Topic: Can someone explain like I'm 5, what is calculus?
Anonymous A started this discussion 8 years ago #69,616
What does it let you determine? What is it good for? I've heard that I need to know it for my hobby, but what exactly does it do?
Anonymous B joined in and replied with this 8 years ago, 56 seconds later[^] [v] #842,342
Numbers and shit
Syntax joined in and replied with this 8 years ago, 14 minutes later, 15 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #842,354
OP
IF you only want to have the skills of a super market clerk or auto mechanic n such you do not need Calculus. Except it will open your mind to more than simple math.
For sciences/engineering Calculus is indispensable.
> I've heard that I need to know it for my hobby
What hobby wood that b? Also it is good to no that once one learns Calculus one can solve many Calculus problems with Algebra however once must first learn Calculus first.
With algebra, you can find the slope of a line. With calculus, you can find the slope of a curve. But note you may never need to no the slope of a curve however the process is worth learning.
IF you only want to have the skills of a super market clerk or auto mechanic n such you do not need Calculus. Except it will open your mind to more than simple math.
For sciences/engineering Calculus is indispensable.
> I've heard that I need to know it for my hobby
What hobby wood that b? Also it is good to no that once one learns Calculus one can solve many Calculus problems with Algebra however once must first learn Calculus first.
With algebra, you can find the slope of a line. With calculus, you can find the slope of a curve. But note you may never need to no the slope of a curve however the process is worth learning.
Sheila LaBoof joined in and replied with this 8 years ago, 1 minute later, 17 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #842,358
in a nutshell, it provides ways to calculate a number that you want to know
more detail - in the way that algebra extends arithmetic, you can say calculus extends algebra
we pretend that a whole amount can be thought of as something made out of infinite parts, and calculus techniques allow ways to put the parts together, despite the fact that you would never finish if you had to add the parts together one after the other since there is no last part
the applications are classically related to rates - for example finding velocity at an instant of time for something that changes its velocity according to some algebraic expression
more detail - in the way that algebra extends arithmetic, you can say calculus extends algebra
we pretend that a whole amount can be thought of as something made out of infinite parts, and calculus techniques allow ways to put the parts together, despite the fact that you would never finish if you had to add the parts together one after the other since there is no last part
the applications are classically related to rates - for example finding velocity at an instant of time for something that changes its velocity according to some algebraic expression
Anonymous A (OP) replied with this 8 years ago, 57 seconds later, 18 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #842,360
@842,354 (Syntax)
I have an interest in game development. I don't know calculus yet, so I have only done 2-dimensional games so far. I hear I need some basic calculus to do anything in 3d.
I have an interest in game development. I don't know calculus yet, so I have only done 2-dimensional games so far. I hear I need some basic calculus to do anything in 3d.
(Edited 1 minute later.)
Syntax replied with this 8 years ago, 1 minute later, 20 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #842,362
@842,358 (Sheila LaBoof)
> despite the fact that you would never finish if you had to add the parts together one after the other since there is no last part
Infinity can be mind numbing -
> for example finding velocity at an instant of time for something that changes its velocity according to some algebraic expression
Good example but wood be lost on anyone who only understands velocity when driving or running and even then they may never think about what it takes to get there and pun intended
> despite the fact that you would never finish if you had to add the parts together one after the other since there is no last part
Infinity can be mind numbing -
> for example finding velocity at an instant of time for something that changes its velocity according to some algebraic expression
Good example but wood be lost on anyone who only understands velocity when driving or running and even then they may never think about what it takes to get there and pun intended
Anonymous E joined in and replied with this 8 years ago, 57 seconds later, 21 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #842,365
Man, you're asking a bunch of people that don't even know how to divide.
(Edited 14 seconds later.)
Sheila LaBoof replied with this 8 years ago, 2 minutes later, 23 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #842,368
@842,360 (A)
oh, there's lots of analytic geometry stuff relating to calculus
one of the things that impressed me was that through a calculus technique, you can come up with the formula for finding the volume of a doughnut if you didn't have the formula already given
oh, there's lots of analytic geometry stuff relating to calculus
one of the things that impressed me was that through a calculus technique, you can come up with the formula for finding the volume of a doughnut if you didn't have the formula already given
(Edited 1 minute later.)
