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do software engineers use complicated math like calculus ?
There is alot of math requirements in college
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Joseph’s Answer
A lot of things you might need to code involve rates-of-change (d/dt). Anything that involves real-world physics will have accelerations (double differential of position) and more; finance has rates of change of stock prices; you name it, differentials are there somewhere. Having a basic understanding of calculus is important to figure things out, although in most cases you probably don't need to actually work out how to solve a complex differential or integral yourself, but understanding the principle and notation is still important.
Having a good understanding of advanced mathematics is often helpful in coding. One of the most infamous programming innovations is the Quake Fast Inverse Square Root - anything involving graphics in 3D space likely uses a lot of vector calculations, so calculations like dividing by the distance to a reference point like the camera using Pythagoras' theorem in 3 dimensions [sqrt(x^2+y^2+z^2)] is really common. That's really slow to do exactly, but some genius coder realized it could be approximated really well in a way that would be much quicker for the computer to do, but it involved messing around with how the binary data is stored. It's well worth looking up and trying to understand if you're interested in the overlap of semi-advanced mathematics with coding.
Having a good understanding of advanced mathematics is often helpful in coding. One of the most infamous programming innovations is the Quake Fast Inverse Square Root - anything involving graphics in 3D space likely uses a lot of vector calculations, so calculations like dividing by the distance to a reference point like the camera using Pythagoras' theorem in 3 dimensions [sqrt(x^2+y^2+z^2)] is really common. That's really slow to do exactly, but some genius coder realized it could be approximated really well in a way that would be much quicker for the computer to do, but it involved messing around with how the binary data is stored. It's well worth looking up and trying to understand if you're interested in the overlap of semi-advanced mathematics with coding.
Dan Wolf
Retired Electrical/Software Engineer and part-time College Professor (BSEET and MS Engineering Management)
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Dan’s Answer
For sure, calculus classes will be required to earn your degree. However, your need for calculus during your working career will depend on the industry, company, and exact software that you will be involved with. Software engineers working on security applications (hacking prevention) are not likely to need any calculus but more technical applications such as aerospace or chemistry may require it. I suspect most software engineers do not use it however there are certainly applications ware calculus expertise is extremely important.
Calculus classes do provide problem solving and critical thinking skills which are 100% relevant to computer engineering careers.
For what its’ worth, I worked with embedded microprocessor control (software) products for 40 years and never used it once although others who worked with me used it quite frequently.
Calculus classes do provide problem solving and critical thinking skills which are 100% relevant to computer engineering careers.
For what its’ worth, I worked with embedded microprocessor control (software) products for 40 years and never used it once although others who worked with me used it quite frequently.
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Janet’s Answer
There were 4 calculus course requirements requirements for my CS degree. In all the years I was a programmer, I never used it once. It teaches problem solving skills. If you are working writing scientific applications, you might use it on the job. Otherwise, probably not. We have computers to do that ;-).
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M’s Answer
Hi Howard! Yes, when getting a degree in software engineering you have to take quite a bit of calculus. Hope that helped, good luck!
Hi Minha! Could you include some more details about advanced math requirements in software engineering programs. Also, how often do you use calculus (or other advanced maths) in your day-to-day career? Thanks!
Alexandra Carpenter, Admin
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Sujan’s Answer
Yes. Mostly during the interview there is a high possibility that you may be asked something related to calculus. Calculus will help you to solve issues and think better.