The field of electronics is very heavily dependent upon mathematics. Much of what is done to design or analyze electronic circuits and electronics devices involves mathematical calculations. Many of these calculations use relatively simple Algebra and math calculations. Others require a bit more thought and may employ special forms of mathematics such as vector math (which uses simple right-triangle trigonometric functions), or simple Calculus operations.

It is for this reason that the first lesson in this Introduction to Electronics course is dedicated to showing you a quick overview of the types of mathematical notations and operations that you will be regularly using as you study electronics in this as will as any future courses in electronics that you might take.

If your knowledge in mathematics is well established, you will be able to move quickly through the material in this lesson. If not, this may be one of the more difficult lessons for you as you get used to the new concepts being presented here. In either case, do not be discouraged since as you repeatedly use these concepts, they will become second nature to you. As this course progresses, feel free to come back to this lesson to review a particular calculation method or to refresh your memory about an abbreviation or notation’s meaning.