Discrete Mathematics & Discrete Models

by Kimmo Eriksson

This book is intended as a course book in a first course in discrete mathematics. A special aim of the book is to provide an understanding of the role of discrete mathematics in modelling. Phenomena that are modelled are picked from for instance computer science, electronics, and politics. An introductory chapter discusses what is meant by discrete mathe­matics and discrete models, and reviews numeracy, problem solving, and mathematical presentation. Each chapter is started by a summary of the main points that will be covered. The presen­tation is always based on real problems that in a natural way lead to the introduction of the mathe­matical concepts. The text is written in an informal way, with many illustrations and exercises, in most cases with complete solutions. This version in English is a direct translation of the second edition in Swedish, which means that reading instructions intended for the Swedish book can be used for this one without any modification. This book is intended as a course book in a first course in discrete mathematics. A special aim of the book is to provide an understanding of the role of discrete mathematics in modelling. Phenomena that are modelled are picked from for instance computer science, electronics, and politics. An introductory chapter discusses what is meant by discrete mathe­matics and discrete models, and reviews numeracy, problem solving, and mathematical presentation. Each chapter is started by a summary of the main points that will be covered. The presen­tation is always based on real problems that in a natural way lead to the introduction of the mathe­matical concepts. The text is written in an informal way, with many illustrations and exercises, in most cases with complete solutions. This version in English is a direct translation of the second edition in Swedish, which means that reading instructions intended for the Swedish book can be used for this one without any modification.

329 pages, Paperback

Published April 2, 2015

Reviews

[Craine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read through quite a handful of discrete mathematics books I found this book to be perhaps the most accessible and direct. The book covers much of what you would expect in terms of discrete mathematics (set theory, logic, graph theory, arithmetic, combinatorics,..) but there is an added chapter in the end on "languages and automata" which is a little more rare to find and gives some added motivation for those coming from a computer science background.

In all a book I would recommend to the very beginner of mathematics as the exercises are generally not too difficult as well as covering the basic vocabulary, and notation of mathematics in a clear manner suited for those who have not been exposed to much mathematics. My only complaint is that there is not a chapter dedicated to proof types , although some proofs like induction are mentioned.

(Note: I don't like the star rating and as such I only rate books based upon one star or five stars corresponding to the in my opinion preferable rating system of thumbs up/down. This later rating system increases in my humble opinion the degree to which the reader is likely to engage with a review instead of merely glancing at the number of stars of a given book.)