Discrete Math vs Calculus: Which is Harder?

Hi there! I realise this might be a YMMV situation, but for anyone who has taken both, could you let me know whether Discrete Math was harder for you than calculus? Trying to plan next year's schedule and not sure which to tackle first...

The difficulty of Discrete Math vs. Calculus can indeed vary significantly from person to person, largely due to differences in one's thinking style.

In general, Calculus is often perceived as more demanding because it requires a firm grasp of algebra and trigonometry, and deals with continuous functions and derivatives, which can sometimes be daunting for students. On top of that, Calculus often involves computation-heavy problems and its concepts can sometimes feel abstract. Ultimately, though, if you have a specific interest in the Sciences or Engineering, you'll likely get a lot out of Calculus.

Discrete Mathematics, on the other hand, is less about computations and more about logic and set theory. The course typically encompasses topics like logic, proofs, set theory, and graphs. As such, it often appeals to students who enjoy problem-solving, abstract thinking, and "proofs", which are somewhat different from the calculation-based work typically found in Calculus.

For most students, it's advisable to take Calculus before Discrete Mathematics because Calculus principles often lay a foundation for learning subsequent mathematics courses. However, your decision should be based on your academic goals and personal strengths. If you're more oriented towards computer science or you enjoy logic-based problem solving, you might find Discrete Mathematics to be more straightforward than Calculus.

Try consulting with your academic advisor or a professor in your mathematics department. They can provide more insight based on their knowledge of the specific courses at your institution, as well as their experiences with students in those courses.