Discrete mathematics

This third edition of a textbook on discrete mathematics is written for a wide range of readers and builds from foundational ideas toward more advanced material. It covers the mathematics that underpins computer science, presenting its theory with careful proofs and tying it to practical uses. The author keeps the approach of earlier editions while revising parts of the content.

The expanded opening chapter adds a section on formally proving whether arguments in propositional logic are valid, before the book moves on to predicate logic. A new chapter introduces elementary number theory and congruences, including the groups that arise in modular arithmetic and RSA, a widely used public key method for encrypting data securely. A detailed solutions manual is available to qualifying instructors.

The book is intended to build the logical reasoning skills students and professionals need as computer science continues to change.