Math required for advanced classical mechanics

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
2 replies · 2K views
Josh0768
Messages
53
Reaction score
6
What types of math should a student be comfortable with going into a classical mechanics class at the level of Landau and Lifshitz? And are there any additional types of math that aren’t required, per se, but would be beneficial to know (for said course)?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well since no one else has responded, I will guess (since I don't have L&L my guess is based on Kleppner & Kolenkow). Algebra, geometry, trig, calculus, multivariable calc, diff eq, calculus of variations. Physics classes normally have specified pre-reqs and then they teach additional math as needed.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Josh0768
I'm no physicist but definitely differential equations and vectors (more generally linear algebra).