Combinatorics : A Problem Oriented Approach

Daniel A. Marcus

ISBN 10: 0883857103 / ISBN 13: 9780883857106

Published by MAA Press, 82, 1998

About this Item

Text in English. 136 pp. General and edge wear on the covers. Page edges folded. This book teaches the art of enumeration, or counting, by leading the reader through a series of carefully chosen problems that are arranged strategically to introduce concepts in a logical order and in a provocative way. It is organized in eight sections, the first four of which cover the basic combinatorial entities of strings, combinations, distributions, and partitions. The last four cover the special counting methods of inclusion and exclusion, recurrence relations, generating functions, and the method of Pólya and Redfield that can be characterized as "counting modulo symmetry." The unique format combines features of a traditional textbook with those of a problem book. The subject matter is presented through a series of approximately 250 problems with connecting text where appropriate, and is supplemented by approximately 220 additional problems for homework assignments. Many applications to probability are included throughout the book. Whle intended primarily for use as the text for a college-level course taken by mathematics, computer science and engineering students, the book is suftable as well for a general education course at a good liberal arts college, or for self study. Seller Inventory # 3469

Bibliographic Details

Title: Combinatorics : A Problem Oriented Approach

Publisher: MAA Press, 82

Publication Date: 1998

Binding: Soft Cover

Condition: Very Good

Edition: 1st Edition.

About this title

Synopsis:

The format of this book is unique in that it combines features of a traditional text with those of a problem book. The material is presented through a series of problems, about 250 in all, with connecting text; this is supplemented by a further 250 problems suitable for homework assignment. The problems are structured in order to introduce concepts in a logical order, and in a thought-provoking way. The first four sections of the book deal with basic combinatorial entities; the last four cover special counting methods. Many applications to probability are included along the way. Students from a wide range of backgrounds, mathematics, computer science or engineering will appreciate this appealing introduction.

Review:

This book is a good supplemental resource for an instructor to a more substantial textbook at the mathematics graduate level ... What this book does extremely well is to connect the problems together and consequently tie the concepts together."" - Myriam Abramson, SIGACT News