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A Beginner’s Guide to Finite Mathematics: For Business, Management, and the Social Sciences
When elementary courses in discrete and combinatorial mathematics first became
popular, they usually covered a broad spectrum of pure and applied topics. Most
of the students taking such courses were from mathematics and computer science,
with a handful of brave souls from other disciplines. Those other students usually
found the courses quite difficult. However, the applications were useful in a number
of areas.
The teaching of discrete topics has evolved into two streams. The more mathematical
parts are studied in courses called Discrete Mathematics, and more advanced,
more rigorous courses called Combinatorics, or named for specific areas (Graph Theory,
Combinatorial Designs, Cryptography, and so on). Introductions to those areas
of applicable discrete mathematics used by students in business, management and
the social sciences are usually called Finite Mathematics, and elementary courses
on this material are now standard at many colleges and universities. These courses
are typically offered at the freshman level although many students take them later in
their careers.
This book is designed for a one-semester course in finite mathematics and applications.
Often this course will be the student’s first mathematical experience at the
college level, so I have tried to avoid too much sophistication. Those seeking a more
mathematical course should look elsewhere, at the many books on the market that
are named Introduction to Discrete Mathematics or Introduction to Combinatorics.
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