Generatingfunctionology

by Herbert S. Wilf

Generating functions, one of the most important tools in enumerative combinatorics, are a bridge between discrete mathematics and continuous analysis. Generating functions have numerous applications in mathematics, especially in - Combinatorics - Probability Theory - Statistics - Theory of Markov Chains - Number Theory One of the most important and relevant recent applications of combinatorics lies in the development of Internet search engines whose incredible capabilities dazzle even the mathematically trained user.

Genres: Mathematics, Textbooks, Nonfiction, Academic, Science, Reference

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Alan Bu]

Read it earlier, was very interesting. Personally, generating functions are one of my favorite parts of mathematics as it is an almost perfect method (a bit bashy) of algebrizing some combinatorics questions, and is a very powerful trick. I'm not sure there's really a theme, since it's nonfiction, and there isn't really any bias since it's mathematics, so... Anyways, I really enjoyed it, so five stars out of five for not making the subject too confusing.

[Allison]

Generatingfunctionology is a masterpiece. If you read this book, I promise you will not only understand generating functions, but you will develop a profound appreciation for them.
Very well explained, very passionate book. Would recommend, especially for people who haven't seen generating functions before.

[Riley Holmes]

This book gives a great tour / exhibition of some really cool techniques. Every other page I was saying "wow.... you can do that?!". Highly recommended if you've seen the basics of combinatorics and formal power series.

[Dmitry Zinenko]

A good introduction to the theory of generating functions and their uses. In fact, the only readable introduction I could find. Shows many neat tricks that become available for a "generatingfunctionologist" in the fields of combinatorics and probability.

[Bethany Epstein]

one of my favorite mathematical texts, and one i return to regularly. the utility of generating functions is incredibly widespread, and having these tools ready in your toolkit will allow you to cut through otherwise difficult calculations like butter.

[Elliott]

One of the livelier math books I've read. I came into this with a narrow idea of what generating functions were for and walked away with tons of interesting applications. It gets a bit dense towards the end, but overall a worthwhile read.

[Robert Katz]

Brilliant

[annina]

Has some funny remarks, yayy (which isn't often the case for a hard-core math book)!
Cool stuff =)

[Andriansyah ,]

Full of elegant techniques, the practicality of this book is off the charts

[Fatima]

the masterpiece on the subject. Also very well written.

[zb Bishop]

I knew nothing about generating functions when I started and now I think I know even less about generating functions

[Charles Darwin]

Fun and easy for a maths book.

[George]

For me, this is a rather quirky book that taught me more than I will probably ever need to know about generating functions. It is not an easy read, because it is a rather tough subject, but you are learning from a grandmaster of generating functionology. The style is engaging and the author's enthusiasm for the subject really shines through. In particular, he really wants to give you a practical mastery of generating functions, so that you can go out into the world and solve problems with them.

If you are interested in the topic, have a browse though this book to see if you like the style. I suspect you'll either love it or hate it.

[Ivan]

Very good introduction to combinatorial applications of generating functions. Explanations are very concise, each chapter contains a set of exercises.

[Lulu]

Combinatorics