becoming a Mechanical engineer
becoming a Mechanical engineer
(OP)
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.
I consider another career since i have a weakness in algebra.





RE: becoming a Mechanical engineer
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
RE: becoming a Mechanical engineer
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!
RE: becoming a Mechanical engineer
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.
RE: becoming a Mechanical engineer
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
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