Question

Hello. What level of math do you really need for computer science? Thanks!

Answer 1

Tough question to give an exact answer for.
The real answer is: it depends.
Like anything in life, if you spend enough time on a programming problem, you can solve it / figure it out.

Now, assuming you understand the basics of a computer programming language...in order to be efficient in solving computer science problems...
I would say a thorough understanding of Calculus I (Calculus in 2 dimensions) should be sufficient. Ie. a great understanding of algebra and the foundations of mathematics with a generous dose of derivatives and more complex functions.

Answer 2

I have some experience in programming (mostly making games for android/iOS) and I can say that most tasks require only basic knowledge in math like roots, functions so what I want to say is that math you get in the high school should be enough. However if you want to develop engines for games or do some real time complex data analysis than you require some advanced math skills and physics(only game engines)

85-90% tasks require only
basic math like +,-,*,/

Answer 3

I've noticed that there is a course for Mathematics for Computer Science.
see: http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrical-engineering-and-computer-science/6-042j-mathematics-for-computer-science-fall-2010/
The syllabus for that might give you an idea of what you might encounter. Also google found a pdf for 'maths for computer science by Eric Lehman and Tom Leighton 2004'
see: http://www.cs.princeton.edu/courses/archive/spr10/cos433/mathcs.pdf
Personally I've decided that I might need to take a bit longer over the course if it throws up maths I'm unsure about - I intend to learn any maths that I don't know as I go along.

Answer 4

I am currently doing this course in preparation for admissions at a top 5 university. We are required to have calculus 1,2, and 3 as well as differential equations. Having said that, it all depends on the type of programming that you're thinking of doing, so it's all very relative. Most of the time, however, it probably doesn't hurt to try to hone your math skills, even if it's just for sharpening your logical thinking skills.