Mathematics for Electronics – What Do You Need?

I like math.

But, I’m not an expert.

I know the basics.

But when it comes to more complicated stuff, like heavy derivation and integration, I think I’ve forgotten most of what I learned at the University.

The good thing is:

…you don’t need much math to design electronics!

Just knowing the basics of plus, minus, multiplication and division will take you a long way.

If you know how to find the answer of this expression:

7 / 0.02 = ?

…then you got that part covered.

(Hint: Just type it into a calculator)

The next step is to not get scared when there are variables involved:

Vout = Vin * R2 / (R1 + R2)

…and knowing that you just have to replace Vin, R2 and R1 with their values, type it into a calculator — and then you’ll find Vout.

If you also know how to manipulate equations with variables in them, you’ll go even further.

That means being able to go from:

V = I * R

to

I = V / R

Here’s a quick video that shows an example of this kind of math:
https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra2/modeling-with-algebra/manipulating-formulas/v/rearrange-formulas-to-isolate-specific-variables

There is of course a lot of advanced math that is useful, for example if you want to design advanced filters or other complex things…

…but you can live happily as a designer of electronics without knowing that stuff too.

Keep On Soldering!
Oyvind

PS! Build your first circuits, including blinking lights, a touch sensor, a synthesizer and more with my ebook Getting Started With Electronics:
https://www.build-electronic-circuits.com/products/ebook-2nd-edition

PPS! Jameco carries the kit for this book here: http://bit.ly/1IvXZoI

More Mail Archive Tutorials