becoming a Mechanical engineer 2

[Kurt98]

I am in 11th grade and thinking about becoming a Mechanical engineer. I love to design and build things. I also enjoy using solidworks. But I do not like algebra it is very difficult for me. Geometry comes much easier than algebra for me. How much algebra do most mechanical engineers use. Should
I consider another career since i have a weakness in algebra.

 

[MikeHalloran]

I wouldn't rule out a career just yet.

Algebra was very difficult for me, too. I was also much, much better at geometry. I've been a mechanical engineer for a little over forty years now, and I use both, nearly every working day. So, yes, you'll need algebra.

Stop using a failure- oriented word like 'weakness'. Figure out what's broke, and fix it. That's what engineers do. That's how engineers _think_. You think that way, right?

Buy a book. Buy a study guide. Get a tutor. Get help from a peer. Study. Work the examples. Work them again. Work them again, backwards.

Whatever it takes...





Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[Philrock]

Algebra is a must. Like Mike Halloran, I use algebra every day. I actually enjoy solving math problems, and I especially enjoy seeing that systems usually work the way the math says they will. After a while, the challenge is not so much solving the algebra equations, but rather, writing the equations that correctly represent the problem you are trying to solve.

Calculus will be another hurdle, if you want to get a degree, though I rarely use it in practice.

It would be great if you could find a practicing engineer who sympathizes with your situation and would be willing to spend time with you to help you get more comfortable with algebra.

Good luck!

 

[EdDanzer]

Kurt98
Your math skills may not be as important after you get out of collage, if you use a package like MathCad to assist in completing the math.
I have hired several degreed engineers that cannot apply math any better than I can with my high school math education.
Solving problems requires totally understanding the problem. Learning to view a problem from many angles is more important that great math skills.

MikeHalloran, and Philrock have excellent suggestions and comments for you also.

 

[Heckler]

I also would not rule out the career but be honest with yourself regarding your math skills. Once you know the limitations of your math skills then find someone (father, priest, math teacher, or any other family member skilled in math) to direct you to a place to get help. Math can be learned. I tutored my wife in college level algebra and she was very much afraid of math. She struggled. We spent countless late nights going over problems but she got an A.

I will not sugar coat it every engineering class you take will be math based....even engineering economics. I use some form of math everyday. I also make myself do hand calculations once in a while to stay fresh but programs like Excel & MathCAD make advanced math a snap.

Best of luck to you and don't forget to find a mentor.

Best Regards,

Heckler
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
SW2005 SP 5.0 & Pro/E 2001
Dell Precision 370
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NVIDIA Quadro FX 1400
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