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I've had linear algebra from the onset in my engineering school and it was wonderfully useful. Comparing which one is "better" (calculus or linear algebra) is l

I've had linear algebra from the onset in my engineering school and it was wonderfully useful. Comparing which one is "better" (calculus or linear algebra) is like arguing whether multiplication or exponentiation is a better operation -- don't do it, you're going to sound cliché without reaching a conclusion. The main use of linear algebra to me is describe local behavior of functions/dynamical systems. Sure, calculus is the setting of functions in full generality, but understanding the algebra of local interactions is an essential part of the whole -- how can you go far into calculus without understanding derivatives? Linearization is practical the way to solve 99% of engineering problems.

omaranto 12y ago
I'm unfamiliar with it: what is the cliché about multiplication vs exponentiation?
- andrepd 12y ago
  The point is that that vs doesn't even make sense. It's like saying what wheel is your favorite in your car, the front left or the rear left. Arguing for calculus vs linear algebra is equally stupid. They are different branches of mathematics with different domains of application.
  - omaranto 12y ago
    This I understand, but that sentence with "cliché" in it I still don't get.
    - jmilloy 12y ago
      It's pretty clear to me that the OP just used the word cliche where it didn't belong. Fortunately the idea still came across. Perhaps you were truly confused, but it sounds more like you're playing dumb to force the OP to admit the mistake.
      - backlava 12y ago
        cliché.
      - omaranto 12y ago
        If by "the idea still came across", you mean I was able to guess approximately what the OP meant, you're right. I was curious about exactly what he or she meant and that's why I asked. And I wasn't playing dumb. For one thing, even if I assumed the word cliché was used incorrectly, I still couldn't easily guess exactly what the OP really meant. Second, I don't like assuming people are using words incorrectly, it is safer to ask what is meant.
    - pessimizer 12y ago
      Arguments about nothing are all the same.

omaranto 12y ago

I'm unfamiliar with it: what is the cliché about multiplication vs exponentiation?

andrepd 12y ago
The point is that that vs doesn't even make sense. It's like saying what wheel is your favorite in your car, the front left or the rear left. Arguing for calculus vs linear algebra is equally stupid. They are different branches of mathematics with different domains of application.
- omaranto 12y ago
  This I understand, but that sentence with "cliché" in it I still don't get.
  - jmilloy 12y ago
    It's pretty clear to me that the OP just used the word cliche where it didn't belong. Fortunately the idea still came across. Perhaps you were truly confused, but it sounds more like you're playing dumb to force the OP to admit the mistake.
    - backlava 12y ago
      cliché.
    - omaranto 12y ago
      If by "the idea still came across", you mean I was able to guess approximately what the OP meant, you're right. I was curious about exactly what he or she meant and that's why I asked. And I wasn't playing dumb. For one thing, even if I assumed the word cliché was used incorrectly, I still couldn't easily guess exactly what the OP really meant. Second, I don't like assuming people are using words incorrectly, it is safer to ask what is meant.
  - pessimizer 12y ago
    Arguments about nothing are all the same.