what is importance of mathematical aptitude in engineering course?

Answer 1

Depends on your branch of engineering - some need more math than others.

Math certainly is important for understanding the concepts, even if you don't ever use the math again in the real world.

About half of the engineers in school have a "math aptitude", the other half don't.

There isn't a such a thing as "math aptitude" really. While it appears that some people automatically are good at math, they really aren't; it has more to do with interest level and how much you use math.

You can tell if you have a "math aptitude" if you were one of those people who did *extra* math homework problems "just for fun". Those are the people who have a "math aptitude": they just like the subject, pay more attention, and take an interest. It is like any other discipline: Anyone will get better at it if you practice more.

I struggled and struggled with math - I didn't have any tutors or anyone coaching me how to do it better. I got as far as ordinary differential equations. Eventually I found two things that helped a lot:

1) go to the library and check out 4 or 5 more math textbooks on the same subject; each author gives a slightly different explanation that really helps understand the concept, and

2) do more than the required number of homework problems until you get comfortable with the subject (sometimes the teacher just takes the homework problems that they *didn't* assign and puts those exact same problems on the test).

Doesn't sound very fun does it? But it works... :)

Answer 2

Many engineering problems are qualitative and quantitative. For example, you observe that an obstacle can be moved using a lever (qualitative). Then you must decide how much force is needed to overcome the resistance and will the lever be long eneough and strong enough to do the job (quantitative). Common sense often solves the qualitative problem but it may take a trained engineer to do the math and solve the quantitative problem. Of course this is only a very crude example of where mathematical aptitude is needed.

Answer 3

4 3 3 or 9 2 2

Answer 4

The difference between natural philosophy and engineering is math. If you have no math then you are just a philosopher.

The engineer must be able to reliably give specific, correct answers to currently unanswered problems. If it can be looked up in a book, and it is well known, it doesnt take an engineer to make it. It takes a high-school graduate. They are called technicians.

If it doesnt exist, and technicians cant make it, and they cant guarantee its going to work, and people or businesses depend on the correctness of the work.. then a qualified engineer is required.

Often, if math isnt required, neither is the engineer.
Often, if a technician can make it, the entire design cycle can be offshored to india where it can be fully developed for 25% of the cost of developing it in america.

Answer 5

Engineering is a science that depends on empirical formulas. Formulas that have been developed to best match the theory of design and test results. There is no engineering that does not have a mathematical basis. Once experience is developed by the engineer, than his designs can be initiated be estimates and proved by math. God has made science such that we can repeat our designs once we have computed and tested the math. Computer science now makes the math resolutions much quicker and simpler but it is necessary to understand the basic principals so that you can affirm the computer results. Trial and error in engineering is no longer an acceptable means.

Answer 6

Mathematics are tools for engineers. The more tools in your toolbox, the more ways you have to analyze and solve problems.

The math courses cause many freshman and sophomore engineering students to change majors. Without the math skills there is no hope of understanding the applied physics of engineering.

Answer 7

As an engineering student, I earned average grades in my math classes, even when I had to retake some of them because I failed the first time.

It's important to have a good foundation in mathematics as an engineering student, but I personally don't think you need to be fantastic at math. As long as you understand the basic concepts, I've found that the application isn't that difficult. And a lot of times, in engineering applications, you'll be given a formula instead of having to derive it, or you'll have reference material available instead of having to struggle through the math itself.

I really don't think being able to understand some of the theory behind what I did would make some of the applications any easier, as long as you can follow the rules applied to a formula--what to plug in, when to use it, and whatnot.

Answer 8

In my experience, mathematics is very important in school, but in the real world except in R&D type jobs, aptitude with actual parts, designs, cost balancing, and production requirements is much more important.

Answer 9

Well I am an engineering student,today most of the wellknown companies are selecting students through their Aptitude tests.
Perhaps mathematical aptitude is generally taken in order up to how much limit you can explore yourself and that defines your mental ability as well as your perception to solve any kind of problem.Mathematical aptitudes make your minds sharper and also increases your thinking ability, so it is essential.
thank you.

Answer 10

There is mathematics in answering many of the questions engineers are faced with.