Discrete mathematics is a rapidly growing and increasingly used
area of mathematics with many practical and relevant applications.
Because it is grounded in real world problems, discrete math lends
itself easily to implementing the recommendations of the NCTM
Standards.
Discrete math will make mathematical concepts come alive for your
students. It's an excellent tool for improving reasoning and
problem-solving skills, and is appropriate for students at all levels
and all abilities. Teachers have found that discrete mathematics
offers a way of motivating unmotivated students and challenging honors
students at the same time.
Problems in discrete mathematics are often simply stated and
accessible to students with little mathematical background, including
those who have not mastered algebra. On the other hand, many problems
are complex, leading students to new insights and knowledge.
Questions that seem simple give rise to related questions that are
quite challenging. As a result, the topics are accessible and
interesting both to students that are accustomed to success and
already may be contemplating scientific careers, as well as to
students who are accustomed to failure and perhaps need a fresh start
in mathematics.
Because discrete mathematics deals with complex problem solving,
it has widespread uses in a variety of fields. Many current
applications to areas such as networking, telecommunications, computer
design, cryptanalysis, robotics, social choice theory, and operations
research involve discrete mathematics. Students specializing in
discrete mathematics will find a wide range of career opportunities
open to them.
