A Beginner's Guide to Discrete Mathematics - Softcover

Wallis, W.D.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0817642692 ISBN 13: 9780817642693

Publisher: Birkhäuser Boston, 2002

Synopsis

This introduction to discrete mathematics is aimed at freshmen and sophomores in mathematics and computer science. It begins with a survey of number systems and elementary set theory before moving on to treat data structures, counting, probability, relations and functions, graph theory, matrices, number theory and cryptography. The end of each section contains problem sets with selected solutions, and good examples occur throughout the text.

About this title

From the Back Cover

This introduction to discrete mathematics is aimed primarily at undergraduates in mathematics and computer science at the freshmen and sophomore levels. The text has a distinctly applied orientation and begins with a survey of number systems and elementary set theory. Included are discussions of scientific notation and the representation of numbers in computers. An introduction to set theory includes mathematical induction, and leads into a discussion of Boolean algebras and circuits. Relations and functions are defined. An introduction to counting, including the Binomial Theorem, is used in studying the basics of probability theory. Graph study is discussed, including Euler and Hamilton cycles and trees. This is a vehicle for some easy proofs, as well as serving as another example of a data structure. Matrices and vectors are then defined. The book concludes with an introduction to cryptography, including the RSA cryptosystem, together with the necessary elementary number theory, such as the Euclidean algorithm. Good examples occur throughout, and most worked examples are followed by easy practice problems for which full solutions are provided. At the end of every section there is a problem set, with solutions to odd-numbered exercises. There is a full index. A math course at the college level is the required background for this text; college algebra would be the most helpful. However, students with greater mathematical preparation will benefit from some of the more challenging sections.

Review

"Wallis's book on discrete mathematics is a resource for an introductory course in a subject fundamental to both mathematics and computer science, a course that is expected not only to cover certain specific topics but also to introduce students to important modes of thought specific to each discipline . . . Lower-division undergraduates through graduate students. —CHOICE "Very appropriately entitled as a 'beginner's guide', this textbook presents itself as the first exposure to discrete mathematics and rigorous proof for the mathematics or computer science student." —ZENTRALBLATT MATH "This book introduces the basic topics of discrete mathematics to students of mathematics and computer science. ... It is appropriate for first-year students in mathematics and computer science. Sample problems and solutions are presented throughout the text. ... In addition, the book provides many exercises for each section of material. ... The book is very user-friendly. ... If you teach discrete mathematics at the beginning level to students ... I recommend that you take a look at this text."   —SIGACT News

Edition details

• Publisher: Birkhäuser Boston
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0817642692
• ISBN 13: 9780817642693
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 388