Product Description
Master the fundamentals of discrete mathematics and proof-writing with MATHEMATICS: A DISCRETE INTRODUCTION! With a wealth of learning aids and a clear presentation, the mathematics text teaches you not only how to write proofs, but how to think clearly and present cases logically beyond this course. Though it is presented from a mathematician's perspective, you will learn the importance of discrete mathematics in the fields of computer science, engineering, probability, statistics, operations research, and other areas of applied mathematics. Tools such as Mathspeak, hints, and proof templates prepare you to succeed in this course.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 3.5 based on 8 reviews)

A very good book

I have used this book for self reading, and it was very useful.

I don't think this book is suitable for computer science\Engineering students, it is mostly mathematical-oriented, for them Rosen's book is better
March 24, 2008

We use it for our discrete course

Discrete mathematics is now a keystone course in the computer science major and a fundamental course in the mathematics major. The mathematics covered in the course is still somewhat open to interpretation, but far less than it has been in the past. I examined this book for possible use as a textbook and ended up recommending that it be used. At this time, it is the book being used for the discrete mathematics class at the college where I am employed.
It begins with a short explanation of what a mathematical proof is and some simple examples are given. Chapter 2 is called collections and covers lists, the basics of set theory and quantifiers. The next chapter covers counting and relations and chapter four is a more complex examination of the nature of mathematical proof. The remaining chapters are:

Chapter 5: Functions
Chapter 6: Probability
Chapter 7: Number theory
Chapter 8: Algebra
Chapter 9: Graphs
Chapter 10: Partially ordered sets

The coverage is complete, the writing is understandable and there are plenty of exercises at the end of the chapters. Solutions to many of the problems are found in appendices.
A sound introduction to discrete mathematics, this is a book that I can heartily recommend for use as a textbook. It covers what we in the department feel must be covered.

March 13, 2006

Great book.

I had this book for my first class in the number theory & combinatorics realm, and this has been the best book I've used since. To respond to an earlier review, the errors in the proofs serve a very important function: they make you actually read the proof. The templates teach you how to recognize when a particular method of proof is required. My only regret is that I have sold the book after taking the class, and $140 is too steep to buy a fresh copy.
September 18, 2005

Please, stay away from this book.

You will not learn anything from this book. The author twists simple material into cabalistic abstractions by adding ramification where not needed and the converse of course holds for formidable notions; as to why this is, one might reason for of the sake of original presentation of well established mathematical concepts, moreover the result: unworthy compilation of simple ideas, presented in an amateurish way - arduous to understand. Hence, summing up: A WASTE OF TIME.
November 22, 2004

Terrible Book .

There is just nothing lower than one star, that's too bad. This is thus far the most lousy and unavailing text on mathematics that I have ever confronted; the data is alleged in the most juvenile and inverted fashion - obvious self-explanatory concepts are reiterated abundantly and pointlessly, when notions of key precedence are not at all explained in an unambiguous way; the exercizes are scarcely associated with the author's presentation of the topics and to add, the "Answer(s) Appendix", titled "Lots of Hints and Comments; some Answers" is all-pervasive with sarcastic remarks for answers and SHOULD be reported as "There are NO ANSWERS in This 'Book' !". This book, in its entirety, is written in an austere and arrogant manner - akin to the "Answer(s) Appendix"; that is - irrelavant comments (togething with ones of the author's personal life! - WHO CARES, right?), "bufoonery" back talk(s) which are NOT funny nor amusing and come about in the most perplexing components of this contorted presentation , etc . Profuse examples of the same, routinely just one type, are provided; yet, in the exercizes one is asked to do something entirely dissimilar - namely, answer a question of a problem that is all but unconnected to virtually everything just read! The aforesaid commentary is just a prelude to what should be avouched about this "Mathematics Book"; it does not even merit such a prestigious denomination, namely - "Mathematics Book". If you are a serious mathematics student, you will throw this book in the trash can, if it didn't cost so much money! I already did.
October 21, 2004

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