What Are Some Recommended Books for Learning Combinatorics?

In summary, the conversation is about finding good books on combinatorics for a math major who wants to improve their skills in counting. The person asking for recommendations is open to any advice and mentions their goal of wanting to practice solving problems and possibly learning about generating functions. They also mention their interest in writing computer programs to enumerate combinations.
  • #1
sebasvargasl
4
0
Hello community. I'd like to know about good books dealing with combinatorics that you might recommend. I'm a math major who has neglected this area for some time now and essentially I feel like I don't know how to count. Advice is welcome!
 
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  • #2
I'm sorry you are not finding help at the moment. Is there any additional information you can share with us?
 
  • #3
We need to know the goal more clearly. Do you just want practice at solving problem like "How many 4 handed poker hands are there where one player has 2 red jacks?" Or do you want more advanced treatments of things like generating functions? Can you write computer programs? Writing programs to enumerate combinations is an interesting topic (as opposed to merely saying what total numbers of such things exist.)
 

FAQ: What Are Some Recommended Books for Learning Combinatorics?

What is combinatorics?

Combinatorics is a branch of mathematics that deals with counting and arranging objects in a finite or discrete manner. It involves studying combinations, permutations, and other ways of organizing objects.

How is combinatorics used in real life?

Combinatorics has many practical applications in fields such as computer science, economics, and statistics. For example, in computer science, it is used to analyze algorithms and optimize data structures. In economics, it is used to study market trends and make predictions. In statistics, it is used to calculate probabilities and make forecasts.

What are some common techniques used in combinatorics?

Some common techniques used in combinatorics include the multiplication principle, combinations, permutations, and the inclusion-exclusion principle. These techniques help in solving counting problems and finding the total number of possible outcomes in a given situation.

Can combinatorics be applied to solve real-world problems?

Yes, combinatorics can be applied to solve a variety of real-world problems. It is a versatile branch of mathematics that can be used to model and solve problems in various fields, such as computer science, economics, and biology. By using combinatorics, we can find efficient and optimal solutions to complex problems.

How can I improve my understanding of combinatorics?

To improve your understanding of combinatorics, it is important to practice solving problems and familiarize yourself with the different techniques and formulas. You can also study from textbooks, online resources, and attend workshops or classes. Collaborating with other mathematicians and discussing problems can also help in improving your understanding of combinatorics.

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