10 Best Discrete Math Books of 2024 [Learn Discrete Mathematics ASAP]

Today we’re looking at the best discrete math books of this year.

What is discrete math?

Discrete math is the study of countable, distinct elements rather than continuous ones.

So instead of smooth-running real numbers, you’ll study:

✅ integers

✅ graphs

✅ statements

Discrete math principles are commonly used in building algorithms for computer science and data science.

What are some real-world examples of discrete math?

Some real-world examples of discrete math include:

🕸️ food webs

🚉 railway planning

📷 digital image processing

📱 cell phone communications

🏥 electronic healthcare records

And beyond.

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TLDR: Best Discrete Math Books

🔥 Best Overall 🔥
Discrete Mathematics with Applications

💥 Best for Newbies 💥
Introductory Discrete Mathematics

💸 Best Value 💸
Discrete Mathematics: An Open Introduction

Best Discrete Math Books

Now let’s dive into the best discrete math books of this year.

You’ll discover:

• features
• core concepts
• layout
• comparisons

And more.

1. Discrete Mathematics with Applications, 5th Edition

↘️ Ideal for: discrete mathematics newbies, computer scientists
↘️ Topics covered: algorithm analysis, computability, cryptography

With this book, you’ll learn how to think abstractly as you explore logic and proof.

➡️ Discrete Mathematics with Applications is arguably one of the best discrete math books overall.

Author Susanna S. Epp takes complex concepts and explains them with precision and clarity.

While discovering discrete mathematics themes, you’ll learn about:

✅ algorithm analysis

✅ recursive thinking

✅ computability

✅ cryptography

✅ combinatorics

And much, much more.

Finally, you’ll reveal discrete math’s underlying role in science and technology.

What students are saying about Discrete Mathematics with Applications:

… I can recommend this book for self-taught programmers without formal mathematical or computer science education…

– Ilja Gabbasov

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2. Introductory Discrete Mathematics

↘️ Ideal for: discrete mathematics newbies, computer scientists
↘️ Topics covered: fundamental operations, survey graphs, digraphs

Introductory Discrete Mathematics is a gentle introduction to discrete math.

It doesn’t get as in depth as Discrete Mathematics with Applications, so we think it’s great if you’re just getting started.

➡️ Introductory Discrete Mathematics is perhaps one of the best discrete math books for absolute beginners.

You’ll start by learning the fundamental operations of discrete math including:

✅ permutations

✅ combinations

✅ counting principles

✅ algorithms analysis

✅ generating functions

And beyond.

Then you’ll discover survey graphs and digraphs.

Finally, you’ll find two problems covering network optimization:

1️⃣ minimal spanning tree

2️⃣ shortest distance

With over 200 exercises, you can test your understanding of discrete math concepts.

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3. Discrete Mathematics: An Open Introduction

↘️ Ideal for: discrete mathematics newbies, computer scientists, math majors
↘️ Topics covered: counting, sequences, logic, graph theory

Discrete Mathematics: An Open Introduction is similar to Introductory Discrete Mathematics, but it’s a little easier on the wallet.

➡️ We think Discrete Mathematics: An Open Introduction is one of the best discrete math books for students on a budget.

It covers four major components of discrete mathematics:

✅ counting

✅ sequences

✅ logic

✅ graph theory

You’ll also discover proofs by contradiction, induction and combinatorial proofs.

There are over 470 exercises and activities throughout the book.

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4. Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications, 8th Edition

↘️ Ideal for: advanced discrete mathematics newbies, computer scientists
↘️ Topics covered: discrete math, graph theory

While Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications starts with the fundamentals, you’ll also learn some more advanced concepts.

While it’s similar to Discrete Mathematics with Applications, this book is a little more challenging.

➡️ In our opinion, Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications is one of the best discrete math books for advanced beginners.

This worldwide bestseller covers discrete mathematics as it applies to:

✅ math

✅ computer science

✅ engineering

You’ll find a comprehensive guide to mathematical concepts including graph theory.

What students are saying about Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications:

This is a classic text in discrete mathematics. It has grown since previous editions and now contains more material than can be covered in a single course.

– Amazon Customer

While some concepts can be challenging, you’ll find clarifying text which should clear things up.

In addition, you’ll work on exercises to help solidify theories.

