Math in game development

[Uther Mortigast]

My Algebra instructor asked how I will use math in my chosen field. I replied that I am not in that field yet, but I understand that programming is math, so I will be using it a great deal. She then tasked me to find out as an assignment for next week how I will use math in my field of play.

I have not taken any programming classes yet, so I am asking -- as a game programmer/developer, how will I use math?

[yaustar]

Probability for AI, gameplay elements. Standard algebra for anything you write in programming as everything is an expression. Vector, matrix, quaternions in physics and graphics. Graph transversal for AI.

That should be enough to get you started.

[Gshonk]

Yea Graphics. And all of those other things but for me its mostly been graphics.

[Uther Mortigast]

Thank you much, I hope that list will satisfy her question.

*pops two aspirin and cracks open his Algebra textbook*

[myfourtwofour]

HOW good do you have to be at Maths to do programming? Basic or degree? Are their non university courses?

[yaustar]

If you understand linear algebra, then you understand enough to program. How much more math you need to know depends on what you are programming.