Student Number:

Programme:(e.g. IFY Science Group A

International Foundation
Year in business
management)

Module Title: (e.g. english Mathematical Applications (OC)

for Academic Research and
Study Skills)

Module Code: (e.g. EG3006 2223 (T2) Word Count 1857

LC3004)

I confirm that no part of this assignment, except where clearly quoted and referenced, has been

copied from material belonging to any other person e.g. from a book, handout, or another student.

I am aware that it is a breach of UEL regulations to copy the work of another without clear

acknowledgment and that attempting to do so renders me liable to disciplinary proceedings.

TOPIC 1: APPLICATION OF CALCULUS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

Introduction
Calculus is a type of Math developed by Newton and Leibniz, which looks at how things change

over time in a continuous pattern. Newton was the first person to come up with calculus, but

Leibniz also played a big role by creating the maths symbols that are still used today in calculus

(Wikipedia Contributors, 2023). Calculus is divided into two domains called differential calculus

and integral calculus. Differential calculus examines the derivative, which describes how fast

things are changing like slopes and curves. Integral calculus, on the other hand, is different from

differential calculus because it finds the total amount of something that's changing, instead of how

fast it's changing. Both differential and integral calculus are based on ideas like limits and

functions.

Differential Calculus

Differential calculus is concerned with examining how a function changes when its independent

variables are changed very slightly. This is expressed mathematically as the derivative of a

function, which is written as dy/dx or f'(x). It further includes subtopics such as Limits, and

Continuity.

Limit of the function: The word "limit" means how close a maths function is to a specific value or

term. The limit formula is used to explain this idea, which is "the limit of f of x as x approaches c

equals A." This shows that as x gets closer to c, the value of f of x gets closer to A.
 (Cuemath, 2021)

Continuity: A function called f(x) is called continuous at a point x = a if it meets three criteria: the

limit of f(x) as x approaches a exists, f(a) is defined, and the limit of f(x) as x approaches a is equal

to the value of f(a).

Integral Calculus

Integration is the opposite of differentiation and involves combining smaller components to form

a whole, which is commonly used to calculate the area of a region. This concept is closely

connected to differentiation, which breaks down larger entities into smaller parts as

aforementioned. It is further divided into two parts: Definite integral and Indefinite Integral.

Definite Integral: Definite integrals are a way to find the area under a function's curve between

specific boundaries. These boundaries are determined by defining the range of values for the

independent variable, and the calculation is done using a symbol called an integral, with the limits

of the range specified.

Indefinite Integral: An indefinite integral is the antiderivative of a function without any specific

boundaries, and we add a constant value "C" to the solution. It does not provide a specific value

for the integration of the function, and it is represented by the integral symbol alone without limits.

Applications of Calculus in Computer Science

Calculus finds multiple applications in computer science, such as solving complex problems in

machine learning, design and analysis of algorithms, scientific computing, numerical analysis, and

image processing (Mathnasium, 2022). It is also used for developing graphics engines for video

games that incorporate 3D visuals, and it serves as a prerequisite for several other software

programs. A few applications are succinctly explained below.

The efficiency of algorithms: Calculus is usually used in computer science to evaluate the

efficiency of algorithms. Algorithms are basically step-by-step instructions utilised to solve

specific computational problems (reddit, 2014). By measuring the time complexity of an

algorithm, calculus is applied to estimate its efficiency. Time complexity is represented using big
O notation, which specifies the maximum running time of an algorithm concerning the size of its

input.

Numerical analysis: Calculus is important in numerical analysis, a branch of mathematics that

investigates how to use algorithms to solve mathematical problems with numerical

approximations. This discipline is relevant in many computer science fields, such as scientific

computing, computer graphics, and computer vision. Moreover, calculus is used in numerical

methods to resolve differential equations utilised in simulating physical systems (Wikipedia

Contributors, 2023).

Machine learning: According to Cristina (2021), Calculus has a significant role in machine

learning, a subfield of artificial intelligence that creates algorithms capable of learning from data.

