A University of Rochester study shows that baboons are able to understand numbers. Experimenters showed the monkeys peanut-filled cups and the monkeys then chose which cup contained more peanuts. Read more about the experiment and its conclusions...
When Will I Use Math?
WeUseMath.org
Mechanical Engineer
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| Download PDF Flyer for this career | 1.22 MB |
Mechanical engineers research, design, develop, manufacture, and test tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical devices. Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Engineers in this discipline work on power-producing machines such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines. They also work on power-using machines such as refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, machine tools, material handling systems, elevators and escalators, industrial production equipment, and robots used in manufacturing.
Low-end Salary:
$51,340/yr
Median Salary:
$79,230/yr
High-end Salary:
$119,950/yr Education:
Engineers typically enter the occupation with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or an engineering specialty, but some basic research positions may require a graduate degree. Most engineering programs involve a concentration of study in an engineering specialty, along with courses in both mathematics and the physical and life sciences. Engineers offering their services directly to the public must be licensed. Continuing education to keep current with rapidly changing technology is important for engineers.
Math Required:
College Algebra Geometry Trigonometry Calculus I and II Linear Algebra Differential Equations Statistics
When Math Is Used:
There are three keys reasons why mathematics is important for all types of engineers:
- The laws of nature (e.g., Maxwell's equations for electromagnetics, Kirchhoff's Rules for circuit analysis) are mathematical expressions. Mathematics is the language of physical science and engineering.
- Mathematics is more than a tool for solving problems; mathematics courses can develop intellectual maturity.
- Computers do not make traditional mathematical analysis obsolete! First, computer programs contain mathematical relations; understanding these relations is still necessary. Second, debugging computer programs is a difficult art. One of the best ways to validate a program is to compare the computer simulation to the analytical solution for the same situation. Knowledge of traditional mathematical analysis is essential for this method of validating computer programs. Third, it is relatively easy to write brute-force computer code that requires a long runtime and produces significant error, owing to accumulation of errors from the limited resolution of machine numbers. Great increases in both speed and accuracy can be obtained by using analytical solutions for parts of the problem, or by careful development of appropriate algorithms.
Potential Employers:
About 37 percent of engineering jobs are found in manufacturing industries and another 28 percent in professional, scientific, and technical services, primarily in architectural, engineering, and related services. Many engineers also work in the construction, telecommunications, and wholesale trade industries. Some engineers also work for Federal, State, and local governments in highway and public works departments. Ultimately, the type of engineer determines the type of potential employer.
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Salary figures from
the current US Bureau of Labor of Statistics website and represent the
90th percentile.
The most common question students ask math teachers at every level is “When will I use math?” WeUseMath.org is a non-profit website that helps to answer this question. This website describes the importance of mathematics and many rewarding career opportunities available to students who study mathematics.
Figures represent salary potential.
American Mathematical Society 
Mathematical Association of America
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