We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Mathematics for Computer Science

“Welcome to Introduction to Numerical Mathematics. This is designed to give you part of the mathematical foundations needed to work in computer science in any of its strands, from business to visual digital arts, music, games. At any stage of the problem solving and modelling stage you will require numerical and computational tools. We get you started in binary and other number bases, some tools to make sense of sequences of numbers, how to represent space numerical using coordinates, how to study variations of quantities via functions and their graphs. For this we prepared computing and everyday life problems for you to solve using these tools, from sending secret messages to designing computer graphics.

If you wish to take it further you can join the BSc Computer Science degree and complete the full module ‘Numerical Mathematics’.

Enjoy!”

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Three deals to help you save

We found three deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.

Save money when you learn. All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

Valid until December 12

Annual Subscription Savings

Unlock programs from Google, Microsoft, and IBM and join 77% of learners who reported positive career outcomes.

Only $239!

Valid for a limited time only

Future-proof your career

Access O'Reilly books, live events, courses, and more. Save with an annual subscription.

Take

15%

off

What's inside

Syllabus

Number bases - binary

In this week, we will cover the key concepts: Place value and Number systems. You will learn about the notion of number bases, how to do operate in binary.

Number bases - other bases

In this week, we will extend the place value and number systems to Octal, Hexadecimal and any other bases. You will also be introduced to the usefulness of hexadecimal in computer science.

Modular arithmetic

In this week, we will cover the key concept of congruence modulo an integer. You will also be introduced to the usefulness of congruence and modular arithmetic operations in computer science.

Sequences

In this week, we will cover the key concept of number sequences. You will look into more detail at a special family of sequences, called progressions, and study arithmetic and geometric progressions.

Series

In this week, we will cover the key concept of number series, building on number sequences. You will look into more detail at a special family of series arising from arithmetic and geometric progressions. You will look at expression summations of sequences using a compact form with a summation symbol.

Introduction to Graph Sketching and Kinematics

In this week, we will cover the key concept of coordinate system, functions and graphical representation of functions, and kinematics. You will look at the example of modelling motion.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces basic mathematical principles and computational tools used in computer science

Covers a wide range of topics from number bases and sequences to functions and graphing

Emphasizes practical applications with examples from everyday life and computer graphics

Provides a solid foundation for further studies in numerical mathematics and computer science

Taught by experienced instructors who are experts in numerical mathematics and computer science

May require additional resources and support for students with limited mathematical background

Save this course

Save Mathematics for Computer Science to your list so you can find it easily later:

Save

Reviews summary

Engaging math foundations for computer science

Learners say Mathematics for Computer Science is a great foundation for students with little prior knowledge or those who want to brush up on concepts. With engaging lectures from the enthusiastic instructor, Dr. Sara Santos, learners build a solid foundation in mathematics that is relevant to computer science. While quizzes can be challenging, and there have been some issues with errors in the past, the course material is well-structured and helpful.

The course provides a solid foundation in mathematics for computer science.

"Excellent course. Great course, Learn a lot, Build up my Fundation"

"Gentle introduction into mathematics for computer science, taught with a lot of enthusiasm."

"For me Number bases, Modular arithmetic, Sequences and Series are a very important part of algorithms."

Dr. Sara Santos is an enthusiastic and engaging instructor who makes learning math enjoyable.

"This instructor makes math really fun!"

"I personally really enjoyed learning these topics and everything about it."

"I totally loved it."

The quizzes can be difficult, with some containing errors.

"Quizzes are not the best, almost outdated and inaccurate sometimes"

"still errors in quizzes after notification in beta-test."

"a question that doesn't load properly, making you re-test numerous times..."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Mathematics for Computer Science with these activities:

Review College Algebra

Show steps

Refresh foundational knowledge in algebra to support understanding of coordinate systems, functions, and graphical representations in the course.

Browse courses on Functions

Show steps

Review basic algebraic operations
Study graphing techniques and functions
Practice solving algebraic equations

Binary place value conversions

Show steps

Practice converting numbers between binary and decimal to enhance understanding of binary place value.

Browse courses on Binary

Show steps

Set up a binary values table
Start with a decimal number
Convert the decimal number to binary
Start with a binary number
Convert the binary number to decimal

Modular Arithmetic Problems

Show steps

Engage in practice exercises to solidify understanding of modular arithmetic, which is commonly used in computer science.

Browse courses on Modular Arithmetic

Show steps

Find solutions to congruence equations
Calculate remainders using modular arithmetic
Solve problems involving modular exponentiation

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Coordinate Plane Graphing Practice

Show steps

Enhance understanding of coordinate systems and graphing functions through practice exercises.

Browse courses on Functions

Show steps

Plot points and draw lines
Graph linear functions
Graph quadratic functions

Sequences and Series in Math

Show steps

Follow online tutorials to grasp the concepts of sequences and series, including arithmetic and geometric progressions, to enhance comprehension in the course.

Browse courses on Sequences

Show steps

Search for tutorials on sequences and series
Watch videos on arithmetic progressions
Try practice problems on geometric progressions
Explore examples of sequences in real-life scenarios

Explain Modular Arithmetic with Real-Life Examples

Show steps

Create a blog post, video, or presentation to explain modular arithmetic using practical examples, reinforcing the concept.