One of the essential uses of calculus in machine learning is for optimising algorithms (error

minimization) by determining the best parameter values.

Computer graphics: Computer graphics, which involves the creation and modification of visual

images using computers, heavily relies on calculus. It helps develop algorithms that can render

and shade objects in 3D space (Quora, 2022). Additionally, it is also used to simulate the

movement of fluids and particles in computer-generated animations that aids in achieving more

realistic and detailed visual effects.

Example of the Application

Sorting algorithms plays a critical role in many applications, especially when dealing with large

amounts of data. Hence, the efficiency of these algorithms is crucial. To measure the efficiency of

sorting algorithms, computer scientists use time complexity, which is a way to determine the

amount of time an algorithm takes to sort data relative to the input size.

Therefore, calculus can be used to determine how long it takes to sort a set of data using a particular

algorithm. One popular algorithm is quicksort, which has a worst-case time complexity of O(n^2).

This means that the time taken to sort the data using quicksort increases rapidly as the size of the

data set grows. Furthermore, it is important to consider the time complexity of an algorithm when

selecting one to use for sorting large sets of data and calculus is a necessary requirement for that.

Topic 2: APPLICATION OF STATISTICS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

Introduction

Statistics is a branch of applied mathematics that uses mathematical techniques to analyse and

summarise data. In essence, it helps with comprehending and interpreting vast amounts of data

from numerous fields. The need for data collection and analysis gave rise to statistics, which was

first accomplished using instruments that measured social interactions. For example, surveys were

used to learn more about populations.

Throughout history, statisticians have devised various techniques for analysing data, ranging from

basic descriptive statistics to advanced models that can forecast future trends and detect
connections between variables. To get the notion, statistical methods can be utilised to calculate

the average marks of each student in a class of 50 individuals, as well as to determine the number

of employed people in a city with a population of 1 million. For example, conducting a survey of

10000 people and creating statistical data can assist in obtaining the information required.

Condiredring basics, Statistics utilizes methods to measure the central tendency of a dataset, which

is a numerical representation of the middle or average value. The commonly used measures of

central tendency include the mean, median, and mode, which aid in summarising data and

providing information about the central tendencies of a sample or population.

Mean: It is a common method to determine the central tendency of a dataset, which is calculated

by summing up all the values in the dataset and dividing the result by the number of values. For

example, if we have a dataset of {10, 20, 30, 40, 50}, we can calculate the mean by adding all the

values and dividing by 5. Thus, the mean for this dataset is (10+20+30+40+50)/5 = 30.

Median: It represents the middle value of a dataset, and is determined by arranging the values in

ascending or descending order. When the dataset has an odd number of values, the median is the

exact middle value. Conversely, if the dataset has an even number of values, the median is

calculated by averaging of the two middle values. For instance, if we have a dataset of {2, 4, 6, 8,

10, 12}, the median would be (6+8)/2 = 7.

Mode: it refers to the value that appears most frequently in a set of data. For instance, if we consider

the dataset {10, 20, 30, 30, 40, 50, 50}, the mode would be 30 since it appears twice, while other

values occur only once.

Furthermore, Statistics can be classified into two primary types: descriptive statistics and

inferential statistics. In order to make sense of a population sample, descriptive statistics are

employed to provide a summary and explanation of the data. This summary is created by taking

into account various factors, including the mean and standard deviation. It can be represented by

graphs and tables. By utilizing these statistical measures, understanding the characteristics of the

sample and drawing conclusions based on the data at hand becomes simple. Inferential statistics,

on the other hand, help in conveying the significance (after evaluation) of gathered data once it

has been accumulated, assessed, and evaluated.

Applications of Statistics in Computer Science

In computer science, statistics are significant because they help in comprehending and examining

data. They aid in the creation of models and algorithms while also evaluating the efficiency of

computer systems. Moreover, statistics play a crucial role in Machine learning, data mining, and

in designing natural language software (Singh, Tiwari and Prasad, 2015). A few applications are

briefly explained below.

