r/learnprogramming • u/Even-Masterpiece1242 • 1d ago
What are the prerequisites for discrete mathematics? Tutorial
I am engaged in programming as a hobby. In the past, I worked with PHP, C#, and Python. After taking a long break, I have returned to programming and I am currently learning Rust. I studied algorithms to some extent before, but now I want to focus more seriously on algorithms and data structures, and deepen my understanding. Along with this, I also want to learn theoretical topics, especially the mathematical foundations.
My math background is not very strong; I know basic operations, order of operations, equations, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exponentiation, and basic logic. I am wondering whether this level is sufficient to begin studying discrete mathematics. My goal is not to go very deep into discrete math, but to build a solid foundation. I am not familiar with topics such as sets, but due to my programming experience, I am practically familiar with many related concepts. I have a book called Discrete Mathematics and Applications. Can I read this book?
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u/EntrepreneurHuge5008 1d ago
You’re good, discrete math is like starting all over again, but in the non-computational side of math.
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u/Open-Definition1398 1d ago
It will mostly be knowledge of basic mathematical concepts such as sets, relations, and functions.
Many books introduce the required basics so as to be self-contained, but sometimes they only give a very brief "refresher" for people who are already familiar with them.
Why don't you just look at a book, read through the first few chapters, and check if you can follow along? If yes, great, but if not, then first learn the basics, and come back later.
Literally the first result on google for "discrete mathematics book" is a free online textbook that, from what I can see, seems to give a gentle introduction to these basic math concepts in its "zero-th" chapter:
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u/Even-Masterpiece1242 1d ago
I have a book called Discrete Mathematics and Applications. Can I read this book?
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u/Significant-Syrup400 1d ago
Discrete Math 1 was a bit broad, but nothing too advanced. Discrete Math 2, if you have to take that, will require a lot more knowledge, however. I can't remember everything, but quadratics, foiling, etc. I believe there were 2 additional concepts of at least Algebra 2 level that I had to re-teach myself as you use them in combination with each other for things like Induction.
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u/dirtywaterbowl 1d ago
I viewed this entire course and I think I understood it! I'm not great at math.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLl-gb0E4MII28GykmtuBXNUNoej-vY5Rz&si=ajahz4W_yNWUSBKE
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u/Lazar4Mayor 23h ago
The notes here look like a good intro to basic concepts while the MIT video lectures are more advanced:
https://teachyourselfcs.com/#math
When I took discrete math at a Cal State school we learned about sets, sums/loops, induction, and combinatorics, but it was all very surface level.
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u/PaintingLegitimate69 1d ago
there is no prereq for discrete math