Mathematics

General (non-technical) Off-Topic
#1

Hi developers)

There’s a time for any beginner game developer to study some mathematics)

So, can anyone suggest any good resources and learning materials needed for any 2D game developer?

I already know that i need to study: trigonometry,linear algebra, statistics, probability
problem is that its pretty hard to find material that easy to learn and not very boring, as a last time i opened a math book was five years ago
Any help is appreciated) [import]uid: 16142 topic_id: 20681 reply_id: 320681[/import]

#2

Are you looking for a “refresh” course in these math fields, so you can do extensive calculations on your own? Or, are you simply seeking answers to some nasty math problems that you probably studied 10-20 years ago and have long since forgotten?

If you’re looking for answers (and steps) to specific equations, then I must absolutely suggest “algebra.com” (probably also good for trigonometry, geometry, etc.). It’s basically a free “forum” service where math pros donate their time and skills to answer math questions.

For example, I recently needed to solve a disgusting (IMHO) equation for trajectory plotting with gravity, angles, time, etc., for the variable “t” (time). I tried to resurrect my ancient algebra skills but I couldn’t get very far, so I posted the equation to this website. Within a few hours, a math “tutor” answered my question and detailed every step (15 of them!) to solve the equation, so I could understand exactly how to repeat it myself.

Again, this website is generally for one-time solutions to nasty equations… but if you study the solutions to those, you might get a refresher on math techniques you forgot long ago. I was re-introduced to the “quadratic formula” for example, which I probably learned around 1990 and forgot before 1992. :slight_smile:

Brent Sorrentino
Ignis Design
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#3

its not a refreshment,because i dont know anything about these parts in a first place, but i wanna learn)
thanks for site, i will come in handy maybe [import]uid: 16142 topic_id: 20681 reply_id: 81241[/import]

#4

I’d think… in terms of High School Math Courses…

Algebra 1,
Geometry,
Trigonometry and
Probability and Statistics

are the minimum courses needed for game development.

Algebra 1 teaches you the basics of formulas which is the foundation of computer programming. It covers the whole idea of formulas as well as the concepts of operator precedence.

Geometry is about shapes and coordinate space (being able to draw things on an X, Y grid. Almost everything we do involves putting a shape on a grid at an X, Y coordinate.

Trig involves angles and angle math, which includes sines, cosines, tangents, degrees, radians, etc. This is used frequently to calculate distance between objects in a game and the angle between the two.

Prob and Stats helps you understand random numbers and percentage chance that something will happen.

Now depending on what your wanting to do, some Algebra II and Calculus can come in handy from time to time.
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#5

I’d highly recommend learning over YouTube - there’s some fantastic video classes for learning almost any area in Maths.

E.g. I find khanacademy tutorials very useful. They have series on Calculus, Geometry, Algebra etc. Definitely worth checking out.

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#6

thanks for answers) [import]uid: 16142 topic_id: 20681 reply_id: 81328[/import]