Data Analysis: Computers generate a lot of data, and it can be hard to understand without using

statistics to analyse it. Statistics helps us see patterns, predict things, and find past and future trends

in the data. This can be useful for improving how computers work to make better choices.

Machine Learning: Statistics is a field that uses techniques like probability theory and statistical

inference to analyse and make predictions based on data. This can be useful in creating models,

like a machine learning model, that can identify patterns in the data and make predictions about

future outcomes, such as predicting which customers are most likely to make a purchase.

Artificial Intelligence: Artificial intelligence (AI) is the study of intelligent machines capable of

doing tasks that would normally need human intelligence like understanding languages and

images. In AI applications, statistics play a crucial role in recognizing patterns in data and making

predictions (Goavega.com, 2015).

Speech Recognition Software: The field of statistics has proven to be extremely useful in the

development of speech recognition software, exemplified by the popular personal assistant

application, Apple's Siri. In addition, statistical methods are also employed in programs such as

Google Translate, which rely on data analysis to perform translations in real time (Writer, 2015).

These programs utilize statistical models by transforming spoken or written language into

numerical data, which is then compared to pre-existing dictionaries to determine meaning.

Example of the Application

Computer science generates lots of data, but it's hard to understand without statistics. By analysing

data with statistics, it is possible to find patterns, make predictions, and identify trends. This helps

to optimise algorithms, improve performance, and make better decisions. In order to handle large

amounts of data quickly, computer scientists use statistics to analyse and make sense of it. This is

really important for businesses because it helps them make good decisions and predict future

trends. Businesses need people who can use advanced computer skills and data knowledge to help

them keep up with their competition. Because maths and computer science are combined, this has

created many new career options in areas such as data science, machine learning, and artificial

intelligence (Michigan Technological University, 2023).

References

Wikipedia Contributors (2023). History of calculus. Available at:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_calculus [Accessed 2 Apr. 2023].

Cuemath. (2021). Limit Formula - What is Limit Formula?. Available at:

https://www.cuemath.com/limit-formula/ [Accessed 10 Apr. 2023].

Mathnasium (2022). Five types of Math used in computer science. Available at:
https://www.mathnasium.com/bend/news/five-types-of-math-used-in-computer-science
[Accessed 10 Apr. 2023].

reddit. (2014). Why is calculus so emphasized in computer science?”. Available at:

https://www.reddit.com/r/compsci/comments/1xrake/comment/cfdww3d/?utm_source=share&ut
m_medium=web2x&context=3 [Accessed 18 Apr. 2023].

Wikipedia Contributors (2023). Numerical analysis. Available at:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numerical_analysis [Accessed 18 Apr. 2023].

Cristina, S. (2021). Calculus in Machine Learning: Why it Works. Available at:

https://machinelearningmastery.com/calculus-in-machine-learning-why-it-works/ [Accessed 18
Apr. 2023].
Quora. (2022). What are some ways in which calculus is applied in computer graphics?
Available at: https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-ways-in-which-calculus-is-applied-in-
computer-
graphics/answers/2176291?ch=10&oid=2176291&share=c7fb476d&srid=u73NXi&target_type=
answer [Accessed 21 Apr. 2023].

Singh, R.K., Tiwari, N. and Prasad, R.C. (2015). Significant Role of Statistics in Computational
Sciences. International Journal of Computer Applications Technology and Research, 4(12),
pp.952–955. doi:https://doi.org/10.7753/ijcatr0412.1014.

Goavega.com. (2015). Role/Importance of Statistics in AI. Available at:

https://www.goavega.com/blog/role-importance-of-statistics-in-ai/ [Accessed 23 Apr. 2023].

Writer, S. (2015). How Are Statistics Used in Computer Science?. Available at:
https://www.reference.com/science-technology/statistics-used-computer-science-
4ff63317f8ce58ae [Accessed 1 May 2023].

Michigan Technological University. (2023). The Role of Statistics in Computer Science.

Available at: https://onlinedegrees.mtu.edu/news/role-statistics-computer-science-0 [Accessed 30
Apr. 2023].

Solutions to Assessment Questions

From questions 1-34 (All)