Discrete Mathematics Using Latin Squares


Book Description

Over the past two decades, research in the theory of Latin Squares has been growing at a fast pace, and new significant developments have taken place. This book offers a unique approach to various areas of discrete mathematics through the use of Latin Squares.




Latin Squares and Their Applications


Book Description

Latin Squares and Their Applications, Second edition offers a long-awaited update and reissue of this seminal account of the subject. The revision retains foundational, original material from the frequently-cited 1974 volume but is completely updated throughout. As with the earlier version, the author hopes to take the reader 'from the beginnings of the subject to the frontiers of research'. By omitting a few topics which are no longer of current interest, the book expands upon active and emerging areas. Also, the present state of knowledge regarding the 73 then-unsolved problems given at the end of the first edition is discussed and commented upon. In addition, a number of new unsolved problems are proposed. Using an engaging narrative style, this book provides thorough coverage of most parts of the subject, one of the oldest of all discrete mathematical structures and still one of the most relevant. However, in consequence of the huge expansion of the subject in the past 40 years, some topics have had to be omitted in order to keep the book of a reasonable length. Latin squares, or sets of mutually orthogonal latin squares (MOLS), encode the incidence structure of finite geometries; they prescribe the order in which to apply the different treatments in designing an experiment in order to permit effective statistical analysis of the results; they produce optimal density error-correcting codes; they encapsulate the structure of finite groups and of more general algebraic objects known as quasigroups. As regards more recreational aspects of the subject, latin squares provide the most effective and efficient designs for many kinds of games tournaments and they are the templates for Sudoku puzzles. Also, they provide a number of ways of constructing magic squares, both simple magic squares and also ones with additional properties. - Retains the organization and updated foundational material from the original edition - Explores current and emerging research topics - Includes the original 73 'Unsolved Problems' with the current state of knowledge regarding them, as well as new Unsolved Problems for further study




Latin Squares


Book Description

In 1974 the editors of the present volume published a well-received book entitled ``Latin Squares and their Applications''. It included a list of 73 unsolved problems of which about 20 have been completely solved in the intervening period and about 10 more have been partially solved. The present work comprises six contributed chapters and also six further chapters written by the editors themselves. As well as discussing the advances which have been made in the subject matter of most of the chapters of the earlier book, this new book contains one chapter which deals with a subject (r-orthogonal latin squares) which did not exist when the earlier book was written.The success of the former book is shown by the two or three hundred published papers which deal with questions raised by it.




A First Course in Discrete Mathematics


Book Description

Drawing on many years'experience of teaching discrete mathem atics to students of all levels, Anderson introduces such as pects as enumeration, graph theory and configurations or arr angements. Starting with an introduction to counting and rel ated problems, he moves on to the basic ideas of graph theor y with particular emphasis on trees and planar graphs. He de scribes the inclusion-exclusion principle followed by partit ions of sets which in turn leads to a study of Stirling and Bell numbers. Then follows a treatment of Hamiltonian cycles, Eulerian circuits in graphs, and Latin squares as well as proof of Hall's theorem. He concludes with the constructions of schedules and a brief introduction to block designs. Each chapter is backed by a number of examples, with straightforw ard applications of ideas and more challenging problems.




Discrete Mathematics with Proof


Book Description

A Trusted Guide to Discrete Mathematics with Proof?Now in a Newly Revised Edition Discrete mathematics has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its growing applications in the field of computer science. Discrete Mathematics with Proof, Second Edition continues to facilitate an up-to-date understanding of this important topic, exposing readers to a wide range of modern and technological applications. The book begins with an introductory chapter that provides an accessible explanation of discrete mathematics. Subsequent chapters explore additional related topics including counting, finite probability theory, recursion, formal models in computer science, graph theory, trees, the concepts of functions, and relations. Additional features of the Second Edition include: An intense focus on the formal settings of proofs and their techniques, such as constructive proofs, proof by contradiction, and combinatorial proofs New sections on applications of elementary number theory, multidimensional induction, counting tulips, and the binomial distribution Important examples from the field of computer science presented as applications including the Halting problem, Shannon's mathematical model of information, regular expressions, XML, and Normal Forms in relational databases Numerous examples that are not often found in books on discrete mathematics including the deferred acceptance algorithm, the Boyer-Moore algorithm for pattern matching, Sierpinski curves, adaptive quadrature, the Josephus problem, and the five-color theorem Extensive appendices that outline supplemental material on analyzing claims and writing mathematics, along with solutions to selected chapter exercises Combinatorics receives a full chapter treatment that extends beyond the combinations and permutations material by delving into non-standard topics such as Latin squares, finite projective planes, balanced incomplete block designs, coding theory, partitions, occupancy problems, Stirling numbers, Ramsey numbers, and systems of distinct representatives. A related Web site features animations and visualizations of combinatorial proofs that assist readers with comprehension. In addition, approximately 500 examples and over 2,800 exercises are presented throughout the book to motivate ideas and illustrate the proofs and conclusions of theorems. Assuming only a basic background in calculus, Discrete Mathematics with Proof, Second Edition is an excellent book for mathematics and computer science courses at the undergraduate level. It is also a valuable resource for professionals in various technical fields who would like an introduction to discrete mathematics.




