Essence of Discrete Mathematics [Paperback]

Neville Dean (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0133459438 | ISBN-13: 978-0133459432 | Publication Date: September 16, 1996 | Edition: 1

The Prentice Hall Essence of Computing Series provides a concise, practical and uniform introduction to the core components of an undergraduate computer science degree. Acknowledging recent changes within Higher Education, this approach uses a variety of pedagogical tools-case studies, worked examples and self-test questions to underpin the student's learning.

The essence of Discrete Mathematics provides under one cover all the essential topics covered in a first course on discrete mathematics. Following an introductory chapter, which explains to the reader how to use the book, there follows chapters on sets and logic. In these chapters every effort has been made to give the reader clear instructions on how to 'calculate' values for mathematical expressions for small finite sets. Since it is best to use examples familiar to the reader, sets of numbers are used extensively. Nevertheless it is important for the reader to examine non-numerical examples, and so a case study is introduced at the end of the chapter on sets and then subsequently used throughout the remainder of the book.

Once these basic skills have been mastered, the reader progresses on to relations and functions. These are first introduced as intuitive notions before explaining how they can be modelled using sets. There follows a chapter showing how the ideas of modelling with sets and logic can be applied to more practical problems. Finally there is a brief concluding chapter which invites readers to continue their mathematical growth: The Essence of Discrete Mathematics is meant to be the beginning and not the end.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Presents a gentle introduction to all the basics of discrete mathematics.Introduces sets and logic, providing clear instructions on calculating values for mathematical expressions for small finite sets. For simplicity, uses sets of numbers extensively -- but also covers non-numerical examples. Introduces relations and functions, and then discusses how they can be modeled using sets. Shows how modeling with sets and logic can be applied to practical problems. Includes a running case study, worked examples and self-test questions.Undergraduate courses in discrete mathematics.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 1 edition (September 16, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0133459438
• ISBN-13: 978-0133459432
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #501,760 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple, readable, practical, August 28, 2001

By 

hooligan - See all my reviews

This review is from: Essence of Discrete Mathematics (Paperback)

I bought Keneth Rosen's book on ebay, and uhhhhh... The thing was 600 pages long, and boring... I was looking for something simpler and shorter, and Dr. Dean's book was just what I needed. There are several things that I like about this book
1. It is short
2. No fluff
3. It explain foundations of discrete math giving it some practical side.
4. It is easy to read
5. Solutions to questions is provided even the book is 200 pages long

If you are struggling programmer who need some grounding in formalism or you would like to get started with discrete math, than this book is a good start. For 13 bucks it is more than a great deal. Big thanks to the author.
Dmitriy

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Too Brief and Too Simple, April 28, 2004

By 

Student "Software/Hardware Specialist" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Essence of Discrete Mathematics (Paperback)

From reading the above reviews, I assumed the book was a good source of information to help me understand the materials being covered in class. There are some useful information in the book but it didn't cover 50% of the topics that were went over in class.
A few topics that the book didn't cover was:
* Big O concept
* Modular Arithmetic

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great and simple introduction to Discrete Mathematics, July 11, 2003

By 

Eric P. Medlock (Charlotte, NC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Essence of Discrete Mathematics (Paperback)

If you've read other textbooks on Discrete Math and had as much trouble as I did following them, then this book is for you. It covers the material well and is easier to follow then most other books on the subject. Plus, the price is right!