Meta joined in and replied with this 8 years ago, 3 minutes later, 27 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #842,371
No one actually uses it in real life.
Syntax replied with this 8 years ago, 3 minutes later, 30 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #842,373
@842,360 (A)
I am not a programmer except for cookbook PERL and as little C+ as I can forge. I had to look this up
> Physics engines for video games - Need Calculus -
Betting you can do a lot without learning a lot of Calculus - In my work I am surrounded by 1000's 10,000 programmers who are free to use any language they want to - All gets parsed and hummmm anyway the very best of them have a solid math background so they can write code that runs fast and has the least number of lines - Those who are not as skilled with math end up working on some other part of the system. Those who get paid the best do have advanced degrees that always come with top math skills.
Robots where velocity innards with pneumatics (air and oil) and servo motors a solid foundation in Calculus in paramount
I am not a programmer except for cookbook PERL and as little C+ as I can forge. I had to look this up
> Physics engines for video games - Need Calculus -
Betting you can do a lot without learning a lot of Calculus - In my work I am surrounded by 1000's 10,000 programmers who are free to use any language they want to - All gets parsed and hummmm anyway the very best of them have a solid math background so they can write code that runs fast and has the least number of lines - Those who are not as skilled with math end up working on some other part of the system. Those who get paid the best do have advanced degrees that always come with top math skills.
Robots where velocity innards with pneumatics (air and oil) and servo motors a solid foundation in Calculus in paramount
(Edited 48 seconds later.)
chili dog !!81dzJNNYL joined in and replied with this 8 years ago, 2 minutes later, 33 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #842,374
@842,371 (Meta)
Not true! You might not think of it explicitly as 'doing calculus' because you're just using techniques you didnt know beforehand.
@842,360 (A)
That sounds right. Go forth and learn calculus. People make it sound a lot harder than it is, it's not all that difficult. I'm not great at math and i passed multidimensional calculus. Linear algebra might be good to know too.
Either will probably expand your mind in terms of what you think you can do with math.
Not true! You might not think of it explicitly as 'doing calculus' because you're just using techniques you didnt know beforehand.
@842,360 (A)
That sounds right. Go forth and learn calculus. People make it sound a lot harder than it is, it's not all that difficult. I'm not great at math and i passed multidimensional calculus. Linear algebra might be good to know too.
Either will probably expand your mind in terms of what you think you can do with math.
(Edited 1 minute later.)
Syntax replied with this 8 years ago, 2 minutes later, 35 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #842,376
@842,371 (Meta)
Shortly I have places to be - My most recent use of Calculus and this is no kidding is with soup cans and coffee cans and small copper tubing - Quickly turned into a breadboard set up and jury rigged into working 4GLTE base stations to run 5G and far more than 5G - Old technology re the cans aka Coax Filters and one day implemented with CPU's when they become more more speedy and can do math more faster. For now the mechanical arrangement works just super.
Shortly I have places to be - My most recent use of Calculus and this is no kidding is with soup cans and coffee cans and small copper tubing - Quickly turned into a breadboard set up and jury rigged into working 4GLTE base stations to run 5G and far more than 5G - Old technology re the cans aka Coax Filters and one day implemented with CPU's when they become more more speedy and can do math more faster. For now the mechanical arrangement works just super.
Anonymous A (OP) replied with this 8 years ago, 22 seconds later, 36 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #842,377
@842,373 (Syntax)
Yeah I don't think I need to be super advanced with calculus, but the engines I plan on using have functions that use it to some extent.
So you think I could manage to gloss over my lack of knowledge and still make some 3d stuff?
Maybe I will pick up knowledge by using it a bit in my games.
Yeah I don't think I need to be super advanced with calculus, but the engines I plan on using have functions that use it to some extent.
So you think I could manage to gloss over my lack of knowledge and still make some 3d stuff?
Maybe I will pick up knowledge by using it a bit in my games.
chili dog !!81dzJNNYL replied with this 8 years ago, 1 minute later, 37 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #842,378
Anonymous A (OP) replied with this 8 years ago, 9 seconds later, 37 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #842,379
@842,374 (chili dog !!81dzJNNYL)
Thanks, I will try to pick up a bit of calculus !
Probably should brush up on algebra too, I have to think way too long about things to make stuff work even in 2d.
