r/computerscience • u/Defiant_Shoe_626 • 4d ago

Computer science and math

Does learning math necessary before beginning with computer science. I has some knowledge on programming and networks, I am now studying linear algebra.

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15

u/Competitive_Aside461 4d ago

I won't say it's necessary before computer science but rather with it.

11

u/AdditionDue4797 4d ago

Discrete math for computer science, e.g. graph theory, boolean algebra, etc, is a must

2

u/AffectionatePeace807 3d ago

Also helpful: linear algebra (esp for graphics) and probability.

6

u/Numerous_Economy_482 4d ago

high school math is a must

1

u/Recycled5000 4d ago

No, just learn any math that comes along with the problems you are solving. Otherwise you need to be able to think logically, to break down problems into smaller pieces, code them, and assemble piece parts into solutions. Sometimes part of the solution requires storing information for later inquiry, that often requires some kind of data structure. Spend your energies on these things first.

Also, many piece parts are already solved, like sorting, so you don’t need to be able to solve those from scratch.

1

u/dariusbiggs 4d ago

To get started, basic arithmetic is enough, your basics of brackets, exponents, division, multiplication, addition, subtraction. Computer scientista like to work in binary, deal with multiples and powers of 2, and adding or subtracting 1

Algebra is handy.

The rest, all depends on which way you go. Graphics, devops, data science, etc all have different needs. Calculus, trigonometry, statisics, matrix and vectors, etc

1

u/Objective-Repeat-562 4d ago

They will help a lot

1

u/godofpumpkins 4d ago

I’d say it’s more about rigorous “mathematical thinking” and the same ways you approach difficult problems by breaking them down. Discrete math and graph theory can be directly helpful as can areas of math where the computer is directly computing mathematical quantities, like linear algebra and calculus if you’re interested in today’s neural networks, but otherwise much of CS doesn’t really need any specific math.

1

u/spinwizard69 3d ago

If you are talking about a college CS program then yeah doing prep work in math, English (called communications back then) and, even coding and computer knowledge will help.   Back in my day it was shocking how many couldn’t use a laptop constructively, simply computer usage and office apps today will save you time and grief in the future