Computer science has more mathematical influence than just 0s and 1s. For students studying computer science, mathematics becomes a crucial topic to master. Writing codes and algorithms require a thorough knowledge of topics like sets and logic gates. Here’s how important mathematics is for computer science students.
Mathematics as a foundation
Much like any subject to master, a student must first learn its basics and that which it is founded upon. To master computer science, students have to master some topics of mathematics. Mathematics is a subject that forms successful amalgamations with other subjects. Whether you want to study mathematical logic or computer science, understanding the basics of mathematics is important. This is what tutors at IMACS Live Classes aim to do for the students who enroll in their classes.
Students need not master all topics but only topics important to computer science, such as logic gates, sets, probability and similar topics. Most schools teach these topics in their computer science course before students are made to practice programming. Only after a strong foundation of mathematics can students be able to code and create logical and complex programs.
Algorithms and mathematics
Algorithms are what programs and codes are based on. These algorithms function on mathematical theory. Mathematics becomes a necessity to write the simplest programs. Operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are the simplest forms of algorithms that are used in computer science.
More complex programs require more complex algorithms that, in turn, require a good grasp of mathematics. Algorithms are useful in fields ranging from C++ coding to 3D modeling and video games. This is why mathematics is taught before starting any computer science course and comes as a necessary subject for students to learn quickly and thoroughly.
Problem-solving and error finding
Problem-solving skills taught in mathematics are applied in computer science as well. While creating programs, students will encounter many errors and logic problems that will have to be fixed for the program to work as planned.
As logic applied in mathematics and computer science is mostly similar, the method to find errors is also similar. Modern mathematics is used in computer science, and its method of solving problems relies on logic which is followed in computer science as well.
Mastery of mathematical topics also makes finding errors a lot faster for students of computer science. With time and practice, the application of logic will also grow less erred.
Mathematics and programming tools
Mathematics is not just limited to coding. In databases, data analytics, artificial intelligence and other such fields of computer science, mathematics is also applicable. Some of these programs require very little knowledge of mathematics, while others require the knowledge of more complex topics.
Depending on what field of computer science a student gets into, the topics in mathematics they must learn will vary. For example, coding will require the knowledge of logic gates and sets, while in data analytics, these topics will be replaced with other topics. The more logic-intensive and creative a field of computer science is, the more it will rely on mathematics.
Discrete mathematics and computer science
Discrete mathematics is one such school of mathematics that is most used in computer science. This includes matrix algebra, 3D geometry, vectors and graph theory used in a wide range of fields in computer science. Students who wish to specialize in 3D modeling, graphics and video games need to study discrete mathematics to make successful programs.
This school of mathematics is often termed the ‘real world’ mathematics as it is part of modern mathematics and functions on logic and less on theory. It’s also applicable in analysis and problem-solving, making it important for computer science students.