Thanks, I will try to pick up a bit of calculus !
Probably should brush up on algebra too, I have to think way too long about things to make stuff work even in 2d.
Anonymous A (OP) double-posted this 8 years ago, 30 seconds later, 38 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #842,381
chili dog !!81dzJNNYL replied with this 8 years ago, 3 minutes later, 42 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #842,384
@previous (A)
Free! Its a website full of videos explaining basic concepts in math and science disciplines. Pauls calculus notes are also useful. You can also find loads of free worksheets online.
Free! Its a website full of videos explaining basic concepts in math and science disciplines. Pauls calculus notes are also useful. You can also find loads of free worksheets online.
Syntax replied with this 8 years ago, 50 seconds later, 42 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #842,386
@842,377 (A)
As Chili said it is NOT that hard to start learning it. Some pick it up real fast - Others need a little help but so many people around for that. If nothing else you will quickly and I mean QUICKLY discover that a very simple curve which you of course will encounter in 3D video - That curve to understand it mathematically so you can manipulate it as you want to - Just the basic first few days of learning to deal with curves will OPEN YOU MIND a bunch.
You will quickly find ways to get around having to learn a lot but you will also later discover you wished you had spent more time because the cook book short cuts are limiting - Just a few days- weeks of study and you will have a powerful tool and tools is what one needs to bake some cookies or a good program
As Chili said it is NOT that hard to start learning it. Some pick it up real fast - Others need a little help but so many people around for that. If nothing else you will quickly and I mean QUICKLY discover that a very simple curve which you of course will encounter in 3D video - That curve to understand it mathematically so you can manipulate it as you want to - Just the basic first few days of learning to deal with curves will OPEN YOU MIND a bunch.
You will quickly find ways to get around having to learn a lot but you will also later discover you wished you had spent more time because the cook book short cuts are limiting - Just a few days- weeks of study and you will have a powerful tool and tools is what one needs to bake some cookies or a good program
Anonymous A (OP) replied with this 8 years ago, 12 seconds later, 43 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #842,387
chili dog !!81dzJNNYL replied with this 8 years ago, 58 seconds later, 44 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #842,388
@previous (A)
I think you'll find it well worth your time. You can do much more with calculus and ljnear algebra than conventional algebra.
I think you'll find it well worth your time. You can do much more with calculus and ljnear algebra than conventional algebra.
Anonymous A (OP) replied with this 8 years ago, 1 minute later, 45 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #842,389
@842,386 (Syntax)
Great. I am willing to put in some effort upfront to save me much more effort later. I want to understand what exactly I'm doing and not just know a few shortcuts.
Great. I am willing to put in some effort upfront to save me much more effort later. I want to understand what exactly I'm doing and not just know a few shortcuts.
Syntax replied with this 8 years ago, 8 minutes later, 54 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #842,396
@previous (A)
I frankly always feel bad when I use PERL because it is cook book solutions and I feel like I am cheating - on the plus side it runs real fast and uses few resources EXCEPT really good programmers laff at me when I decide to use it. Hardware design in my forte and my Dyslexia and several programming languages Syntax end up getting me bogged down.
One thing about shortcuts in my hardware knowledge - Guys out of school or even with a few years background end up amazed at how fast I can get something working or a stalled schedule back on track because I have old skill sets no longer taught in school. At least NOT USA schools.
Whatever you end up with have FUN doing it. The more you know the more fun you can have because it ends up less of a struggle
I frankly always feel bad when I use PERL because it is cook book solutions and I feel like I am cheating - on the plus side it runs real fast and uses few resources EXCEPT really good programmers laff at me when I decide to use it. Hardware design in my forte and my Dyslexia and several programming languages Syntax end up getting me bogged down.
One thing about shortcuts in my hardware knowledge - Guys out of school or even with a few years background end up amazed at how fast I can get something working or a stalled schedule back on track because I have old skill sets no longer taught in school. At least NOT USA schools.
Whatever you end up with have FUN doing it. The more you know the more fun you can have because it ends up less of a struggle
Anonymous A (OP) replied with this 8 years ago, 5 minutes later, 59 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #842,401
@842,388 (chili dog !!81dzJNNYL)
Yeah, it's like how everything looks like a nail when all you have is a hammer. I'm sure I could pull some stuff off with my current knowledge but with more knowledge I will be be able to approach problems in a more efficient manner.
