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Learn more about discrete mathematics

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Resources on the web

Numerical Analysis
Students use iteration, recursion, and algebra to model and analyze a changing fish population. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Ask Dr. Math
A question and answer service for math students and their teachers. (Learn more)
Format: website/activity
Provided by: The Math Forum, Drexel University
Fretting
In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from Illuminations, students use their discoveries from the first lesson to place frets on a fretless instrument. They then compare geometric sequences with exponential functions. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

A branch of mathematics that focuses on the study of objects and ideas that can be divided into separated or discontinuous parts.

Additional information

Discrete mathematics problems can be classified into three broad categories:

  • Existence problems deal with whether or not a given problem has a solution
  • Counting problems investigate how many solutions may exist for problems with known solutions
  • Optimization problems focus on finding a best solution to a particular problem

Specific topics include logic, set theory, number theory, combinatorics, graph theory, algorithmics, information theory, computability and complexity, probability theory, and linear algebra. Common applications include game theory and election theory.