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I guess I sort of did. I never took mathematics seriously, have a GED instead of a HS diploma, and subsequently started college in remedial HS-level algebra. Bu

by thearn4 11y ago

I guess I sort of did. I never took mathematics seriously, have a GED instead of a HS diploma, and subsequently started college in remedial HS-level algebra. But now I have a PhD in applied mathematics and work in the overlapping gray area of research that exists between the mathematics, computer science, and systems engineering disciplines. I did have some very good (and very patient) instructors early on. But at some point when I had the chance to read and understand the basics of discrete math and intermediate calculus in-between my semesters (undergraduate was a bit broken up for me, I was a deployed military reservist), I guess I found it interesting enough at that point to go deeper and change my major.

chris11 11y ago
What books would you recommend? I'm currently in university, and I've had some exposure to discrete mathematics. But I'm definitely not comfortable with discrete math.
- goc 11y ago
  To start from absolute zero, check out Suzanna Epp's Discrete Math[0]. I believe even a motivated high school student could get started with it and even finish it. If your proof-writing is shaky, the book provides a very good workout. From there it will be easy to choose the areas of discrete math to specialize. [0] http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0495391328?keywords=susanna%20epp&qid=1457736748&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0495391328?keywords=susanna...
  - chris11 11y ago
    Thanks, I'll check it out. My proof-writing is definitely shaky. I can clearly see the relationship between programming on writing proofs, but I can't get immediate feedback on the validity of my mathematical proofs like I can with code.
    - goc 11y ago
      Questions in Epp are by no means unique. If you search MSE, you'll see that every question in Epp has probably been asked and reasked about a thousand times each. That goes for subjects like Real Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Topology as well.

by thearn4 11y ago

chris11 11y ago

What books would you recommend? I'm currently in university, and I've had some exposure to discrete mathematics. But I'm definitely not comfortable with discrete math.

goc 11y ago
To start from absolute zero, check out Suzanna Epp's Discrete Math[0]. I believe even a motivated high school student could get started with it and even finish it. If your proof-writing is shaky, the book provides a very good workout. From there it will be easy to choose the areas of discrete math to specialize. [0] http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0495391328?keywords=susanna%20epp&qid=1457736748&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0495391328?keywords=susanna...
- chris11 11y ago
  Thanks, I'll check it out. My proof-writing is definitely shaky. I can clearly see the relationship between programming on writing proofs, but I can't get immediate feedback on the validity of my mathematical proofs like I can with code.
  - goc 11y ago
    Questions in Epp are by no means unique. If you search MSE, you'll see that every question in Epp has probably been asked and reasked about a thousand times each. That goes for subjects like Real Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Topology as well.