I've always wanted to dive into advanced computer science topics like SICP and TAOCP, but I keep hearing that solid math skills are essential to truly grasp the material. After being out of high school for over a decade, I've started working through the AoPS series on math and got stuck just halfway through their prealgebra book. I realize two things: I don't really care for math, and I've forgotten nearly everything I once knew. I chose AoPS because it's offline and focuses on problem-solving, which fits my learning style. However, I've found the mathematical thinking quite frustrating, especially when it feels like it's just numbers for the sake of numbers. Now, I'm looking for one or two books that can help me build a solid foundation without overwhelming me. I've heard mixed things about Lang's book, and while recommendations like Lehman's *Mathematics for Computer Science* and Knuth's *Concrete Mathematics* come up often, they seem to assume a certain level of math skill that I don't have. I've come across Stroud's *Foundation Math*, which might fit my needs, but I'd love to get your recommendations!
2 Answers
SICP doesn't require heavy math—it's more based on programming concepts. Lehman's book is great for CLRS but not necessary for SICP. Just be open-minded, and you'll likely find value in SICP without needing too much of a math background.
It's true that some people struggle with TAOCP, so needing a math refresher is an understatement! But if you're diving into SICP, don’t worry too much about advanced math; it’s more about understanding structure and logical flow. You might want to give it a shot!
I've heard that the initial chapters of SICP can be a bit math-intensive, so it's good to prepare. I get that Lehman’s seemed like a broad intro, but it does seem advanced for beginners!