Introduction to Combinatorics (eBook)

Praise for the First Edition

"This excellent text should prove a useful accoutrement
for any developing mathematics program . . . it's short,
it's sweet, it's beautifully written."
--The Mathematical Intelligencer

"Erickson has prepared an exemplary work . . . strongly
recommended for inclusion in undergraduate-level library
collections." --Choice

Featuring a modern approach, Introduction to Combinatorics,
Second Edition illustrates the applicability of combinatorial
methods and discusses topics that are not typically addressed in
literature, such as Alcuin's sequence, Rook paths, and
Leech's lattice. The book also presents fundamental
results, discusses interconnection and problem-solving techniques,
and collects and disseminates open problems that raise questions
and observations.

Many important combinatorial methods are revisited and repeated
several times throughout the book in exercises, examples, theorems,
and proofs alike, allowing readers to build confidence and
reinforce their understanding of complex material. In addition, the
author successfully guides readers step-by-step through three major
achievements of combinatorics: Van der Waerden's theorem on
arithmetic progressions, Pólya's graph enumeration
formula, and Leech's 24-dimensional lattice. Along with
updated tables and references that reflect recent advances in
various areas, such as error-correcting codes and combinatorial
designs, the Second Edition also features:

* Many new exercises to help readers understand and apply
combinatorial techniques and ideas

* A deeper, investigative study of combinatorics through
exercises requiring the use of computer programs

* Over fifty new examples, ranging in level from routine to
advanced, that illustrate important combinatorial concepts

* Basic principles and theories in combinatorics as well as new
and innovative results in the field

Introduction to Combinatorics, Second Edition is an ideal
textbook for a one- or two-semester sequence in combinatorics,
graph theory, and discrete mathematics at the upper-undergraduate
level. The book is also an excellent reference for anyone
interested in the various applications of elementary
combinatorics.