This book uses new mathematical tools to examine broad computability and complexity questions in enumerative combinatorics, with applications to other areas of mathematics, theoretical computer science, and physics. A focus on effective algorithms leads to the development of computer algebra software of use to researchers in these domains. After a survey of current results and open problems on decidability in enumerative combinatorics, the text shows how the cutting edge of this research is the new domain of Analytic Combinatorics in Several Variables (ACSV). The remaining chapters of the text alternate between a pedagogical development of the theory, applications (including the resolution by this author of conjectures in lattice path enumeration which resisted several other approaches), and the development of algorithms. The final chapters in the text show, through examples and general theory, how results from stratified Morse theory can help refine some of these computability questions. Complementing the written presentation are over 50 worksheets for the SageMath and Maple computer algebra systems working through examples in the text.
Active student engagement is key to this classroom-tested combinatorics text, boasting 1200+ carefully designed problems, ten mini-projects, section warm-up problems, and chapter opening problems. The author – an award-winning teacher – writes in a conversational style, keeping the reader in mind on every page. Students will stay motivated through glimpses into current research trends and open problems as well as the history and global origins of the subject. All essential topics are covered, including Ramsey theory, enumerative combinatorics including Stirling numbers, partitions of integers, the inclusion-exclusion principle, generating functions, introductory graph theory, and partially ordered sets. Some significant results are presented as sets of guided problems, leading readers to discover them on their own. More than 140 problems have complete solutions and over 250 have hints in the back, making this book ideal for self-study. Ideal for a one semester upper undergraduate course, prerequisites include the calculus sequence and familiarity with proofs.
Combinatorial reciprocity is a very interesting phenomenon, which can be described as follows: A polynomial, whose values at positive integers count combinatorial objects of some sort, may give the number of combinatorial objects of a different sort when evaluated at negative integers (and suitably normalized). Such combinatorial reciprocity theorems occur in connections with graphs, partially ordered sets, polyhedra, and more. Using the combinatorial reciprocity theorems as a leitmotif, this book unfolds central ideas and techniques in enumerative and geometric combinatorics. Written in a friendly writing style, this is an accessible graduate textbook with almost 300 exercises, numerous illustrations, and pointers to the research literature. Topics include concise introductions to partially ordered sets, polyhedral geometry, and rational generating functions, followed by highly original chapters on subdivisions, geometric realizations of partially ordered sets, and hyperplane arrangements.
Studying abstract algebra can be an adventure of awe-inspiring discovery. The subject need not be watered down nor should it be presented as if all students will become mathematics instructors. This is a beautiful, profound, and useful field which is part of the shared language of many areas both within and outside of mathematics. To begin this journey of discovery, some experience with mathematical reasoning is beneficial. This text takes a fairly rigorous approach to its subject, and expects the reader to understand and create proofs as well as examples throughout. The book follows a single arc, starting from humble beginnings with arithmetic and high-school algebra, gradually introducing abstract structures and concepts, and culminating with Niels Henrik Abel and Evariste Galois’ achievement in understanding how we can—and cannot—represent the roots of polynomials. The mathematically experienced reader may recognize a bias toward commutative algebra and fondness for number theory. The presentation includes the following features: Exercises are designed to support and extend the material in the chapter, as well as prepare for the succeeding chapters. The text can be used for a one, two, or three-term course. Each new topic is motivated with a question. A collection of projects appears in Chapter 23. Abstract algebra is indeed a deep subject; it can transform not only the way one thinks about mathematics, but the way that one thinks—period. This book is offered as a manual to a new way of thinking. The author’s aim is to instill the desire to understand the material, to encourage more discovery, and to develop an appreciation of the subject for its own sake.
This text provides a theoretical background for several topics in combinatorial mathematics, such as enumerative combinatorics (including partitions and Burnside's lemma), magic and Latin squares, graph theory, extremal combinatorics, mathematical games and elementary probability. A number of examples are given with explanations while the book also provides more than 300 exercises of different levels of difficulty that are arranged at the end of each chapter, and more than 130 additional challenging problems, including problems from mathematical olympiads. Solutions or hints to all exercises and problems are included. The book can be used by secondary school students preparing for mathematical competitions, by their instructors, and by undergraduate students. The book may also be useful for graduate students and for researchers that apply combinatorial methods in different areas.
Analytic combinatorics aims to enable precise quantitative predictions of the properties of large combinatorial structures. The theory has emerged over recent decades as essential both for the analysis of algorithms and for the study of scientific models in many disciplines, including probability theory, statistical physics, computational biology, and information theory. With a careful combination of symbolic enumeration methods and complex analysis, drawing heavily on generating functions, results of sweeping generality emerge that can be applied in particular to fundamental structures such as permutations, sequences, strings, walks, paths, trees, graphs and maps. This account is the definitive treatment of the topic. The authors give full coverage of the underlying mathematics and a thorough treatment of both classical and modern applications of the theory. The text is complemented with exercises, examples, appendices and notes to aid understanding. The book can be used for an advanced undergraduate or a graduate course, or for self-study.