Discrete Mathematics (4th Edition) [Hardcover]

Kenneth A. Ross (Author), Charles R. B. Wright (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0130961418 | ISBN-13: 978-0130961419 | Publication Date: January 1999 | Edition: 4th

The distinguishing characteristic of Ross and Wright is a sound mathematical treatment that increases smoothly in sophistication. The book presents utility-grade discrete math tools so students can understand them, use them, and move on to more advanced mathematical topics. *NEW-An introductory section giving gentle, motivated warm-up questions that point out the importance of precision, examples, and abstraction as problem-solving tools. *NEW-Dependence on previous mathematical background and sophistication is reduced to give students with rusty skills a better chance at understanding the new ideas in discrete mathematics. *NEW-The chapter on elementary logic is extensively revised to place even more emphasis on logical thinking. *NEW-A revised presentation makes algorithms easier to translate into object-oriented programs. *NEW-Some long sections have been broken up. In particular, the account of Boolean algebras is substantially reworked to keep the abstract outline clear and to lead naturally to applications. *NEW-The section on big-oh notation is now in the chapter on induction where it is also closer to the algorithmic applications. *NEW-Chapters devoted to probability and algebraic structures have been eliminated, though the chapter on counting includes two sections on elementary probability. *The section on big-oh notation is now in the chapter on induction where it is also closer to the algorithmic applications *Chapters devoted to probability and algebraic structures have been eliminated, though the chapter on counting includes two sections on elementary probability *Proofs of all important results are given in the body of the text presentation itself, not as exercises, so serious students can study the proofs or keep the book as a reference *Hundreds of examples illustrate new ideas, tie abstract concepts to concrete settings, and build up to moderately complex uses of new methods

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Informal but thorough in its coverage, this introduction to discrete mathematics offers a carefully graded treatment of the basics essential to computer science. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

Key Benefit: This book presents a sound mathematical treatment that increases smoothly in sophistication. Key Topics: The book presents utility-grade discrete math tools so that any reader can understand them, use them, and move on to more advanced mathematical topics. Market: A handy reference for computer scientists. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 684 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall College Div; 4th edition (January 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0130961418
• ISBN-13: 978-0130961419
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 8 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 1.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #922,452 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars terrible book, October 27, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Discrete Mathematics (5th Edition) (Paperback)

I keep thinking as I'm forced to use this book for a college course, that Discrete Math would not be so confusing to me if not for this textbook. With a good textbook, I believe the concepts would not be very difficult, but this book makes them so. True, they have many examples - very few of which cover the complex things you are then asked to do in the Exercises. If I could give it negative stars, I would, since it doesn't teach us but confuses us.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not every scholar should write for students., May 30, 2005

By 

ex student - See all my reviews

This review is from: Discrete Mathematics (5th Edition) (Paperback)

I was a student of Mr. Ross's, taking Discrete Math, a few years ago. He's is a very intelligent man and seemed to enjoy teaching. Unfortunately, he was not very good at it. And same goes for this text book of his. His attitude and approach in the classroom and the book's alike might be helpful if the student has already mastered the majority of the covered topics, in which case, this book becomes useless.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars This book belongs in the fireplace!, May 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Discrete Mathematics (Hardcover)

I do not recommend this to anyone trying to learn discrete mathematics for the first time (or any other time). The author of this book leaves out much too many details. This book is much too vague. Even the solutions provided are brief. Not much insight, not enough examples. Combine this book with a bad teacher, and you will have an extra difficult time passing a discrete math course. Why should about one-fourth of the students take this course 2 or more times? This book could be used for reference, but why bother? Get a better book instead. Look elsewhere for better explanation of the concepts so important to computer science.