Sets, logic and maths for computing (Q5895536)

This book is an excellent introductory course on mathematical language, knowledge and problem solving skills for undergraduate students who need to enter the world of computer and information sciences. It explains the basic mathematical concepts such as set, relation, function and recursion or induction, also principles of counting and finite probability. This is an extensively revised second edition which provides further clarification of difficult matters. This easy-to-follow text allows readers to carry out their computing studies with a clear understanding of the basic finite mathematics and mathematical logics that they will need. Written explicitly for undergraduates, it requires only a minimal mathematical background and is ideal for self-study as well as classroom use. It will be observed that the author teaches the material as a language for thinking, as much as knowledge to be acquired and uses an intuitive approach with a focus on examples for all general concepts. So the book is about certain mathematical tools that students need to apply over and over again when working with computations. There are included set theory, theory of relations, theory of functions, induction, recursion, combinatorics, probability, trees, propositional, and quantificational logics. Numerous exercises, solutions and proofs to deepen and test the reader's understanding are provided in the book. From time to time there are `boxes' of a different nature in the text. They raise common queries and clarify potential confusion. The second edition has many new developments: formulations have been reviewed to improve clarity; more exercises have been added as well as additional sample answers have also been provided. To facilitate cross-reference, the numbering of exercises has been aligned with that of the sections and subsections. Several chapters have been significant revised and rewritten. Because of this all, the book will be of interest to any student who would like to understand the mathematical language. No matter if readers may not have done much mathematics at school: they can re-learn the essentials with the book, and perhaps even have fun doing so. A part of the author's webpage \url{http://sites.google.com/site/davidmakinson} is set aside for material relating to this edition of the book.