Ask A Scientist Mathematics Archive

Author:      strountree
How often do you use math in your job?  Do you use a calculator?

Response #:  1 of 3
Author:      billrob
As scientist/prof I use math in varying degrees:  on a *good* day 90-95%
would be a fair estimate.  However, I do not use a calculator nearly as much
as a mini-computer (VAX) or IBM-PC, both of which are "loaded" with MATLAB,
the language of choice for a large number of applied mathematicians.

Response #:  2 of 3
Author:      hawley
Hear, Hear!  MATLAB is great.  I have also used IDL which is very similar. 
I have heard that PVWAVE is also similar.  Many of the scientists and
engineers here at Lockheed use calculators a lot.  Not everyone has a PC let
alone a work station on their desks.

Response #:  3 of 3
Author:      asmith
And I use a calculator once a month to balance my checkbook.

Actually, I use the computer an awful lot, and "awk" and "bc" are two of my
favorite UNIX calculators, though they are a little non-user friendly.  But,
as a theoretical physicist, math in one form or another is my life!