Electronics > Beginners
How much more math do I need to study???
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tggzzz:

--- Quote from: dmills on October 11, 2018, 11:24:54 am ---It is less about being able to do the maths day to day (I would have to hit the books to remember how to integrate F(x)G(x) between limits these days), as being able to recognise what is going on.

For doing the mathematics in the real world, we have computers, but recognising the required maths for a given desired result, that is still a human task.

--- End quote ---

Those points should be emphasised!

I agree with all your other points.
GregDunn:
Two things that I didn't see mentioned here:

1) An important part of education is not just learning math or rote absorption of various methods of integration, equation solving, etc. - it's training the mind to improve itself and its ability to solve various types of problems.  The more different types of analysis and calculation you study, the better the mind is at adapting to new problems when they are encountered.  As stated above, recognizing the right tool for the right job and recognizing the shape of the expected answer are valuable skills which are honed by math of disparate and increasing levels.

2) Math is characterized by higher levels of abstraction as you progress from basic arithmetic to algebra to calculus and beyond.  It's difficult to fully understand a level until you've acquainted yourself with the next one higher up.  Whether or not calculus is something you'll be using on a day to day basis, learning enough of it to understand the principles gives you an excellent handle on the need and usefulness of algebra.  I didn't really appreciate calculus and its applications until I'd taken two courses in differential equations, and my next course in advanced calculus benefited enormously from the courses in diff. eq. as a foundation.  Being able to visualize the shape and structure of the answer in advance is almost essential for proper application of almost any type of math, and you get plenty of practice with calculus and diff. eq.

The short answer is to take enough math beyond your anticipated need to be fully conversant with the level you will be employing.    I actually do use calculus occasionally to do some electronics design and statistical analysis, so I'm glad I did.  It's surprising how often linear algebra and statistics are useful in non-technical applications, too; lots of common scams or deception can be identified with just a little math, and could save people (and corporations) much money and trouble if used intelligently.
Mr. Scram:

--- Quote from: ptricks on January 23, 2013, 09:13:12 pm ---Do you have a copy of the book , "The Art of Electronics" ?
If you can do the math that is inside that book then you know enough to be an engineer. Realize that schools always teach you things you may never use so if you are struggling with something try your best but don't obsess over it because a lot of the stuff you will never encounter again .
If there is an equation or something in the book mentioned you don't understand ask about it and maybe someone can point you to what level of math and how best to understand .

--- End quote ---
It seems most people use a lot less math in real life than in school, although exceptions apply. I think Dave once said something to the same effect. I've found the same to be true too. The real world isn't as scary as it may seem.
tggzzz:

--- Quote from: Mr. Scram on October 11, 2018, 06:27:10 pm ---
--- Quote from: ptricks on January 23, 2013, 09:13:12 pm ---Do you have a copy of the book , "The Art of Electronics" ?
If you can do the math that is inside that book then you know enough to be an engineer. Realize that schools always teach you things you may never use so if you are struggling with something try your best but don't obsess over it because a lot of the stuff you will never encounter again .
If there is an equation or something in the book mentioned you don't understand ask about it and maybe someone can point you to what level of math and how best to understand .

--- End quote ---
It seems most people use a lot less math in real life than in school, although exceptions apply. I think Dave once said something to the same effect. I've found the same to be true too. The real world isn't as scary as it may seem.

--- End quote ---

They use the results of maths every day, and that requires they understand the boundaries in which the maths is valid.
Mechatrommer:

--- Quote from: Mr. Scram on October 11, 2018, 06:27:10 pm ---It seems most people use a lot less math in real life...

--- End quote ---
no if you are on the cutting edge or want to invent something. But if you just want to copy psu design from 1977 magazine like many hobbiests did, then probably you dont need math.
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