Be sure to need basic knowledge and the ability to apply them. Even just to find the right formula and substitute the necessary values ​​into it sometimes requires an understanding of what is happening. And only a small part is useful to all higher mathematics. For 2d graphics in various tasks, when working with graphic primitives (determining the distance, position, determining the tangency region, the intersection region), the analytical geometry comes in handy. Roughly, a dozen basic formulas. Such as, for example, the equation of a straight line, the distance from a point to a straight line, etc. This does not even require special knowledge of mathematics. I found the formula, substituted the necessary numbers, got the result. But you need to understand that in these formulas of one or another variable. And it would be very good to understand the basics of discrete mathematics . This science for the programmer is much more significant. From there you can take quite a lot. Although, as my experience shows, it is possible without it, but at the same time you have to invent it yourself, what is already described in the discrete statement. So to be effective you need to dig there. This can save a lot of time in the future. Especially with regard to graphs.