Math Actually done in Engineering Options

[sgarnett]

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.