Math Actually done in Engineering - F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums

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

Guardsman View Member Profile	Apr 25 2005, 06:19 AM Post #1
Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 178 Joined: 4-February 04 Member No.: 178	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

sgarnett View Member Profile	Apr 27 2005, 12:31 PM Post #2
Seeking round tuits Group: Advanced Members Posts: 5,522 Joined: 24-December 03 From: Kentucky Member No.: 33	QUOTE (Guardsman @ Apr 27 2005, 00:04) An EE I spoke with yesterday told me that a lot of the algebra will make sense, and that I'll actually learn it, once I get into Calculus. Anybody else notice that? Yep. Before calculus, each class presents you with a new set of equations to memorize for a new set of special cases. In calculus you learn the general, unified theory that ties it all together, and how to handle the "real world" stuff that isn't all perfect geometric shapes. You'll also find that a lot of the math is remarkably similiar across disciplines. For example, the equation for calculatinging the effective total rate of stacked springs (ignoring leaf springs) is identical to the equation for calculating the effective total value of capacitors wired in series.