Question

Is discrete math heavily integrated into computer science?

Answer 1

It's a prerequisite to computer science.

Answer 2

Part of the reason is that it helps familiarize students with doing proofs.

Answer 3

proofs?

Answer 4

Yes, such as the proof that an even number squared is even.

Answer 5

oh okay

Answer 6

So that proofs are needed when coding and stuff?

Answer 7

Induction proofs are especially important.

Answer 8

what is an induction proof?

Answer 9

They aren't needed when coding, they are needed when designing algorithms.

Answer 10

An induction proof is where you have some proposition \(p(k)\) that relies on a natural number variable \(k\). First you prove that \(p(0)\) is true (this is called the base case), then you prove that \(p(k+1)\) is true if we can assume \(p(k)\) is true (this is called the inductive hypothesis).

Answer 11

Computer science isn't just about writing code. It's more about analyzing algorithms and problems you want the computer to solve.

Answer 12

I guess that makes sense

Answer 13

Are there some special symbols that mean different things in discrete math? like an and/or symbol or something... because wouldn't you need those to build algorithms?

Answer 14

Sorry if I sound kinda oblivious to everything, I haven't really taken it yet :p

Answer 15

In discreet math you'll learn Boolean algebra, first order logic, set theory, and combinatorics which all contain their own set of notation symbols.

Answer 16

But all notation systems exist to make it easier to explain something in a brief, non-ambiguous way.

Answer 17

But they just make things more confusing don't they? :p

Answer 18

They make proofs easier.

Answer 19

Alright I guess I'll see when I take it haha

Answer 20

Thanks <3

Answer 21

Are you worried that theoretical math is going to make it harder for you to get through computer science?

Answer 22

yeah

Answer 23

It's just really confusing, and learning all of this in such a short amount of time is kinda stressful :/

Answer 24

I'm kinda new to all the programming stuff

Answer 25

The reality is that with most coding jobs you won't need to know it, so it's just a matter of passing the courses.

Answer 26

But typically people who like to code also find the theoretical math somewhat interesting.

Answer 27

Do you have any tips when trying to learn programming? My bum gets sore trying to figure some of this stuff out

Answer 28

:p

Answer 29

I practiced a lot in my own free time, so I was pretty good at coding by the time I got to college.

Answer 30

We're doing python atm

Answer 31

okay got it, spend free time coding

Answer 32

One way to get practice, if you don't have coding projects you want to work on yourself, is to do problems on Project Euler: https://projecteuler.net/problems

Answer 33

Is this all python?

Answer 34

These are problems that can be done with any general programming language, and that include python.

Answer 35

Oh

Answer 36

Okay thanks for the help wio.. you're awesome <3

Answer 37

If you have specific coding questions, you can ask them in computer science, and mention me or e.mccormick

Answer 38

okay :D

Answer 39

*Highfive!*