Concise Computer Mathematics

As someone that has relied on them heavily in many subjects, I can attest that this book is a “Schaum’s© outline” by another name and in a smaller form. Each of the chapters opens with a short summary followed by a set of essential problems and then a set of supplementary problems. For example, the summary of the sets and numbers section takes up four and a half pages and solutions to all essential and supplementary problems appear at the end.

The chapter headings are:

• Sets and numbers
• Relations and databases
• Functions
• Boolean algebra, logic and quantifiers
• Normal forms, proof and argument
• Vectors and complex numbers
• Matrices and applications
• Matrix applications in computer graphics
• Elements of graph theory
• Elements of number theory and cryptography
• Elements of calculus
• Elementary numerical methods

As can be seen from these headings, the coverage is that of a basic course in discrete mathematics, albeit somewhat lacking in breadth. Due to the brevity of the introductions this book could not be used as a stand-alone resource for self-study that begins at the bottom, but it would be very useful for someone that needs a quick and effective review that includes problems. 

Charles Ashbacher splits his time between consulting with industry in projects involving math and computers, teaching college classes and co-editing The Journal of Recreational Mathematics. In his spare time, he reads about these things and helps his daughter in her lawn care business.