The fields of applied mathematics

Click For Summary
Applied mathematics encompasses various mathematical disciplines used to address real-world problems, including Differential Equations, Calculus, Statistics, and Linear Algebra. Additional fields such as graph theory, combinatorics, number theory, and optimization also play significant roles in applications like cryptography and algorithm design. Many areas once considered purely theoretical, such as geometry and trigonometry, have found practical applications in technology and science. The distinction between "applied mathematics" and "applicable mathematics" is noted, with the former focusing on real-world applications. Overall, the discussion highlights the broad scope of applied mathematics and its relevance across multiple domains.
Cinitiator
Messages
66
Reaction score
0
What kind of mathematical disciplines/fields take part in what's called "applied mathematics"?

As far as I know, it's Differential Equations, Calculus, Statistics and Linear Algebra. What other fields are there? I'm sure there are some others.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
There are many others: graph theory and combinatorics--the traveling salesman problem, the postage-stamp problem, analysis and design of algorithms; number theory in cryptography, etc.

I'm not an applied mathematician, but AFAIK, many areas once thought to have a purely theoretical scope have found real-world applications.
 
Bacle2 said:
There are many others: graph theory and combinatorics--the traveling salesman problem, the postage-stamp problem, analysis and design of algorithms; number theory in cryptography, etc.
Where I studied, the above (and others, like Optimisation) took the umbrella title of Operations Research, and were described generically as non-physical applied.
 
haruspex said:
Where I studied, the above (and others, like Optimisation) took the umbrella title of Operations Research, and were described generically as non-physical applied.

I'm assuming that applied mathematics refers to the use of mathematics to (help) solve

general real-world problems; I think the cases I stated fall under this category, despite ,

maybe not having what one would call physical (maybe engineering, mostly) applications.
 
Haruspex, maybe the OP can explain better what s/he meant. Otherwise,

only option seems to be to make assumptions about what the actual question was.

Would you ex[and, OP?
 
Bacle2 said:
Haruspex, maybe the OP can explain better what s/he meant. Otherwise,

only option seems to be to make assumptions about what the actual question was.

Would you ex[and, OP?

By applied mathematics I mean mathematics which is very frequently used for the real world applications and sciences. Ex: Calculus, linear algebra, statistics, etc.
 
That would normally be called "applicable mathematics". "Applied mathematics" refers to the actual application of mathematics. But there are very few forms of mathematics that don't get some application. "Number theory" is used in breaking codes and "group theory" is used in quantum mechanics, "differential goemetry" in relativity.
 
Halls of Ivy has, of course, brought up the oldest and longest application of mathematics - geometry.

These days there are many aspects of mathematics with geometry in the title, you are looking at one now that is used to show the pictures on your screen.

And where would you place trigonometry, complex analysis, orthogonal transformations, variational methods,
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 68 ·
3
Replies
68
Views
5K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 72 ·
3
Replies
72
Views
8K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
4K