Do i need to know Conic Sections?

[Dillinger4]

Im thinking about going back to school and
i noticed that computer science and Calculus
always go togther in the course structure, so
i decided to start studing some math. So my
question is. Do conic sections have anything to
do with calculus? And should i even bother to
learn them? I have no desire to be a game
programmer, i love games but im just not into
that type of programming. So is there any point
in trying to memorize these formulas
(x-h)+(y-k)^2 = R^2 that relate to circles ellipses
and such. Thanks.

[[Digital-X-Treme]]

Do you mean high school level, or university level schooling? Whichever, just search the net for course sylabuses... they should inform you of the topics you need to know, or what you will be learning.

[thinktank2]

Originally posted by Dilenger4
Im thinking about going back to school and
i noticed that computer science and Calculus
always go togther in the course structure, so
i decided to start studing some math. So my
question is. Do conic sections have anything to
do with calculus? And should i even bother to
learn them? I have no desire to be a game
programmer, i love games but im just not into
that type of programming. So is there any point
in trying to memorize these formulas
(x-h)+(y-k)^2 = R^2 that relate to circles ellipses
and such. Thanks.

you are 28 years old ??? !!!!! (Sept 11th 1973)

Conics is a branch of analytial geometry that doesn't require calculus. But if a calculus problem deals with conic sections it may require knowledge of Conics.

You don't need to memorize the formulas. Just remember how the formula is derived.

[Dillinger4]

28. Yes you are correct. That's not that old. If you look at todays birthdays every one is pretty much in the same age bracket.
If conics are a part of geometry then that means i don't have to learn them. Good. Thanks.

[noble]

you should have a firm knowledge of the fundamental branches
of mathematics before studying calculus. It's not necessary
that you know everything about geometry or trig to complete
a calculus class or two but it's definitely worth your while.

I've found from people I've tutored that they had
hard times with some of the math classes because they didn't
have a good base in either geometry or trig. When the professor
would discuss something that had to deal with conic sections
for example he would bypass information that everyone
is expected to already know. Remember, most of these
professors who teach math are mathematics professors. They
know what they were taught and they assume that everyone
in the class has had the same roots in math as they did.
Outside of geometry, I've found from people without a very
good understanding of trig would have a hard time in calculus.

To answer your question. If you're just taking one calculus
class to meet the requirements of a degree, don't worry about
conic sections. If you plan to have a few calculus classes under
your belt consider studying them. Dont' worry, they're not that
much work...thinktank is right, just understand how they're
derived. Maybe not for calculus II but definitely for anything
past it.

Good luck with your schooling.

[Dillinger4]

Thanks for replying. I guess it does make
sense to know the fundamental branches
of mathematics before trying to tackle the harder
stuff. I think where i get frustrated is when i start
memorizing formulas without understanding them.

[maelkyzzydec]

If ever you think that learning math requires memorizing a formula without understanding its origins, then you should study something else - something that requires little or no passion. God did not give us formulae. People figured them out through much deliberation. Don't deprive yourself the joy of actually LEARNING the stuff - or you miss the point!