I would say that yes, my time is better spent learning
how to write understandable code instead of how to
solve complex equations.
Math isn't about solving complex equations. Common mis-conception, totally wrong, very understandable for those whose experience of math is limited to calculus or pre-calculus.
I don't solve complex equations, and yet I use math every day.
The problem I see is that people who might be really really good at advanced math are often completely turned off by high school math and the teaching thereof. Hence they never get the chance to see the really fun stuff that turns out to be useful in unexpected ways. Even more, I'd guess that the really good programmers who hate math are in that group.
I would so like to be able to test that hypothesis. There's a Ph.D. waiting in it.
This response is frustrating because I feel like you didn't read my comment, but instead honed in on a single phrase, "complex equations". Even in the context of that sentence that's a moot point. If you'd like, replace "solve complex equations" with what you consider to be the best, most useful, fun part about math, and it does not change my point. I'm sorry I chose an example that seems to have offended you, but I do understand that there's more to math than solving complex equations.
That said, to re-summarize my point tersely: If someone doesn't like a particular field, I still feel that they can be successful programmers by focusing on fields that they do like which are also useful.
I don't solve complex equations, and yet I use math every day.
The problem I see is that people who might be really really good at advanced math are often completely turned off by high school math and the teaching thereof. Hence they never get the chance to see the really fun stuff that turns out to be useful in unexpected ways. Even more, I'd guess that the really good programmers who hate math are in that group.
I would so like to be able to test that hypothesis. There's a Ph.D. waiting in it.