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This easy-to-follow textbook introduces the mathematical language, knowledge and problem-solving skills that undergraduates need to study computing. The language is in part qualitative, with concepts such as set, relation, function and recursion/induction; but it is also partly quantitative, with principles of counting and finite probability. Entwined with both are the fundamental notions of logic and their use for representation and proof.
Features: teaches finite math as a language for thinking, as much as knowledge and skills to be acquired; uses an intuitive approach with a focus on examples for all general concepts; brings out the interplay between the qualitative and the quantitative in all areas covered, particularly in the treatment of recursion and induction; balances carefully the abstract and concrete, principles and proofs, specific facts and general perspectives; includes highlight boxes that raise common queries and clear confusions; provides numerous exercises, with selected solutions.
List of contents
Collecting Things Together: Sets.- Comparing Things: Relations.- Associating One Item with Another: Functions.- Recycling Outputs as Inputs: Induction and Recursion.- Counting Things: Combinatorics.- Weighing the Odds: Probability.- Squirrel Math: Trees.- Yea and Nay: Propositional Logic.- Something about Everything: Quantificational Logic.- Just Supposing: Proof and Consequence.
About the author
Dr. David Makinson is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method at the London School of Economics, UK.
Summary
This easy-to-follow book introduces the mathematical language, knowledge and problem-solving skills needed for the study of computing. The language is both qualitative and quantitative, and includes basic notions of logic used for representation and proof.
Additional text
From the reviews of the second edition:
“This book is an excellent introductory course on mathematical language, knowledge and problem solving skills for undergraduate students who need to enter the world of computer and information sciences. … This easy-to-follow text allows readers to carry out their computing studies with a clear understanding of the basic finite mathematics and mathematical logics that they will need. … is ideal for self-study as well as classroom use. … the book will be of interest to any student who would like to understand the mathematical language.” (Valentina Dagienë, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1239, 2012)
Report
From the reviews of the second edition:
"This book is an excellent introductory course on mathematical language, knowledge and problem solving skills for undergraduate students who need to enter the world of computer and information sciences. ... This easy-to-follow text allows readers to carry out their computing studies with a clear understanding of the basic finite mathematics and mathematical logics that they will need. ... is ideal for self-study as well as classroom use. ... the book will be of interest to any student who would like to understand the mathematical language." (Valentina Dagienë, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1239, 2012)
