   mathematics for computer graphics class?
  Hi,I have been trying to find online any examples of what a text book for school would look like with excercises but dont see any.  Has anyone ever taken a class like this who can tell me how heavy duty is the math?  Also I am concerned that the school im going to have video game classes but doesnt require linear algebra.  Could this be an issue if I dont take a class on linear algebra(since I here how important it is to games).  Thanks for the info!   
  Yes, Linear Algebra is very important. And here is a list of math classes that I would recommend as the minimum:- Algebra I/II- Geometry- Algebra III:Trigonometry- A.P. Calculus B.C.- Differential EquationsI remember some years ago there was a check list, created by some site, of topics that you should know, relating to math, before you even consider a game development job. I can't remember the site for the life of me though, but it went into specifics. It was a great list.   ;  It depends on the level of the computer graphics course. For an introductory college level computer graphics course, you wont need much more than algebra, geometry and trig (though a touch of linear algebra and calculus won't go amiss). For an advanced course, calculus (differential and integral) and linear algebra are both must haves, and a little discrete math probably wouldn't hurt either.   ;  It's possible they will teach you the parts of linear algebra you will need to know and/or supply a core library that handles most of the mathematics.Ask and find out!   ;  thanks for the responses, what is A.P. calculus B.C.?   ;  I am actually a computer science major right now and ive been working my a** off but I just don't seem to be good at the math.  I learned algebra and it was like pulling teeth up to precal, but at least I was able to do well with enough hard work.  Now im in Calculas and im having a hell of a time, trig is a tough but I can manage it.  Ultimately I am good and dreaming up levels designs and characters and stories, but am no artist.  I was thinking of 3D graphics as one focus and the other hand programming since I have been programming for many years and have a great understanding of how programs come together and work.  So I am pretty much trying to find exactly what my "nitch" is right now.  Thanks again   ;Quote:Original post by BlaDe16thanks for the responses, what is A.P. calculus B.C.?A.P = Advance PlacementB.C = level of difficulty, BC is the hardest, with AB being the easiest.;Quote:Original post by BlaDe16I am actually a computer science major right now and ive been working my a** off but I just don't seem to be good at the math.  I learned algebra and it was like pulling teeth up to precal, but at least I was able to do well with enough hard work.  Now im in Calculas and im having a hell of a time, trig is a tough but I can manage it.  Ultimately I am good and dreaming up levels designs and characters and stories, but am no artist.  I was thinking of 3D graphics as one focus and the other hand programming since I have been programming for many years and have a great understanding of how programs come together and work.  So I am pretty much trying to find exactly what my "nitch" is right now.  Thanks againSadly, I find Linear algebra more useful than Calculus which is required for a lot of majors. Whenever you start doing any 3D programming you'll run into matrices sooner or later!On the other hand you can get by without any Calculus for the most part...p.s. Also I would avoid Difficult equations if you can. From what I have seen and from friends who already took that class it's way too much work for little gain. They all hated it and had nothing good to say about it. If you major doesn't require it and it shouldn't unless you are an engineering major(I guess they use differential equations all the time). Not to mention if you weren't good at Calculus you will most likely fail the course since it makes plenty use of calc,linear and physics from what I can tell!On the otherhand, if you don't take it in college/school like Linear Algebra or Calc I highly doubt it you will learn it on your own outside of school so I guess you might as well take it if you think you will ever need it?[Edited by - daviangel on September 29, 2008 3:12:28 PM];  While that might be true that the linear algebra math tends to play in a bit more. I find myself doing more calculus type math to simplify problems (or make continuous problems discret so i can solve them over several frames)But I say this since most linear math I use isn't "A dot B = A.x*B.x + ...." it is more, "I need an angle, A.GetAngleTo ( B );" all the math is hidden behind functions, so I only need to know concepts.;Quote:Original post by BlaDe16Hi,I have been trying to find online any examples of what a text book for school would look like with excercises but dont see any.  Has anyone ever taken a class like this who can tell me how heavy duty is the math?  Also I am concerned that the school im going to have video game classes but doesnt require linear algebra.  Could this be an issue if I dont take a class on linear algebra(since I here how important it is to games).  Thanks for the info!Been awhile sense I replied to one of these....I am currently taking the first of a two sequence graphics class. The course only covers 2d concepts. We are studying things such as Bresenham's line algorithm. The midpoint method to draw circles and elipsis, and then polygons. We will then move on to modifying these algorithms to support different line styles. Clipping will follow this and then we will go over scaling, rotation and translation. The only time I see we will really use linear algebra is when we get to scaling, rotation and translations. The math before this is quite easy if you have already gone though at least a few calculus classes (Calculus is not needed, just a little math maturity). The second course requires Linear Algebra. (3D concepts).At the very least a CS major should be required to take these classes.All lower division calculus courses.(*) The entry level mathematics course for upper division math majors.Linear AlgebraProbability Theory.I would recommend you study more material then this on your own, or pick up a minor in math. I have taken the above classes, Dif Eq's and will be taking Numerical Analysis and (Abstract Algebra or Euclidian Geometry) for my minor.More then anything mathematics at the upper division and beyond is more about thinking logically then applying memorized formula. If you start arguing with LessBread now, you should develop good analytical skills in no time at all.(*) The reason I state this is at our school the Discrete Structures class is not nearly as mathematically rigorous as the math major equivalent (Your University may be different. Talk to the professors). However, Discrete Structures does cover some material that math majors would not see until other courses. But having taken this course, picking up the material I 'missed' is quite easy (Elementary Number Theory, Elementary Graph Theory). I am taking Algorithm Analysis and many students that took Discrete Structures are having problems with proofs, where I find them quite easy.Don't be a smc and take all your lower division classes first (Well unless your a masochist like me). It is quite grueling to take a full load of all upper division core classes (CS and Math). So spread it out! Good luck in your travels, and most of all make sure you enjoy it.   