changing major, need math help - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

tornadored · 01-14-2005, 06:17 PM

hello everyone.

i am considering changing my major from computer sciences to aeronautical engineering. however for a bachelor's degree in aeronautical eng. i am required to have analytic geometry and calc I, II, & III. i'm not so hot in the algebra area, but aeronautics is something that i am really interested it.

i feel that the biggest problem i face is these classes. i feel i can accomplish this, but would like to improve upon what i have already learned. if anyone out there has utilized any online resources for improving their math skills, could they give their thoughts and suggestions?

at one time i found an entire mathematical book that was written by a bunch of authors, and published online, however i cannot find that now.

Thanks!

Slavakion · 01-14-2005, 06:26 PM

In case you had overlooked the sticky, here's a link to MIT's open course material, in the math department.
http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Mathematics/index.htm

fckm · 01-14-2005, 07:10 PM

You're school undoubtedly has free tutoring, I'd suggest you go and set up some time with a tutor. I personally have a hard time learning something brand new directly from a text, and find that have a real live person to filter that information is very useful. You'll also have the added advantage of being able to ask questions and recieve imediate feedback.
Anyway, don't get discouraged, stick with it, and good luck!

fckm · 01-14-2005, 07:12 PM

Oh yeah, I forgot about these:
http://mathworld.wolfram.com/
http://integrals.wolfram.com/

roderickpsu · 01-14-2005, 09:34 PM

Not good in algebra and aeronautical engineering just don't gel for me. I hate to be pessimistic,but you might want to chose another career path.

stingc · 01-15-2005, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roderickpsu

I hate to be pessimistic,but you might want to chose another career path.

I agree. Aeronautical engineering is probably the most mathematically demanding area of engineering that you could possibly pick. Algebra will need to be second-nature to you. So will calculus, which is much more difficult, and requires that you already be good at algebra.

Pip · 01-15-2005, 05:04 AM

I agree too. I was going for a degree in fluid mechanics and the math killed me. It's incredibly hard!

tornadored · 01-15-2005, 06:28 AM

Thanks for the input everyone.

I feel that I can accomplish this, slowly. I am working full time so I would take one math course at a time, and I work in a business that has alot of engineers, many of which already said they would be more than willing to help me. However, for the time being I would like to go back and start over with the basic algebraic fundamentals. I would like to master those at my own pace first, then jump into the heavy stuff.

Thank you.

kolila · 01-16-2005, 12:36 AM

id recommend the schaum's collection of workbooks.
i'm in EE and thats what I use.
they have a book for some of the courses you'll be taking in engineering too.

for cal 1-3 in particular: http://books.mcgraw-hill.com/getbook...mplate=scimath

theyre much cheaper than textbooks and just give you minimal theory (which is fine cuz you can get that online) but many examples and exercises, which is the best way to learn.

Rekna · 01-16-2005, 01:04 PM

If your uncomfortable with algerbra now I suggest you buy an algerbra book read it like a novel and do EVERY problem in the book. If you still are struggeling with it get a different book and do it again. (do this before you start taking calc and such) Math builds off itself if you struggle early on it will only get harder. You need to build a huge foundation and never get behind.

tornadored · 01-16-2005, 06:20 PM

Rekna,
That was what I sort of planned. I kept all of my books, and I plan to go back to the very first course, Introduction to Algebra (MTH 101). Starting with chapter one, I want to go through each chapter and grasp each concept. I think I am going to try and accomplish one section a day.

Rekna · 01-16-2005, 10:22 PM

Just make sure to do lots and lots of problems, even when you think you know how to do the problem do more. Also almost all math problems have some way of checking your work, so check your work and make sure you have the right answer. In math there is no reason to ever get a question wrong when you know how to solve that style of question. The only time you should ever get a question wrong is when you don't know how to do the problem at all.

supersix2 · 01-16-2005, 11:26 PM

I'm an AE major and I have to admit that the math can be a bit overwhelming at times. You have to realize that Calculus and Algebra are really just the beginning of what you are going to need, mathematically, in aeronautical engineering. The main thing you are going to be using in your upper level engineering classes is going to be differential equations. Diff Eq requires a deep understanding of calculus and algebra methods but is most important in AE. Once you get past basic mechnaics and statics where you are mainly just using algebraic equations to solve problems you get into classes like fluids and dynamics which is all using diff eq. Diff eq allows you to calculate systems that are constantly changing such as the forces acting on a particular non-rigid body. Because non-rigid bodies deform when acted on by a force you a differential equation is constructed to predict the final results.

Also, math is just one aspect of AE. How good are your physics skills? Can you easily visualize and understand physics problems. Do you have a good grasp of the basic physical properties?