Discrete Mathematics


Book Description

Aimed at undergraduate mathematics and computer science students, this book is an excellent introduction to a lot of problems of discrete mathematics. It discusses a number of selected results and methods, mostly from areas of combinatorics and graph theory, and it uses proofs and problem solving to help students understand the solutions to problems. Numerous examples, figures, and exercises are spread throughout the book.




Combinatorial Methods in Discrete Mathematics


Book Description

This is an attempt to present some complex problems of discrete mathematics in a simple and unified form using a unique, general combinatorial scheme. The author's aim is not always to present the most general results, but rather to focus attention on ones that illustrate the methods described. A distinctive aspect of the book is the large number of asymptotic formulae derived.This is an important book, describing many ideas not previously available in English; the author has taken the chance to update the text and references where appropriate.




Introduction to Combinatorics


Book Description

What Is Combinatorics Anyway? Broadly speaking, combinatorics is the branch of mathematics dealing with different ways of selecting objects from a set or arranging objects. It tries to answer two major kinds of questions, namely, counting questions: how many ways can a selection or arrangement be chosen with a particular set of properties; and structural questions: does there exist a selection or arrangement of objects with a particular set of properties? The authors have presented a text for students at all levels of preparation. For some, this will be the first course where the students see several real proofs. Others will have a good background in linear algebra, will have completed the calculus stream, and will have started abstract algebra. The text starts by briefly discussing several examples of typical combinatorial problems to give the reader a better idea of what the subject covers. The next chapters explore enumerative ideas and also probability. It then moves on to enumerative functions and the relations between them, and generating functions and recurrences., Important families of functions, or numbers and then theorems are presented. Brief introductions to computer algebra and group theory come next. Structures of particular interest in combinatorics: posets, graphs, codes, Latin squares, and experimental designs follow. The authors conclude with further discussion of the interaction between linear algebra and combinatorics. Features Two new chapters on probability and posets. Numerous new illustrations, exercises, and problems. More examples on current technology use A thorough focus on accuracy Three appendices: sets, induction and proof techniques, vectors and matrices, and biographies with historical notes, Flexible use of MapleTM and MathematicaTM




Design Theory


Book Description

Design Theory, Second Edition presents some of the most important techniques used for constructing combinatorial designs. It augments the descriptions of the constructions with many figures to help students understand and enjoy this branch of mathematics. This edition now offers a thorough development of the embedding of Latin squares and combinatorial designs. It also presents some pure mathematical ideas, including connections between universal algebra and graph designs. The authors focus on several basic designs, including Steiner triple systems, Latin squares, and finite projective and affine planes. They produce these designs using flexible constructions and then add interesting properties that may be required, such as resolvability, embeddings, and orthogonality. The authors also construct more complicated structures, such as Steiner quadruple systems. By providing both classical and state-of-the-art construction techniques, this book enables students to produce many other types of designs.




Handbook of Combinatorial Designs


Book Description

Continuing in the bestselling, informative tradition of the first edition, the Handbook of Combinatorial Designs, Second Edition remains the only resource to contain all of the most important results and tables in the field of combinatorial design. This handbook covers the constructions, properties, and applications of designs as well as existence results. Over 30% longer than the first edition, the book builds upon the groundwork of its predecessor while retaining the original contributors' expertise. The first part contains a brief introduction and history of the subject. The following parts focus on four main classes of combinatorial designs: balanced incomplete block designs, orthogonal arrays and Latin squares, pairwise balanced designs, and Hadamard and orthogonal designs. Closely connected to the preceding sections, the next part surveys 65 additional classes of designs, such as balanced ternary, factorial, graphical, Howell, quasi-symmetric, and spherical. The final part presents mathematical and computational background related to design theory. New to the Second Edition An introductory part that provides a general overview and a historical perspective of the area New chapters on the history of design theory, various codes, bent functions, and numerous types of designs Fully updated tables, including BIBDs, MOLS, PBDs, and Hadamard matrices Nearly 2,200 references in a single bibliographic section Meeting the need for up-to-date and accessible tabular and reference information, this handbook provides the tools to understand combinatorial design theory and applications that span the entire discipline. The author maintains a website with more information.