Equations for Success: Essential Math Concepts for College and Beyond

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical concepts and equations that are essential for students pursuing electrical engineering (EE) and how to supplement their current algebra studies with relevant material. Participants explore the balance between business-oriented math and more technical subjects that may be beneficial for future EE coursework.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that foundational arithmetic operations are crucial for all math, including calculus, and emphasizes the importance of understanding algebraic principles.
  • Another participant argues that for a business focus, Probability and Statistics may be more relevant than Calculus, although both subjects are deemed useful.
  • Some participants express confusion regarding the original poster's intent, questioning whether they are seeking equations specific to electrical engineering or general math concepts.
  • There is a suggestion that the original poster should learn advanced topics such as Calculus, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, and Boolean Algebra for a comprehensive understanding of EE math.
  • One participant seeks clarification on the original poster's academic status, indicating that their current math level seems inconsistent with their declared major.
  • Another participant expresses a willingness to assist further in private messages, indicating a desire for more personalized support.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specific mathematical topics that should be prioritized for electrical engineering, and there are varying opinions on the relevance of business math versus technical math. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach for the original poster's learning path.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the original poster's academic level and the appropriateness of their current coursework in relation to their major. Additionally, there are unresolved questions about which specific equations or concepts might be beneficial for future EE studies.

Tyrion101
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I'm finishing up "intermediate algebra" and want to supplement the "college algebra " class that is focused more on business type math, with things I'll see later. What should I be concentrating my energies on learning?
 
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Simply put, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing are the basics of all math...even calculus.

As far as algebra, what you do to one side of the equation, you do to the other side.
Think of it like this: If you have 5 oranges on a table with another 5 oranges on a table you could say they are equal. If you take away 2 oranges from the one group of oranges and you want the other group to be equal, you must take away 2 oranges from that pile as well. That's it in a nutshell...algebra.

As far as what you should concentrate your "energies" on...you didn't say what you are majoring in...electrical engineering?
 
Well if you're going into business then it would be quite useful to know Probability and Statistics over Calculus. Although both would be better.

Whatever you learn now, remember that in the coming decades the things you forget first are the things you learned last so learn as much as you can, for as long as you can, before you forget why you're learning it...
 
We'll I thought it obvious that since I asked in the EE forum that I was looking for equations specific to EE. Was I wrong in my logic?
 
Tyrion101 said:
We'll I thought it obvious that since I asked in the EE forum that I was looking for equations specific to EE. Was I wrong in my logic?

I didn't notice what forum you posted in, I saw the reference to 'business' in your post so now I guess you need to learn Calculus, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Boolean Algebra... to cover EE math.
 
Tyrion101 said:
I'm finishing up "intermediate algebra" and want to supplement the "college algebra " class that is focused more on business type math, with things I'll see later. What should I be concentrating my energies on learning?

Tyrion101 said:
We'll I thought it obvious that since I asked in the EE forum that I was looking for equations specific to EE. Was I wrong in my logic?

To be honest, I was confused by your questions as well. Are you in high school, taking AP and college prep classes, or are you already in your first year at college? If the later, what other classes are you taking?
 
I'm just about to finish up my second semester of math, and I found out the next class I signed up for focuses more on business than on science, but still works as a pre rec (I had schedule conflicts with the other choice) I was wondering if there were equations in "college algebra" or in any other maths that I could learn on my own that might be skipped that would be useful later when I get to EE courses. Does that make more sense?
 
Tyrion101 said:
I'm just about to finish up my second semester of math, and I found out the next class I signed up for focuses more on business than on science, but still works as a pre rec (I had schedule conflicts with the other choice) I was wondering if there were equations in "college algebra" or in any other maths that I could learn on my own that might be skipped that would be useful later when I get to EE courses. Does that make more sense?

Sorry, you are in your first year of college on an EE track, and you are still taking algebra classes? That doesn't make sense to me...
 
It's a long story.
 
  • #10
Tyrion101 said:
It's a long story.

Okay, but you've been starting a lot of threads like this. Maybe PM me in case I can help better in private.
 

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