Is Discrete Math Hard? (Reality Check)
Math is all fun and games until you’re faced with real-time problems demanding logic, and proof.
Discrete Math is the study of mathematical models that we’re able to count, separate, and are which are unique. Being a class of continuous data types, it can be pretty challenging. However, it is essential to note that, unlike continuous databases, discrete data types have prominent spaces between them.
Learning Discrete math does not demand any specific requisites. It precedes the logic of calculus and algebra and is an essential constituent of math at an undergraduate level.
Is Discrete Math Hard?
Yes, Discrete Math is hard & challenging as it demands efficient analytical and problem-solving skills. It requires students to have a strong command of logic and proof. The main reason why most students find it hard their skills haven’t been challenged in the same way before.
Discrete math is usually based on logic and abstract math, utilizing different mathematical tools such as induction, logic, invariants, examples, and optimality. Mathematicians then use related proofs to deduce whether a statement is true or false.
Discrete Math Application
Following are some college majors that use discrete maths.
The concepts and analysis you will learn from Discrete Mathematics are more relevant to computer science rather than engineering. We’ve always been taught that mathematics is applied to different real-world problems. This in reality is what discrete math is.
Let’s take this as an example; scheduling problems such as allotting work shifts or determining the storage of a warehouse is done by using graph coloring or combinatorial optimization, both of which are the components of Discrete math.
Educational/Major Requirements
As mentioned before, there are no fixed educational requirements for Discrete mathematics, or it primarily depends on the program you are taking.
Nevertheless, according to UC Berkeley, the primary requirement of the course is:
Mathematical maturity appropriate to a sophomore math. Calculus is recommended.
Usually, linear algebra is not a crucial requirement of the course. However, it would benefit you as it will make most topics easy to understand. Nonetheless, you will be required to have two years of college algebra.
Since discrete math is entirely based on logic and proof, it’ll demand you to have a firm grasp of analytics. Later you will have to get familiar with inductive reasoning, which would be pretty challenging.
Lastly, you will need to have the ability to prove mostly geometric relationships. The geometry taught during high school would be beneficial, but you will have to invest in additional efforts to get a command over different proof methods. The three main components needed to find proof are creativity, strategy, and perseverance.
How Hard Is Discrete Math Really?
Discrete math is a very distinct subject from other classes of math such as linear algebra and calculus. It demands students to take a different approach than the basic “apply the formula” routine.
It’s more about critical problem-solving skills and analytics. If you are someone more inclined towards memorizing and applying, then discrete math will be quite a bumpy road.
Is Discrete Math Harder Than Calculus?
Most students find discrete math harder than calculus since they are introduced to the concept of logic and proof for the first time. Calculus also requires you to provide actual reasoning in some places but is still considered less in comparison with discrete math.
The exciting thing about both subjects is that they could intermix in higher studies; for example, some Discrete Math courses require you to take precalculus along with it.
Is Discrete Math Similar to Calculus?
Calculus is almost ingrained in every subject, and discrete mathematics is no exception. Combinatorics, related to the set and probability theory, is the basic principle of discrete math and is also related to calculus. However, these discrete structures are seen as advanced cases in precalculus.
Is Discrete Math Harder Than Statistics?
Statistics is all about working on Data Analysis, Probability, and Inference. In contrast, Discrete Math spices matter up by challenging you to trace the origin of answers given and conclude whether they are right or wrong.
While statistics requires you to come up with an answer using the real-time data given, discrete math is about investigating whether the conclusion drawn from the data is accurate. Both subjects are equally challenging and fun, depending on your interest.
Are Discrete Structures Hard?
No, once you have understood how the flow of the subject works and how logic and proof have to be put together, you will find discrete structures easy to study.
Is Discrete Math Higher Than Algebra 2?
Algebra 2 is considered more challenging than Discrete math since it has more compounded material. The multiplex content of the subject is hard to visualize, and the derived mathematical proofs are also problematic. Differential equations are also harder than discrete math since they are theoretical and often applied consecutively.
Is Discrete Math Worth Taking?
If you are pursuing computer science or any other advanced major, discrete Math is worth it. Understanding discrete mathematics is essential before learning algorithms.
This is because it includes a wide range of topics such as probability, trees, graphs, logic, and mathematical reasoning. It barely explains them, making it simpler to go into algorithms once you have a handle on those fundamental concepts.
What Should I Learn Before?
Students with a strong background in algebra, geometry, and precalculus will perform exceptionally well in discrete mathematics.
The course aims to improve students’ comprehension of data structures and algorithms by consolidating previously studied ideas such as “if, then” statements, sets and Venn diagrams, functions and relations, counting and probability, and functions and relations.
What Level of Math Is It?
Discrete Math is at the undergraduate level. Some of the foundational subjects in mathematics for undergraduates are discrete math, calculus, and abstract algebra.
How Do I Start Learning?
The best way to start learning discrete math is by diving into problem-solving books such as Problem-Solving Strategies” by Arthur Engel. Later on, you can take on books specifically about combinatorics.
Is Discrete Mathematics Important?
Virtually, every field of computer science relies on discrete mathematics. As a result, its applications are pretty diverse. All data stored on a computer is fundamentally represented by bits (zeros and ones).
For computer science majors, and also for some engineering majors, discrete math is a prerequisite. Due to its emphasis on problem-solving and analysis, the course is challenging. This adds to the course’s difficulty because it is the first proper introduction to mathematical reasoning, including proofs. You may quickly master the course if you consistently study and revise.