Mastering Discrete Math: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners in Computer Science

[RooksAndBooks]

(I guess you could put this in a computer science section since discrete math is the math of computers.) What learning resources do you recommend for learning discrete math from a person who knows none of it to a person who can do it easily? I have tried to study the topics below but the symbols used in them aren't explained in anything I read. Mostly, it's the symbols that I'm having trouble understanding but I really am just a beginner. I want to learn discrete math due to its relevance to computer science. The topics that I have tried to study include:

1. Information Theory and Entropy
2. Mathematical Logic
3. Set Theory
4. Combinatorics
5. Automata Theory
6. Number Theory
7. Graph Theory
8. Discrete Probability Distributions
9. Computability Theory
10. Computational Complexity Theory
11. Cryptography
12. Computational Geometry
13. Topology
14. Combinatorial Optimization
15. Relational Database Theory
16. https://www.amazon.com/dp/032157351X/?tag=pfamazon01-20

 

[jedishrfu]

Wikipedia has provided a more extensive outline for you to explore:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_discrete_mathematics

Check it out and you may find online resources or books in the particular area of interest.

 

[micromass]

I like Epp: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0495391328/?tag=pfamazon01-20
Somewhat harder is https://www.amazon.com/dp/0072899050/?tag=pfamazon01-20

 

[Jaeusm]

There is a free online discrete mathematics course offered by MIT called "Mathematics for Computer Science". The text for the course is also freely downloadable.

http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electric...tics-for-computer-science-fall-2010/index.htm

 

[bacte2013]

I like Epp: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0495391328/?tag=pfamazon01-20
Somewhat harder is https://www.amazon.com/dp/0072899050/?tag=pfamazon01-20

I read both Apps and Rosen, and both are not quite good. I recommend Grimaldi's Discrete and Combinatorial Mathematics and Knuth's Concrete Mathematics.

 

[micromass]

What's your basis of saying they're not good?

Grimaldi is a good book. Knuth covers way different topics than the books I mentioned.

 

[bacte2013]

Eppchas a clear explanation on the basic concepts but she does not treat the topics in depth, and the problems are very easy. Rosen is extremely long-winded and very confusing in presenting the concepts. I will add more details once I get back.

 

[BubblesAreUs]

Eppchas a clear explanation on the basic concepts but she does not treat the topics in depth, and the problems are very easy. Rosen is extremely long-winded and very confusing in presenting the concepts. I will add more details once I get back.

I usually used Rosen's book with a good dose of youtube videos. It isn't a bad text but it's not as organised. Then again, I assumed that most people nowadays refer to online videos as well.

 

[MidgetDwarf]

Is it the language of sets?. Google search sets math/ logic. There should be articles floating around. There was a good one from Berkeley which explained what sets are and even had problems.

Is this a self study or class? If it is a self-study, may I suggest to learn linear algebra first? I'm currently using Epps for my discrete class that starts next monday. Honestly, I would have found discrete math hard if it was my first abstract math class. Good thing I had practice with linear algebra. Even made me cry at one point lol.