Challenges for the mathematically challenged?

[Allen]

(12-18-2022 03:11 AM)Allen Wrote:  but where to start?

If you look at a "standard" progression of engineering classes in high school you will see:

• Pre-algebra
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Algebra II (matrix algebra) and Trigonometry
• Calculus I
  
  Then in college:
• Calculus I (college level)
• Calculus II
• Calculus III (incl vector calculus)
• Differential Equations
• Linear Algebra (college matrix algebra)
• Complex Analysis
  

Although Many Computer Science / Mathematics programs branch into other areas after Calculus 1 or 2:

• Boolean Logic
• Discrete math (concrete math)
• Number Theory
• Abstract Algebra
• Topology
• Combinatorics / Graph Theory
  

(If you like web-based classes, MIT open Course ware and Kahn Academy, and Corsera offer these classes for free or very little.)

• Introduction to Algorithms (related book: Into to Algorithms)
• Mathematics for Computer Science (online text)
  

Much of computer science, can be understood with these basic concepts, but learning how to apply mathematical tools to the analysis of data structures if often necessary to understand how to solve more advanced programs. (Caution: many of the Project Euler Problems are WELL above the normal undergraduate level maths listed above. Somewhere between 40 and 50% difficulty, the level jumps to MS and or upper level math/CS kind of solutions.)

Knuth's Magnum Opus: The art of computer programming is the sine quo non, but it is possible that not one living person other than the author fully understands the material in this 5+ volume set. Buy volume 1 used on some used book site and start there.