks long and it means cramming in twice as much in half the time. right now i'm struggling with derivatives and knowing when to use them. i'm probably not going to program math libs, just simple games, business apps, utilities, etc

you guys really boosted my confidence, thanks :)

[morphman]

Well, not to scare you but i thought calc II was multitudes harder than calc I. Oddly i got a better grade in calc II than calc I because i was in the college mindset after a semester of hell (not being in the college mindset). I think you will find all of your match classes after that hard but not as bad as calc II. Good luck!

-Morphman