Which Math Course is Easier and More Useful for a Computer Science Degree?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the choice between Discrete and Combinatorial Mathematics and Introduction to Differential Equations for a computer science degree. Participants agree that Discrete and Combinatorial Mathematics is more relevant to a career in computer science, covering essential topics such as graph theory, combinatorial arguments, and recurrence relations. In contrast, Introduction to Differential Equations focuses on first-order equations and numerical methods, which are less applicable in the field. Therefore, for those prioritizing career relevance and ease of understanding, Discrete and Combinatorial Mathematics is the recommended course.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of mathematical concepts
  • Familiarity with graph theory
  • Knowledge of recurrence relations
  • Introductory calculus
NEXT STEPS
  • Research graph theory applications in computer science
  • Explore combinatorial algorithms and their uses
  • Study recurrence relations and their solving techniques
  • Learn about numerical methods such as Euler and Runge-Kutta
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for computer science students, academic advisors, and anyone seeking to understand the mathematical foundations relevant to software development and algorithm design.

find_the_fun
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I'm working towards computer science degree and have a choice between Discrete and Combinatorial Mathematics and intro to diferential equations. No offensense but I don't really like math and would like to take the course that is easier. If they are around the same dificulty which would be more likely used in a career?

Discrete and Combinatorial Mathematics

Graph theory, counting, combinatorial arguments and proofs, inclusion-exclusion, partial orders and equivalence relations, deriving and solving recurrence relations, generating functions.

Intorduction to Differential Equations

First order equations, linear second order equations and 2-dimensional systems of linear equations with constant coefficients, elementary qualitative methods, numerical Euler and Runge-Kutta methods, Laplace transform, applications.
 
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find_the_fun said:
I'm working towards computer science degree and have a choice between Discrete and Combinatorial Mathematics and intro to diferential equations. No offensense but I don't really like math and would like to take the course that is easier. If they are around the same dificulty which would be more likely used in a career?

Discrete and Combinatorial Mathematics

Graph theory, counting, combinatorial arguments and proofs, inclusion-exclusion, partial orders and equivalence relations, deriving and solving recurrence relations, generating functions.

Intorduction to Differential Equations

First order equations, linear second order equations and 2-dimensional systems of linear equations with constant coefficients, elementary qualitative methods, numerical Euler and Runge-Kutta methods, Laplace transform, applications.

I don't know about the difficulty level you would find for each of these, but relevance to your career would make Discrete & Combinatorial a no-brainer.

CB
 
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