geometry and trigonometry
by Christopher Tall · in General Discussion · 02/12/2009 (12:24 pm) · 8 replies
I'm wondering what you use more of in 3D game programming/development, trig or geometry? In most of the 2D flash games I used to make I used WAY more trig than I did geometry, but I'm not sure if that applys to 3d development. I would like to know which one I should be learning more "indepth". And how much algebra would you say is used (I really hate algebra haha).
#2
02/12/2009 (2:57 pm)
how advanced would you say the algebra you have to use is? I can handle basic algebra but when its starts getting into linear algebra and stuff I just cant do that yet. 
#3
if you're prepping independently for what you'll need for 3D programming,
i would suggest just tackling some problem and then learning the math you need for that particular problem.
vectors are great because everything you learn about 2D vectors applies directly to 3D vectors. this seems like a reasonable introduction: physics.about.com/od/mathematics/a/VectorMath_1.htm
also "have to use" is a tricky phrase here. there's lots and lots of different activities in 3D game programming. if you're talking about a rendering engine or coding some pathfinding, then yeah you'll want to know as much linear algebra as possible. but there's lots of stuff that doesn't involve 3D directly at all, like say the behaviour of a door, or an radar map or a chat hud or what-have-you.
02/12/2009 (3:12 pm)
if you're in school and have the option of taking whichever classes you choose, i would suggest aiming towards at least one linear algebra course.if you're prepping independently for what you'll need for 3D programming,
i would suggest just tackling some problem and then learning the math you need for that particular problem.
vectors are great because everything you learn about 2D vectors applies directly to 3D vectors. this seems like a reasonable introduction: physics.about.com/od/mathematics/a/VectorMath_1.htm
also "have to use" is a tricky phrase here. there's lots and lots of different activities in 3D game programming. if you're talking about a rendering engine or coding some pathfinding, then yeah you'll want to know as much linear algebra as possible. but there's lots of stuff that doesn't involve 3D directly at all, like say the behaviour of a door, or an radar map or a chat hud or what-have-you.
#4
02/12/2009 (3:20 pm)
Wrapping your head around matrix mathematics will be of help also, and further extends upon what Orion has mentioned. Some people actually find matrices to be more "intuitive" than an algebra equation or a formulaic approach to vectors. 
#5
This involves using Linear Algebra, which you will also use quite heavily.
This deals with vector math, planes, distances, projections, dot & cross products,etc. You will use very little Trignometry or standard Geometry. And of course, standard algebra is used everywhere, even in daily life, so it's always good to take it.
02/12/2009 (4:29 pm)
For 3D programming, you will use Analytical Geometry, also referred to as Algebraic GeometryThis involves using Linear Algebra, which you will also use quite heavily.
This deals with vector math, planes, distances, projections, dot & cross products,etc. You will use very little Trignometry or standard Geometry. And of course, standard algebra is used everywhere, even in daily life, so it's always good to take it.
#6
02/12/2009 (4:40 pm)
foley & van dam is an excellent textbook surveying a lot of the math & techniques behind low-level computer graphics principles.
#7
02/13/2009 (6:06 am)
Alright, thanks very much. I'll start looking into learning linear algebra. 
Associate Orion Elenzil
Real Life Plus
vectors are the king of the hill tho, as they are the real workhorses,
and they involve all three.