In addition to general skills important for computer science, the facts and figures of math are essential. General skills aside, computer science still involves a lot of math. Math, in short, prepares students for fixing bugs. A student might answer a math question (How much do the puppy and kitten weigh together?), realize that their answer is unreasonable (231 pounds), and analyze their own process to understand their mistake and how to fix it (maybe they forgot to convert from ounces to pounds). Math is one of the few subjects where students analyze their own work in this way. As such, programmers must know how to assess a problem, analyze their work, and fix errors. In a day's worth of programming, any computer scientist is guaranteed to make a mistake. Math teaches students how to analyze their work. This is an algorithm - one that students quickly learn to apply to new problems and implement in different ways. Students learn to find an unknown summand by subtracting the known summand from the sum. For example, consider an equation like 5 + x = 7. The word may be used more frequently in computer science, but most students first use algorithms in mathematics. In short, an algorithm is an abstraction of some process into a form in which the process can be repeated, implemented in different ways, and applied to new problems. Math teaches how to work with algorithms.Īlgorithm is among the most bandied-about terms in the technology scene. But experience using any abstract language gives beginning computer scientists an advantage. Of course, mathematical language and computer programming languages aren't exactly the same. From simple equalities to complex mathematical representations, learning mathematics teaches students the art of reading, comprehending, formulating thoughts, and communicating with abstract language. However, abstract programming languages are very similar to the mathematical language that students learn in math class. To someone with no experience thinking or communicating in abstract languages, learning a programming language can be terrifying. Using syntax, one must represent specific processes, commands, and visuals through punctuation, symbols, and single words. Math teaches understanding and communication through abstract language.Ĭomputer programming has its own languages, which are very abstract. In this regard, a strong background in mathematics is imperative to succeeding in computer science. 4 Reasons Why Math Matters for Computer Scienceīut there’s another way of identifying a strong math background: having the capacity for abstract reasoning, critical thought, and logical deduction - a mathematical way of thinking.
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