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Miran Fattah

WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT?

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WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT?

Discrete Mathematics (DM), or Discrete Math is the backbone of Mathematics and Computer Science. DM is the study of topics that are discrete rather than continuous, for that, the course is a MUST for any Math or CS student. The topics that are covered in this course are the most essential ones, those that will touch every Math and Science student at some point in their education. The goal of this course is to build the mathematical foundation for computer science courses such as data structures, algorithms, relational and database theory, and for mathematics courses such as linear and abstract algebra, combinatorics, probability, logic and set theory, and number theory.

Discrete Mathematics gives students the ability to understand Math language and based on that, the course is divided into the following sections:

  1. Sets

  2. Logic

  3. Number Theory

  4. Proofs

  5. Functions

  6. Relations

  7. Graph Theory

  8. Statistics

  9. Combinatorics 

  10. and Sequences and Series

I know visually seeing a problem getting solved is the easiest and the most direct way for a student to learn so I designed the course keeping this in mind. The materials are delivered through videos to make complex subjects easy to comprehend. More details on certain lessons are delivered through text files to provide more explanations or examples. The course is taught in plain English, away from cloudy, complicated mathematical jargon, to help the student learn the material rather than getting stuck on fancy words.

HOW DO I LEARN BETTER?

There are quizzes after each lecture so you can test your knowledge and see how much of the material has sunk in. I suggest you go through each lesson several times to better understand the content.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • You will learn and develop the ability to think, read and write abstractly and mathematically.
  • You will learn the fundamentals of set theory including set builder notation, and set operations and properties.
  • You will learn tautologies, contradictions, de morgan's laws in logic, logical equivalence, and formulating quantified statements.
  • You will lear how to create truth tables and tell the falsehood and truthfulness of a compound statements.
  • You will know how to write, read and prove mathematical statements using a variety of methods.
  • You will understand boolean expressions, black boxes, logical gates and digital circuits.
  • You will understand the fundamental theorem of arithmetics, modular arithmetic, and learn how to find gcd & lcm.
  • You will acquire a solid foundation in functions, function composition & combination, bijective and inverse functions.
  • You will learn how to find equivalence relations and equivalence classes.
  • You will learn essential concepts in statistics and combinatorics.
  • You will master arithmetic and geometric sequences, and partial sums.
  • You will learn the fundamental concepts in graph theory like incidence and adjacency matrices, walks, eccentricity, connectedness, and ore's theorem.
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Syllabus

Sets
Intro
Definition of a Set
Quiz
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Introduces fundamental concepts in abstract Mathematics and Computer Science
Provides a solid foundation for future studies in Math and Science
Taught in plain English, making it accessible to students with varying levels of mathematical background
Emphasizes hands-on learning through quizzes and exercises
Suitable for beginners with little to no prior knowledge in Discrete Mathematics
Covers a wide range of topics, providing a comprehensive overview of Discrete Mathematics

