How deep should my math background be before tackling SICP?

Question

HI, I've been trying to work my way thru the SICP book, I found myself cribbing some of the online answers but getting the overall ideas of recursive vs. iterative procedures, etc. But I'm getting to the orders of growth section, and the math is really over my head.

To give an idea of my math skills, this morning I spent an hour learning how to add and subtract fractions with exponents....

Anyway, my math chops have to come way up, and I will work on that. But is there a short list of concepts to be familiar with before tackling SICP? I WILL tackle that damn book if it kills me...I think it's awesome, but I want to approach it in the best way possible.

Right now I'm thinking my time might be best used tackling some fundamental algorithms while I'm getting my math chops together.

Any recommendations? Thanks! bp

Answer 1

Sounds like SICP would be way too heavy for you. Try out HtDP instead for a book that will teach you programming in a similar style but much easier on the math.