Uses of computer in mathematics

Answer 1

For years computers were used to do calculation, for example adding up columns of figures. Then tables were required and Babbage had the idea of mechanising the calculation to avoid the errors the computers made, devising the Difference Engine and the Analytical Engine.

Then in the 1940s during World War II, the first electronic computer was designed and built by Tommy Flowers to speed up the cracking of the Lorentz cypher (known as Fish) using statistical analysis.

When I was at Uni in the 80s I used the electronic computers to do numerical analysis to solve differential equations.

Electronic computers these days tend to be used to do the maths required at a much faster rate than ordinary (ie the original human) computers can for things like controlling the flight surfaces of an aeroplane.

They are also used for research and fun, eg finding the next highest Prime number, finding e or π to more digits than before.

Electronic computers tend to be used for word processing and repetitive calculations (eg with encryption, such as using the RSA public key encryption which is based entirely on maths - using modulus operations on large numbers).

I'm currently studying accountancy and am just about to start a module which uses statistical methods which are made all the more easy by use of an electronic computer to do the actual calculations.

The worst use of electronic computers in maths is in the form of a pocket calculator: when I was teacher training and students were asked to do a simple sum, many (top set!) students reached for a calculator instead of doing it in their head - a skill much underrated.