Understanding the basics of math and physics will help you a lot in engineering because it gives you a fall back point when doing more complicated problems. I was fortunate to have a physics professor for my first 3 semesters who really grilled us on the basic concepts.

My advice to you. If math and physics are not your strong points you might want to stay away from aeronautical engineering. If aeronautics really interests you stick with your computer engineering. You would be surprised at the vast range of applications it has in aeronautics. Think of flight control systems and the like. No matter how many aeronautical engineers you have working on that you need the computer guys to design those control systems. In fact you may want to look into systems control as a major. There are many schools that offer it.
However, if you think that you can really catch up and learn you algebra, calc, and physics then by all means follow your interests. That is the most important thing. The math and physics is hard but it is definatley do-able it just depends on how hard you work at it. Also, keep in mind that you may have to work twice as hard as other people in AE but that doesn't make you any less qualified.

If you have any more questions feel free to IM or email me.

yatzr · 01-17-2005, 12:40 PM

you also need to remember that just because it doesn't have MTH in the title, doesn't mean it's not a math course. I'm an EE and most of my EE classes are math classes in disguise. Physics classes are also basically math classes as well. Very few undergrads who don't excel in math are able to make it through them all.

the420star · 01-17-2005, 12:45 PM

i am going to agree with supersix2 you really dont know the begining of what the math is going to become... i am an EE and the math used in calc 1 2 3, looks like a cake walk when you get further along. Not to mention if i have any weakness in math it will be exposed during tests higher up, if you are serrious about this you need to master algebra. Currently when i take tests for EE i get excited when i make it to the algebra, b/c it is free points,.

StanT · 01-20-2005, 05:57 PM

To go with the flow here, I've got a degree in Mechanical Engineering. To get through engineering school you've got to live, breathe, and basically ooze math. Every core class uses it, they all expect that you remember and can apply all of your prior math classes. Non-math classes will come up with odd ways to use and expand on things that were barely mentioned.

That said, whatever you end up doing, a strong mathmatical backround will help you, even if it is somewhat painfull.

01-14-2005, 06:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
tornadored Tilted Location: OH-IO	changing major, need math help hello everyone. i am considering changing my major from computer sciences to aeronautical engineering. however for a bachelor's degree in aeronautical eng. i am required to have analytic geometry and calc I, II, & III. i'm not so hot in the algebra area, but aeronautics is something that i am really interested it. i feel that the biggest problem i face is these classes. i feel i can accomplish this, but would like to improve upon what i have already learned. if anyone out there has utilized any online resources for improving their math skills, could they give their thoughts and suggestions? at one time i found an entire mathematical book that was written by a bunch of authors, and published online, however i cannot find that now. Thanks!

01-14-2005, 07:10 PM	#3 (permalink)
fckm Insane Location: Ithaca, New York	You're school undoubtedly has free tutoring, I'd suggest you go and set up some time with a tutor. I personally have a hard time learning something brand new directly from a text, and find that have a real live person to filter that information is very useful. You'll also have the added advantage of being able to ask questions and recieve imediate feedback. Anyway, don't get discouraged, stick with it, and good luck! __________________ And if you say to me tomorrow, oh what fun it all would be. Then what's to stop us, pretty baby. But What Is And What Should Never Be.

01-14-2005, 07:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
fckm Insane Location: Ithaca, New York	Oh yeah, I forgot about these: http://mathworld.wolfram.com/ http://integrals.wolfram.com/ __________________ And if you say to me tomorrow, oh what fun it all would be. Then what's to stop us, pretty baby. But What Is And What Should Never Be.

01-17-2005, 12:40 PM	#14 (permalink)
yatzr Insane	you also need to remember that just because it doesn't have MTH in the title, doesn't mean it's not a math course. I'm an EE and most of my EE classes are math classes in disguise. Physics classes are also basically math classes as well. Very few undergrads who don't excel in math are able to make it through them all. __________________ Mechanical Engineers build weapons. Civil Engineers build targets.

01-17-2005, 12:45 PM	#15 (permalink)
the420star Psycho Location: Cow Country, CT	i am going to agree with supersix2 you really dont know the begining of what the math is going to become... i am an EE and the math used in calc 1 2 3, looks like a cake walk when you get further along. Not to mention if i have any weakness in math it will be exposed during tests higher up, if you are serrious about this you need to master algebra. Currently when i take tests for EE i get excited when i make it to the algebra, b/c it is free points,. __________________ No, they arnt breasts, they are personalities, because its ok to like a girl for her personalities.

01-14-2005, 06:26 PM	#2 (permalink)
Slavakion Mjollnir Incarnate Location: Lost in thought	In case you had overlooked the sticky, here's a link to MIT's open course material, in the math department. http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Mathematics/index.htm

01-14-2005, 09:34 PM	#5 (permalink)
roderickpsu Crazy Location: State College, PA	Not good in algebra and aeronautical engineering just don't gel for me. I hate to be pessimistic,but you might want to chose another career path.