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Reviews summary

Foundational discrete mathematics introduction

According to learners, this course offers a solid introduction to Discrete Mathematics, making foundational concepts like Sets, Logic and Number Theory particularly accessible. Many praise the use of plain English and the clear video explanations, finding the course ideal for beginners or those needing a refresher. It is frequently highlighted as an excellent prerequisite for Computer Science and related fields. However, some students note that the course provides limited depth on certain topics, specifically mentioning Proofs and parts of Graph Theory, suggesting it functions more as a survey. Reviewers also occasionally wish for more challenging practice problems beyond the provided quizzes.
Quizzes helpful, more practice needed
"The quizzes were simple but effective for reinforcing concepts."
"More challenging practice problems would be beneficial."
"I wish there were more challenging exercises or assignments beyond the basic quizzes."
"The practice problems were okay, but I needed to find additional ones elsewhere to feel confident."
"The quizzes are too easy."
Useful prerequisite for computer science
"As a self-learner preparing for university-level computer science, this course provided exactly the mathematical foundation I needed."
"Worth taking if you need the fundamentals for CS."
"Good preparation for data structures."
"This course is a lifesaver for computer science students."
"Essential for anyone heading into computer science."
Excellent for beginners and building basics
"This course was a fantastic refresher for me... Highly recommended for anyone needing to build or rebuild their foundation."
"As a self-learner preparing for university-level computer science, this course provided exactly the mathematical foundation I needed."
"A good introductory course. It covers a wide range of topics..."
"It covers the essentials perfectly."
"Perfect for beginners!"
Concepts are presented in an easy-to-follow way
"The explanations are crystal clear, and the pace is just right."
"The way the instructor explains concepts using plain language is a huge plus."
"I appreciated the use of videos and plain English. It made complex ideas much easier to grasp than my textbook."
"The instructor breaks things down well."
"Made topics I thought would be difficult very accessible."
Could be more in-depth on some topics
"I felt that some sections, especially proofs and graph theory, were a bit superficial."
"The proofs section is too brief for me to feel confident in applying them."
"Similarly, number theory was okay, but didn't go into enough detail..."
"It feels more like a survey course than an in-depth study."
"If you already have some background or are looking for a rigorous treatment, this isn't it."
"Don't expect to master proofs or complex graph theory here."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Discrete Mathematics with these activities:
Review mathematical symbols and notation
Brings back to mind important concepts that are essential to understanding discrete mathematics.
Browse courses on Mathematical Notation
Show steps
  • Re-familiarize yourself with mathematical symbols for sets, logical operators, and functions.
  • Review common mathematical notation. This includes things like sigma notation, summation notation, and product notation.
  • Get comfortable with the language of mathematics as it relates to logic and proofs.
Read Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications
Provides a comprehensive overview of the core concepts and applications of discrete mathematics.
Show steps
  • Read the chapter introductions to get an overview of the main topics covered.
  • Go through the examples and exercises to reinforce your understanding.
  • Solve the practice problems at the end of each chapter to test your knowledge.
Solve practice problems from Discrete Mathematics textbooks
Provides opportunities to practice solving problems and apply the concepts learned in the course.
Browse courses on Problem Solving
Show steps
  • Choose a textbook with a good collection of practice problems.
  • Start with easier problems and gradually move on to more challenging ones.
  • Check your solutions against the answer key to identify any errors.
  • Review the solutions to understand the correct approach and reasoning.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow online tutorials on Discrete Mathematics
Provides structured guidance and explanations to supplement the course material.
Show steps
  • Search for reputable websites or platforms that offer video tutorials on Discrete Mathematics.
  • Choose tutorials that align with the topics covered in the course.
  • Watch the videos attentively and take notes on key concepts.
  • Pause the videos when needed to reflect and reinforce your understanding.
  • Complete any practice exercises or quizzes associated with the tutorials.
Create concept maps or mind maps for Discrete Mathematics topics
Helps organize and visualize the relationships between different concepts in Discrete Mathematics.
Browse courses on Concept Mapping
Show steps
  • Start by identifying the main concepts in a particular topic.
  • Use branches or nodes to connect related concepts and ideas.
  • Add labels and annotations to explain the connections and relationships.
  • Review your concept map or mind map to reinforce your understanding.
Participate in online forums or discussion groups for Discrete Mathematics
Provides opportunities to engage with peers, ask questions, and share insights.
Show steps
  • Find online forums or discussion groups dedicated to Discrete Mathematics.
  • Introduce yourself and ask questions related to the course material.
  • Respond to questions or comments from other participants.
  • Share your own insights and understanding to help others.
Organize and review course materials
Helps students stay organized and keeps the course material fresh in their minds.
Browse courses on Organization
Show steps
  • Keep a dedicated notebook or binder for the course.
  • File lecture notes, handouts, and assignments in an organized manner.
  • Review your notes regularly to reinforce your understanding.
  • Create flashcards or summaries of key concepts for quick reference.

