[Guardsman]

Hey all,

Another question regarding math, engineering, school, etc.

What kind of math would I be doing in engineering school, and using day-to-day?

I've been trying to figure the whole algebra thing out, and a guy's example for his elementary school-aged son has been the best help so far (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) -

http://www.osteele.com/archives/2004/12/gr...grounded-proofs

The algebra itself is stupidly simple - one problem I'm having is deciphering the intent of the problem.

In any case, I'm seeing that there is a "theoretical math", where guys who apparently have nothing better to do discover that there was some number that we didn't really know about yet (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)

Then there's the math that normal people actually use to accomplish things.

I'm going to take the College Math CLEP test for the math requirement for my Associates.

That has the "what is the square root of i?", and other similar philosophical math questions, and, as I understand it, a lot of statistics.

So, do I just need to learn enough to pass the CLEP, and then concentrate on the higher math, or is the "square root of i" going to come into play in electronics engineering?

Thanks again guys.

John

[slowTA]

It's hard to say. Just because someone has an engineering degree and title when they're working doesn't mean they'll be doing much math at all. I know research engineers who look at data all day and try to sort it out for another set of engineers to work with. They're the people who use the math more. Then you have the engineering managers who have a good idea of what is going on, but just overlook things and calculate financial stuff. You would really have to know what you'll be doing in order to know what math you'll HAVE to know.

If you know the algebra then that is a really good begining, applications of the math should be taught as you need it, not many people understand the imaginary stuff or the proofs... I know I don't. I don't want to say the math is used to weed out those who can't hack it, but it's what I've been told many times. I'm still waiting to see if they're right or not.