Discrete Math Foundations in Computer Science

Discrete math is the foundation for all modern digital logic and computer science, but what is discrete math?

In this textbook, the topics of introductory discrete math using an Inquiry-Based Math Education (IBME) approach are explored. IBME is a student-centered approach to math education in which students are presented with a series of inquiry questions on a topic that build from common knowledge and reasoning into mastery of the topic. What this looks like in practice:Each chapter introduces experiential problems (called Inquiry Questions) that must be solved to derive the principles of discrete math. Between students working the problems, they share and discuss their processes with peers and the class, and learn about conventions, notation, and obscure properties through Essential Questions that explore common follow-up questions on the topics being explored.

This book contains everything you need to teach an IBME introduction to discrete math course without needing additional slides, lecture notes, or materials. The end goal is that the students do not just understand the material but feel confident discussing discrete math fluently with their peers and exploring and finding answers to new problems on their own.

Topics and features:

·Discrete Math Proofs and Proof by Induction

·Propositional and Predicate Logic

·Set Theory

·Combinatorics and Discrete Probability

·Guide On How to Teach Using This Book

·Over 700 Practice Problems and 2 Practice Exams

·Metacognitive Strategies for Learning and Mastering Math concepts

Not only does this book is offers a unique and engaging way to teach discrete math to students in engineering, computing, and technology, but it can also serve as a useful resource for a learner hoping to better understand discrete math alongside a traditional lecture-based course, or as an independent life-long learner.

Dr. Ada-Rhodes Wish is an assistant professor of applied computing in the College of Information Science and Technology at the University of Nebraska Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska, USA.