01-15-2005, 05:04 AM	#7 (permalink)
Pip Likes Hats Location: Stockholm, Sweden	I agree too. I was going for a degree in fluid mechanics and the math killed me. It's incredibly hard!

01-15-2005, 06:28 AM	#8 (permalink)
tornadored Tilted Location: OH-IO	Thanks for the input everyone. I feel that I can accomplish this, slowly. I am working full time so I would take one math course at a time, and I work in a business that has alot of engineers, many of which already said they would be more than willing to help me. However, for the time being I would like to go back and start over with the basic algebraic fundamentals. I would like to master those at my own pace first, then jump into the heavy stuff. Thank you.

01-16-2005, 12:36 AM	#9 (permalink)
kolila Upright Location: canada	id recommend the schaum's collection of workbooks. i'm in EE and thats what I use. they have a book for some of the courses you'll be taking in engineering too. for cal 1-3 in particular: http://books.mcgraw-hill.com/getbook...mplate=scimath theyre much cheaper than textbooks and just give you minimal theory (which is fine cuz you can get that online) but many examples and exercises, which is the best way to learn.

01-16-2005, 01:04 PM	#10 (permalink)
Rekna Junkie	If your uncomfortable with algerbra now I suggest you buy an algerbra book read it like a novel and do EVERY problem in the book. If you still are struggeling with it get a different book and do it again. (do this before you start taking calc and such) Math builds off itself if you struggle early on it will only get harder. You need to build a huge foundation and never get behind.

01-16-2005, 06:20 PM	#11 (permalink)
tornadored Tilted Location: OH-IO	Rekna, That was what I sort of planned. I kept all of my books, and I plan to go back to the very first course, Introduction to Algebra (MTH 101). Starting with chapter one, I want to go through each chapter and grasp each concept. I think I am going to try and accomplish one section a day.

01-16-2005, 10:22 PM	#12 (permalink)
Rekna Junkie	Just make sure to do lots and lots of problems, even when you think you know how to do the problem do more. Also almost all math problems have some way of checking your work, so check your work and make sure you have the right answer. In math there is no reason to ever get a question wrong when you know how to solve that style of question. The only time you should ever get a question wrong is when you don't know how to do the problem at all.

01-16-2005, 11:26 PM	#13 (permalink)
supersix2 Insane Location: Houston	I'm an AE major and I have to admit that the math can be a bit overwhelming at times. You have to realize that Calculus and Algebra are really just the beginning of what you are going to need, mathematically, in aeronautical engineering. The main thing you are going to be using in your upper level engineering classes is going to be differential equations. Diff Eq requires a deep understanding of calculus and algebra methods but is most important in AE. Once you get past basic mechnaics and statics where you are mainly just using algebraic equations to solve problems you get into classes like fluids and dynamics which is all using diff eq. Diff eq allows you to calculate systems that are constantly changing such as the forces acting on a particular non-rigid body. Because non-rigid bodies deform when acted on by a force you a differential equation is constructed to predict the final results. Also, math is just one aspect of AE. How good are your physics skills? Can you easily visualize and understand physics problems. Do you have a good grasp of the basic physical properties? Understanding the basics of math and physics will help you a lot in engineering because it gives you a fall back point when doing more complicated problems. I was fortunate to have a physics professor for my first 3 semesters who really grilled us on the basic concepts. My advice to you. If math and physics are not your strong points you might want to stay away from aeronautical engineering. If aeronautics really interests you stick with your computer engineering. You would be surprised at the vast range of applications it has in aeronautics. Think of flight control systems and the like. No matter how many aeronautical engineers you have working on that you need the computer guys to design those control systems. In fact you may want to look into systems control as a major. There are many schools that offer it. However, if you think that you can really catch up and learn you algebra, calc, and physics then by all means follow your interests. That is the most important thing. The math and physics is hard but it is definatley do-able it just depends on how hard you work at it. Also, keep in mind that you may have to work twice as hard as other people in AE but that doesn't make you any less qualified. If you have any more questions feel free to IM or email me.

01-20-2005, 05:57 PM	#16 (permalink)
StanT © Location: Colorado	To go with the flow here, I've got a degree in Mechanical Engineering. To get through engineering school you've got to live, breathe, and basically ooze math. Every core class uses it, they all expect that you remember and can apply all of your prior math classes. Non-math classes will come up with odd ways to use and expand on things that were barely mentioned. That said, whatever you end up doing, a strong mathmatical backround will help you, even if it is somewhat painfull.