Browse courses on Modular Arithmetic

Show steps

Choose real-life examples
Explain the concept of modular arithmetic
Demonstrate the examples using modular arithmetic
Illustrate the applications of modular arithmetic

Build a Binary Calculator

Show steps

Create a binary calculator using a programming language to demonstrate understanding of binary operations and number systems.

Browse courses on Binary

Show steps

Choose a programming language
Design the interface of the calculator
Implement binary addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
Test the calculator

Develop a Coordinates Plotting Tool

Show steps

Design a tool to plot points in a coordinate system, aiding comprehension of functions and their graphical representation.

Browse courses on Functions

Show steps

Select a programming language or tool
Create a user interface
Implement functions to plot points and draw graphs
Test the tool

Career center

Learners who complete Mathematics for Computer Science will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist uses mathematical and statistical models to analyze data and extract insights. This course, Introduction to Numerical Mathematics, may be helpful as it provides a foundation in number bases, modular arithmetic, and sequences and series, which are all important concepts in data science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

A Machine Learning Engineer designs, develops, and maintains machine learning models. This course, Introduction to Numerical Mathematics, may be helpful as it provides a foundation in number bases, modular arithmetic, and sequences and series, which are all important concepts in machine learning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Operations Research Analyst

An Operations Research Analyst uses mathematical and statistical models to improve the efficiency of business operations. This course, Introduction to Numerical Mathematics, may be helpful as it provides a foundation in number bases, modular arithmetic, and sequences and series, which are all important concepts in operations research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Statistician

A Statistician collects, analyzes, and interprets data to draw conclusions and make predictions. This course, Introduction to Numerical Mathematics, may be helpful as it provides a foundation in number bases, modular arithmetic, and sequences and series, which are all important concepts in statistics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst gathers, analyzes, and interprets data to provide insights and help businesses make informed decisions. This course, Introduction to Numerical Mathematics, may be helpful as it provides a foundation in number bases, modular arithmetic, and sequences and series, all of which are important concepts in data analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Database Administrator

A Database Administrator designs, develops, and maintains databases. This course, Introduction to Numerical Mathematics, may be helpful as it provides a foundation in number bases, modular arithmetic, and sequences and series, which are all important concepts in database administration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Network Administrator

A Network Administrator designs, develops, and maintains computer networks. This course, Introduction to Numerical Mathematics, may be helpful as it provides a foundation in number bases, modular arithmetic, and sequences and series, which are all important concepts in network administration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst analyzes financial data and makes recommendations for investment decisions. This course, Introduction to Numerical Mathematics, may be helpful as it provides a foundation in number bases, modular arithmetic, and sequences and series, which are all important concepts in financial analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Quantitative Analyst

A Quantitative Analyst uses mathematical and statistical models to analyze data and make predictions. This course, Introduction to Numerical Mathematics, may be helpful as it provides a foundation in number bases, modular arithmetic, and sequences and series, which are all important concepts in quantitative analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Actuary

An Actuary uses mathematical and statistical models to assess risk and uncertainty. This course, Introduction to Numerical Mathematics, may be helpful as it provides a foundation in number bases, modular arithmetic, and sequences and series, which are all important concepts in actuarial science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Computer Scientist

A Computer Scientist researches and develops new computer systems and applications. This course, Introduction to Numerical Mathematics, may be helpful as it provides a foundation in number bases, modular arithmetic, and sequences and series, which are all important concepts in computer science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Mathematician

A Mathematician studies the properties and applications of numbers, shapes, and other mathematical objects. This course, Introduction to Numerical Mathematics, may be helpful as it provides a foundation in number bases, modular arithmetic, and sequences and series, which are all important concepts in mathematics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mathematician

Software Developer

A Software Developer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. This course, Introduction to Numerical Mathematics, may be helpful as it provides a foundation in number bases, modular arithmetic, and sequences and series, which are all important concepts in software development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Systems Analyst

A Systems Analyst designs, develops, and maintains computer systems. This course, Introduction to Numerical Mathematics, may be helpful as it provides a foundation in number bases, modular arithmetic, and sequences and series, which are all important concepts in systems analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Security Analyst

A Security Analyst designs, develops, and maintains computer security systems. This course, Introduction to Numerical Mathematics, may be helpful as it provides a foundation in number bases, modular arithmetic, and sequences and series, which are all important concepts in security analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Mathematics for Computer Science.

Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications (Eighth...

Save

Provides a comprehensive introduction to discrete mathematics, covering topics such as sets, relations, functions, graphs, and number theory. It valuable resource for students who want to learn the mathematical foundations of computer science.

(中文) Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications (in...

Paperback

Introduction to Algorithms, fourth edition

Save

Classic introduction to algorithms, covering topics such as data structures, algorithm design techniques, and complexity analysis. It valuable resource for students who want to learn how to design and analyze efficient algorithms.

Mathematics for Computer Science

Three deals to help you save

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Engaging math foundations for computer science

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses