CS 170 Home Page

Discrete Structures

Fall 2023

This course is an introduction to the topics in discrete mathematics that are of particular use in computing. Discrete mathematics is especially concerned with counting techniques and finite or infinite sets of integers (discrete numbers), instead of a continuous range of numbers (such as the real numbers used in calculus). Topics to be covered include logic, sets, functions, simple proof techniques, algorithms, counting techniques, basics of graphs and trees, finite state machines, parsing, and grammars.

Further Information

Order of Operations
Education Technology web site by Texas Instruments
Guidebooks for Texas Instruments Calculators
All Elementary Mathematics
See the algebra section for mathematical induction, sequences, permutations and combinations, etc.
The Math Forum: Discrete Mathematics
National Curve Bank
Example Prolog programs
Including tictac.pro.
Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications web site
The student center provides guides to writing proofs and common mistakes in discrete mathematics, links to external Web sites, extra examples, self-assessment on some key topics, and interactive demonstrations of important algorithms.
Example proofs
Parser Freeware and Examples
Other items of interest:
- Anita Borg Institute (women in technology)
- Hidden Figures the book and movie show early computers -- people -- who calculated orbits and learned to program -- in Fortran.
- Documents, homilies, and speeches of Pope Francis

Studying and Homework

Take a few minutes to watch these short videos: How to Study by cognitive psychogist Stephen Chew. It could help you in this class and others!
Homework assignments will be posted in Schoology and in many cases will direct you to the WeBWorK online mathematical homework system.
Log into Schoology and the WeBWorK system after each class to see what homework sets you have due soon.

Exams

Information on exams, such as when they will be and what they will cover, will be posted in Schoology.

Instructor: Br. David Carlson

Maintained by: Br. David Carlson
Last updated: August 23, 2023
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