- #1
sherlin
- 1
- 0
How to use C++ in studying calculus
I'm having a hard time.
I'm having a hard time.
Last edited by a moderator:
How to use C++ in studying calculus
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the use of C++ in studying calculus, exploring the challenges faced by learners and the potential benefits of programming in understanding mathematical concepts. Participants share various perspectives on the necessity and practicality of integrating programming with calculus learning.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses difficulty in using C++ for studying calculus and seeks guidance on specific challenges.
- Another participant questions the necessity of programming for learning calculus, suggesting it may not be essential.
- A suggestion is made to program a TI-84 calculator as a means to aid in learning calculus.
- Resources from Rosetta Code are provided, highlighting numerical integration implementations in various programming languages, including C++, MATLAB, Mathematica, Julia, and Python.
- One participant reflects on their experience using C for mathematical computations, noting the importance of having good programming skills and the potential challenges when dealing with complex concepts in C++.
- A recommendation is made to use GeoGebra for simple experiments in calculus, such as visualizing functions, integrals, and derivatives.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants exhibit differing views on the necessity and effectiveness of using programming, particularly C++, in learning calculus. There is no consensus on whether programming is beneficial or essential for understanding calculus concepts.
Contextual Notes
Some participants highlight the potential frustration of using programming to verify calculus answers, suggesting that it may not align with traditional learning methods or assessments.
- #2
BvU
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I sympathize, but can't help with a sensible (and somewhat concrete) answer unless you provide some more context. What specifically makes it hard ? The calculus, the c++ language, anything else ... ?
What have you done/seen/learnt so far ?
What have you done/seen/learnt so far ?
- #3
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Why do you need any programming to learn calculus?
- #4
BvU
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Maybe it's the other way around 
- #5
JuanBarron
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Program the ti-84 to learn calculus
- #6
jedishrfu
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Rosetta Code has a numerical integration topic implemented in several languages for selected functions:
https://rosettacode.org/wiki/Numerical_integration
If you are instead trying to learn Calculus and want to use programming to verify your answers (not a good idea - as you'll be spinning your wheels and getting frustrated trying to understand why your answer isn't what the teacher gets exactly - and it won't help on tests or quizzes).
You could consider using MATLAB (popular in college with engineers) or Mathematica:
https://rosettacode.org/wiki/Numerical_integration#MATLAB_.2F_Octave
https://rosettacode.org/wiki/Numerical_integration#Mathematica
Other languages I forgot to mention are Julia (MAtlab like) and Python. Both of which have examples for numerical integration:
https://rosettacode.org/wiki/Numerical_integration#Julia
https://rosettacode.org/wiki/Numerical_integration#Python
https://rosettacode.org/wiki/Numerical_integration
If you are instead trying to learn Calculus and want to use programming to verify your answers (not a good idea - as you'll be spinning your wheels and getting frustrated trying to understand why your answer isn't what the teacher gets exactly - and it won't help on tests or quizzes).
You could consider using MATLAB (popular in college with engineers) or Mathematica:
https://rosettacode.org/wiki/Numerical_integration#MATLAB_.2F_Octave
https://rosettacode.org/wiki/Numerical_integration#Mathematica
Other languages I forgot to mention are Julia (MAtlab like) and Python. Both of which have examples for numerical integration:
https://rosettacode.org/wiki/Numerical_integration#Julia
https://rosettacode.org/wiki/Numerical_integration#Python
Last edited:
- #7
QuantumQuest
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While you can use C++ for any problem that is or can get computable, you will definitely need some good skills in C++ first. In the past when in college, I was using C extensively for computations in various fields of math. It was an excellent exercise for becoming a better programmer. You can also do this in C++ - provided that you use the available well written and tested libraries that exist, but it will be tricky enough when it comes to difficult concepts / computations. I would recommend to try to do your best - it will take time and efforts, but meanwhile, as pointed out by jedishrfu, you can use some numerical computing environment like Matlab or Mathematica - there is other such software as well, in order to learn the math concepts without inaccurate approximations or other errors.
- #8
FactChecker
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For simple experiments in calculous (changing parameters, seeing graphs of the functions, integrals, and derivatives), you might want to look at the free GeoGebra software package.