Mathematics for Electronics – What Do You Need?

pcbI 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

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2 thoughts on “Mathematics for Electronics – What Do You Need?”

  1. If you truly want to understand the field of electronics you need an advanced understanding of mathematics. If you simply want to use electricity without caring much at all about how it works. You will be able to get by with early math ability.

    Ohm’s law. By the way. Is a lie. Ohm’s law just makes things simpler.

    Reply
    • I agree . Last ago i really didnt care about the mathematical formulation of my circuits . Anyway I was supposed to make a project , a led line using a potentiometer then I realized my potetionmeter was actually on 10k ohm range and the resistors have only 220ohm each . I thought the heat was just a sign of a current flowing through my circuit , yeah it really does, it does have “over” current , and boom 10 led burned out .

      Reply

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