@previous (Syntax)
Yeah I will have more fun with more knowledge!
Right now the math is a slog for me, and my limited knowledge is holding me back. I have lots of ideas I have little idea on how to implement.
Yeah, it's like how everything looks like a nail when all you have is a hammer. I'm sure I could pull some stuff off with my current knowledge but with more knowledge I will be be able to approach problems in a more efficient manner.
@previous (Syntax)
Yeah I will have more fun with more knowledge!
Right now the math is a slog for me, and my limited knowledge is holding me back. I have lots of ideas I have little idea on how to implement.
Meta replied with this 8 years ago, 19 hours later, 20 hours after the original post[^] [v] #842,598
I can explain exactly 72.75% of calculus ?
(Edited 11 seconds later.)
Syntax replied with this 8 years ago, 9 minutes later, 20 hours after the original post[^] [v] #842,600
@previous (Meta)
When taking that exam how did you feel about it. Was it that much of a struggle and how much prep did you do?
Also remember 72.75% of one Billion dollars ain't all that bad. (After taxes of course)
When taking that exam how did you feel about it. Was it that much of a struggle and how much prep did you do?
Also remember 72.75% of one Billion dollars ain't all that bad. (After taxes of course)
Meta replied with this 8 years ago, 37 minutes later, 21 hours after the original post[^] [v] #842,606
Syntax replied with this 8 years ago, 11 minutes later, 21 hours after the original post[^] [v] #842,607
@previous (Meta)Damn I was going to point out Einstein's fail in math cause all my life I have heard this to be true. Turns out no true at all.
Did find this however and it makes a good fast read for those into science
Einstein was known to ask students to check his arithmetic during lectures and one of his most famous mistakes was screwing up the math during his search for Avogadro's Number.
Einstein's Attempt
Einstein came at Avogadro's Number through a complicated route. He had spent some time looking at how individual particles "walked" through a solution, and proved that the force that made them walk was the random motion of atoms in the solution. His attempt at finding Avogadro's Number involved looking at how the particle moving through a solution affected that solution, instead of just the solutions effect on the particle. He looked at how sugar, dissolving in a solution, changed the viscosity of the solution as it dissolved. Gathering enough data on this would provide him with enough data to figure out Avogadro's Number and the diameter of the sugar particles that were dissolving.
He got the sugar molecule diameter right - about one nanometer. When it came to Avogadro's Number, he got approximately 2.1 x 1023. This was not right. Because the hunt for Avogadro's Number was so widespread, it didn't take long for Einstein to realize it wasn't right. A physicist named Jean Perrin soon got a result close to the modern accepted number of 6.02 x 1023, and proved that his number was far more accurate than Einstein's. Einstein went looking for answers.
Einstein's Attempt
Einstein came at Avogadro's Number through a complicated route. He had spent some time looking at how individual particles "walked" through a solution, and proved that the force that made them walk was the random motion of atoms in the solution. His attempt at finding Avogadro's Number involved looking at how the particle moving through a solution affected that solution, instead of just the solutions effect on the particle. He looked at how sugar, dissolving in a solution, changed the viscosity of the solution as it dissolved. Gathering enough data on this would provide him with enough data to figure out Avogadro's Number and the diameter of the sugar particles that were dissolving.
He got the sugar molecule diameter right - about one nanometer. When it came to Avogadro's Number, he got approximately 2.1 x 1023. This was not right. Because the hunt for Avogadro's Number was so widespread, it didn't take long for Einstein to realize it wasn't right. A physicist named Jean Perrin soon got a result close to the modern accepted number of 6.02 x 1023, and proved that his number was far more accurate than Einstein's. Einstein went looking for answers.
https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-math-problem-that-had-einstein-asking-for-help-from-1443667839
Sheila LaBoof replied with this 8 years ago, 51 minutes later, 22 hours after the original post[^] [v] #842,614
so like Einstein was retarded
Anonymous C replied with this 8 years ago, 9 minutes later, 22 hours after the original post[^] [v] #842,620
@previous (Sheila LaBoof)Compared to what?
Jesus the Jew the so called Son of God made a few mistrakes.
God according to the bible admitted to, the making of man as mistrake - therefore Noah Ark