Bridges combinatorics and probability and uniquely includes detailed formulas and proofs to promote mathematical thinking Combinatorics: An Introduction introduces readers to counting combinatorics, offers examples that feature unique approaches and ideas, and presents case-by-case methods for solving problems. Detailing how combinatorial problems arise in many areas of pure mathematics, most notably in algebra, probability theory, topology, and geometry, this book provides discussion on logic and paradoxes; sets and set notations; power sets and their cardinality; Venn diagrams; the multiplication principal; and permutations, combinations, and problems combining the multiplication principal. Additional features of this enlightening introduction include: * Worked examples, proofs, and exercises in every chapter * Detailed explanations of formulas to promote fundamental understanding * Promotion of mathematical thinking by examining presented ideas and seeing proofs before reaching conclusions * Elementary applications that do not advance beyond the use of Venn diagrams, the inclusion/exclusion formula, the multiplication principal, permutations, and combinations Combinatorics: An Introduction is an excellent book for discrete and finite mathematics courses at the upper-undergraduate level. This book is also ideal for readers who wish to better understand the various applications of elementary combinatorics.

Writing with clear knowledge and affection for the subject, the author introduces and explores infinite sets, infinite cardinals, and ordinals, thus challenging the readers' intuitive beliefs about infinity. Requiring little mathematical training and a healthy curiosity, the book presents a user-friendly approach to ideas involving the infinite. Readers will discover the main ideas of infinite cardinals and ordinal numbers without experiencing in-depth mathematical rigor. Classic arguments and illustrative examples are provided throughout the book and are accompanied by a gradual progression of sophisticated notions designed to stun your intuitive view of the world. Infinity, we are told, is as large as things get. This is not entirely true. This book does not refer to "infinities, " but rather to "cardinals." This is to emphasize the point that what you thought you knew about infinity is probably incorrect or imprecise. Since the reader is assumed to be educated in mathematics, but not necessarily mathematically trained, an attempt has been made to convince the reader of the truth of a matter without resorting to the type of rigor found in professional journals. Therefore, the author has accompanied the proofs with illustrative examples. The examples are often a part of a larger proof. Important facts are included and their proofs have been excluded if the author has determined that the proof is beyond the scope of the discussion. For example, it is assumed and not proven within the book that a collection of cardinals is larger than any set or mathematical object. The topics covered within the book cannot be found within any other one book on infinity, and the work succeeds in being the only book on infinite cardinals for the high school educated person. Topical coverage includes: logic and sets; functions; counting infinite sets; infinite cardinals; well ordered sets; inductions and numbers; prime numbers; and logic and meta-mathematics.