Career center

Learners who complete Discrete Mathematics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Data Scientist
Data Scientists are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to extract meaningful insights. Discrete Mathematics provides a strong foundation for this role, as it covers topics such as set theory, logic, number theory, and graph theory. These topics are essential for understanding the data structures and algorithms used in data science. Additionally, Discrete Mathematics helps develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for success as a Data Scientist.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. Discrete Mathematics is a valuable asset for Software Engineers, as it helps them understand the underlying principles of computer science. The course covers topics such as sets, logic, functions, relations, and graph theory, which are all essential for understanding the design and implementation of software systems. Additionally, Discrete Mathematics helps Software Engineers develop the analytical and problem-solving skills necessary for success in this field.
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers write and maintain the code that powers computer applications. Discrete Mathematics provides a strong foundation for this role, as it covers topics such as sets, logic, functions, and graph theory. These topics are essential for understanding the data structures and algorithms used in programming. Additionally, Discrete Mathematics helps Computer Programmers develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for success in this field.
Actuary
Actuaries use mathematical and statistical techniques to assess risk and uncertainty. Discrete Mathematics is a valuable asset for Actuaries, as it helps them understand the underlying principles of probability and statistics. The course covers topics such as sets, logic, number theory, and combinatorics, which are all essential for understanding the actuarial models used to assess risk. Additionally, Discrete Mathematics helps Actuaries develop the analytical and problem-solving skills necessary for success in this field.
Statistician
Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to extract meaningful insights. Discrete Mathematics provides a strong foundation for this role, as it covers topics such as sets, logic, number theory, and combinatorics. These topics are essential for understanding the statistical models used to analyze data. Additionally, Discrete Mathematics helps Statisticians develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for success in this field.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and analytical techniques to improve the efficiency of organizations. Discrete Mathematics is a valuable asset for Operations Research Analysts, as it helps them understand the underlying principles of optimization and decision-making. The course covers topics such as sets, logic, number theory, and graph theory, which are all essential for understanding the models used to optimize operations. Additionally, Discrete Mathematics helps Operations Research Analysts develop the analytical and problem-solving skills necessary for success in this field.
Cryptographer
Cryptographers design and implement algorithms to protect information from unauthorized access. Discrete Mathematics is a valuable asset for Cryptographers, as it helps them understand the underlying principles of cryptography. The course covers topics such as sets, logic, number theory, and combinatorics, which are all essential for understanding the algorithms used to encrypt and decrypt data. Additionally, Discrete Mathematics helps Cryptographers develop the analytical and problem-solving skills necessary for success in this field.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts use mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze financial data and make investment recommendations. Discrete Mathematics provides a strong foundation for this role, as it covers topics such as sets, logic, number theory, and combinatorics. These topics are essential for understanding the financial models used to analyze investments. Additionally, Discrete Mathematics helps Financial Analysts develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for success in this field.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to extract meaningful insights. Discrete Mathematics provides a strong foundation for this role, as it covers topics such as sets, logic, number theory, and combinatorics. These topics are essential for understanding the data structures and algorithms used in data analysis. Additionally, Discrete Mathematics helps Data Analysts develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for success in this field.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts use mathematical and analytical techniques to improve the efficiency of businesses. Discrete Mathematics provides a strong foundation for this role, as it covers topics such as sets, logic, number theory, and combinatorics. These topics are essential for understanding the models used to analyze business processes. Additionally, Discrete Mathematics helps Business Analysts develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for success in this field.
Teacher
Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. Discrete Mathematics may be useful for Teachers, as it can help them understand the underlying principles of mathematics. The course covers topics such as sets, logic, number theory, and graph theory, which are all essential for understanding the concepts taught in mathematics classes. Additionally, Discrete Mathematics can help Teachers develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for success in this field.
Economist
Economists use mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze economic data and make policy recommendations. Discrete Mathematics may be useful for Economists, as it can help them understand the underlying principles of economics. The course covers topics such as sets, logic, number theory, and combinatorics, which are all essential for understanding the models used to analyze economic data. Additionally, Discrete Mathematics can help Economists develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for success in this field.
Biostatistician
Biostatisticians use mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze biological data and make medical recommendations. Discrete Mathematics may be useful for Biostatisticians, as it can help them understand the underlying principles of statistics. The course covers topics such as sets, logic, number theory, and combinatorics, which are all essential for understanding the models used to analyze biological data. Additionally, Discrete Mathematics can help Biostatisticians develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for success in this field.
Market Researcher
Market Researchers use mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze market data and make marketing recommendations. Discrete Mathematics may be useful for Market Researchers, as it can help them understand the underlying principles of statistics. The course covers topics such as sets, logic, number theory, and combinatorics, which are all essential for understanding the models used to analyze market data. Additionally, Discrete Mathematics can help Market Researchers develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for success in this field.
Psychologist
Psychologists use mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze psychological data and make recommendations for treatment. Discrete Mathematics may be useful for Psychologists, as it can help them understand the underlying principles of statistics. The course covers topics such as sets, logic, number theory, and combinatorics, which are all essential for understanding the models used to analyze psychological data. Additionally, Discrete Mathematics can help Psychologists develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for success in this field.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Discrete Mathematics.
Classic textbook for discrete mathematics. It is written in a more informal style than Rosen's book, and it covers a wider range of topics. It good choice for students who want a deeper understanding of discrete mathematics.
Comprehensive textbook for discrete mathematics. It covers all the topics in the course, and it is written in a clear and concise style. It good choice for students who want a thorough understanding of discrete mathematics.
Classic textbook for mathematical logic. It provides a rigorous and comprehensive treatment of the subject. It good choice for students who want a deep understanding of logic.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to number theory. It covers all the basic concepts of number theory, and it includes many exercises and examples. It good choice for students who want to learn more about number theory.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to graph theory. It covers all the basic concepts of graph theory, and it includes many exercises and examples. It good choice for students who want to learn more about graph theory.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to probability. It covers all the basic concepts of probability, and it includes many exercises and examples. It good choice for students who want to learn more about probability.
Free online textbook for discrete mathematics. It is written in a clear and concise style, and it covers all the topics in the course. It good choice for students who want a free and accessible resource.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to set theory. It covers all the basic concepts of set theory, and it includes many exercises and examples. It good choice for students who want to learn more about set theory.
Provides a gentle introduction to mathematical thinking. It covers the basics of logic, proof, and algorithms. It good choice for students who want to learn more about mathematical thinking.

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