- #1
Of Mike and Men
- 53
- 3
Hey everyone,
Pardon the novel of a post.
Short story:
Got an 'A' in Discrete 1 (proof methods) using Epp's book at community college with an easier professor (the only offering for that course), and I'm understanding nothing to very little amount of information in Discrete 2 (computational, graph theory, etc. -- essentially a continuation of discrete 1 after proofs)using Rosen's book at university with a substitute professor who normally teaches freshman level math courses for the next 8 weeks. Should I drop and retake discrete 1 with Rosen's book at university, or continue?
Long story:
During Fall 2016 I took Discrete 1 which covered an introduction to formal logic, direct proofs, mathematical induction proofs, and some basic counting technique (pigeonhole, sum/product, inclusion/exclusion, etc.). I got an 'A' in the course without really trying. It was by far the most enjoyable math class I had. I loved doing proofs. With my other courses I didn't have much time to complete extra material, so I was doing whatever the professor assigned, and that was it. I, in part, think this professor may have been a little too easy but he was the only one at my local community college to teach it.
This semester at my university I am taking discrete 2. This course covers counting, graph theory, etc. It's essentially a continuation of discrete 1. However, this class uses a different book. At my CC we used Epp, and in this class we use Rosen. My professor is also out and they have an adjunct who normally teaches freshman level classes teaching this course since it's at a satellite campus. I am barely getting through this material. I can't understand the books derivations, solutions, and most of the time I don't even understand what the questions are asking. I've referenced Epp's text which made a lot more sense, and the problems seemed a lot easier over the same topics. Nearly every problem I've completed I've had to use chegg solutions, or look in the back of the book just to get an idea of what the question was asking.
That said, I'm really at a loss with what I should do. I live in Texas so I have this week to withdraw or I receive a 'W' and the state of Texas punishes you for taking 'W'. That is, after a certain amount of W's you have to pay out of state tuition -- which I can't afford, so I have to drop by this week, if I drop. My question is, would it perhaps be worthwhile retaking Discrete 1 at University using Rosen's book?
I'm not sure what the issue is or why I'm struggling so much with the text. Even over topics we covered in discrete 1, like pigeonhole and counting. I'm talking to the adjunct today as well as an academic advisor, but I'd like to know if this ramp up in difficulty is typical in discrete courses, or if it's likely due to other circumstances.
Normally I wouldn't worry about it, since a C is passing, but being a CS major I know this topic is important and it's not just about a grade for me, but understanding and bettering myself in this field.
Thanks.
Pardon the novel of a post.
Short story:
Got an 'A' in Discrete 1 (proof methods) using Epp's book at community college with an easier professor (the only offering for that course), and I'm understanding nothing to very little amount of information in Discrete 2 (computational, graph theory, etc. -- essentially a continuation of discrete 1 after proofs)using Rosen's book at university with a substitute professor who normally teaches freshman level math courses for the next 8 weeks. Should I drop and retake discrete 1 with Rosen's book at university, or continue?
Long story:
During Fall 2016 I took Discrete 1 which covered an introduction to formal logic, direct proofs, mathematical induction proofs, and some basic counting technique (pigeonhole, sum/product, inclusion/exclusion, etc.). I got an 'A' in the course without really trying. It was by far the most enjoyable math class I had. I loved doing proofs. With my other courses I didn't have much time to complete extra material, so I was doing whatever the professor assigned, and that was it. I, in part, think this professor may have been a little too easy but he was the only one at my local community college to teach it.
This semester at my university I am taking discrete 2. This course covers counting, graph theory, etc. It's essentially a continuation of discrete 1. However, this class uses a different book. At my CC we used Epp, and in this class we use Rosen. My professor is also out and they have an adjunct who normally teaches freshman level classes teaching this course since it's at a satellite campus. I am barely getting through this material. I can't understand the books derivations, solutions, and most of the time I don't even understand what the questions are asking. I've referenced Epp's text which made a lot more sense, and the problems seemed a lot easier over the same topics. Nearly every problem I've completed I've had to use chegg solutions, or look in the back of the book just to get an idea of what the question was asking.
That said, I'm really at a loss with what I should do. I live in Texas so I have this week to withdraw or I receive a 'W' and the state of Texas punishes you for taking 'W'. That is, after a certain amount of W's you have to pay out of state tuition -- which I can't afford, so I have to drop by this week, if I drop. My question is, would it perhaps be worthwhile retaking Discrete 1 at University using Rosen's book?
I'm not sure what the issue is or why I'm struggling so much with the text. Even over topics we covered in discrete 1, like pigeonhole and counting. I'm talking to the adjunct today as well as an academic advisor, but I'd like to know if this ramp up in difficulty is typical in discrete courses, or if it's likely due to other circumstances.
Normally I wouldn't worry about it, since a C is passing, but being a CS major I know this topic is important and it's not just about a grade for me, but understanding and bettering myself in this field.
Thanks.