Finally, you’ll see real-world applications to computer science, data networking, engineering and beyond.

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5. Discrete Mathematics

↘️ Ideal for: hands-on discrete mathematics newbies, computer scientists
↘️ Topics covered: fundamentals, proofs

Like Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications, Discrete Mathematics is another bestseller.

But there are way more exercises in this book.

➡️ Discrete Mathematics is considered by many to be one of the best discrete math books for hands-on learners.

You’ll find over 4500 exercises covering:

✅ number theory

✅ trees

✅ algorithms

✅ recurrence

✅ graph theory

✅ pigeonhole principle

Along the way, you’ll learn how to write proofs, many of which are illustrated for clarity.

Included in the book are URLs in the sidebar that lead to examples of applications, extensions and computer programs.

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6. Practical Discrete Mathematics

↘️ Ideal for: discrete math newbies, computer scientists
↘️ Topics covered: terminology, methods, machine learning

Practical Discrete Mathematics is a bit different than any other book on our list.

That’s because you’ll dive into math principles not only for computer science, but for machine learning.

➡️ Practical Discrete Mathematics is perhaps one of the best discrete math books for building algorithms for computer science and data science.

Intended for beginners, you’ll take your tech skills to the next level while learning about:

✅ discrete math terminology and methods

✅ implementing combinatorics

✅ routing, pathfinding and graph searches

✅ descriptive statistics and computational complexity

You’ll also explore machine learning tasks such as data visualization, dimensionality reduction and regression.

By the end of this book, you should be able to practice real-world algorithm development.

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7. Book of Proof

↘️ Ideal for: discrete math newbies
↘️ Topics covered: proofs

Book of Proof is unlike any other discrete math book on our list. That’s because you’ll focus exclusively on logic and proofs.

➡️ In our opinion, Book of Proof is one of the best discrete math books for upping your proof game.

It’s an advanced introduction to proofs meant to bring you up to speed in upper-level math courses.

The book is written like a lecture as opposed to just dumping a bunch of problems on you.

Filled with exercises and solutions, you’ll also find a study plan to guide your learning of logic and proofs.

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8. 2000 Solved Problems in Discrete Mathematics

↘️ Ideal for: students experienced in discrete mathematics
↘️ Topics covered: discrete mathematics problems

2000 Solved Problems in Discrete Mathematics is similar to Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications because of the massive amounts of problems you can work on.

But you should already have the basics of discrete math down before reading this book.

➡️ 2000 Solved Problems in Discrete Mathematics is possibly one of the best discrete math books for experienced students who want to practice their skills.

With step-by-step instructions, you’ll learn the best strategies for solving difficult problems.

In addition, you’ll explore how to find the most efficient solutions to problems frequently faced in discrete mathematics.

You’ll also learn how to study more effectively.

This book is meant to help you prepare for, and pass, your discrete math exams.

What readers are saying about 2000 Solved Problems in Discrete Mathematics:

… If you’re looking to practice what you’re learning in class, or prepare for a test, this book is for you…

– Eddie Jackson (MrNetTek)

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9. Schaum’s Outline of Discrete Mathematics, 4th Edition

↘️ Ideal for: discrete math newbies
↘️ Topics covered: fundamentals

Schaum’s Outline of Discrete Mathematics is by the same authors as 2000 Solved Problems in Discrete Mathematics.

But here you’ll learn discrete math fundamentals alongside practice problems.

It’s also meant to be a supporting text for Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications and Discrete Mathematics with Applications.

➡️ We believe Schaum’s Outline of Discrete Mathematics is one of the best discrete math books containing a CliffsNotes-style outline of discrete math.

This outline contains the essential information contained in discrete math courses presented in an easy-to-follow format.

With 467 solved problems and hundreds more practice problems, you’ll learn about:

✅ logic, inference, proofs

✅ probability theory

✅ binary and hexagon addition

✅ cryptology

And beyond.

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10. Discrete Mathematics (Quick Study Academic)

↘️ Ideal for: experienced discrete math users
↘️ Topics covered: logic, graphs, trees

Last on our list of best discrete math books is this quick little number.

It’s okay if you spill coffee on this one. This laminated beauty can handle almost anything you throw at it.

Discrete Mathematics (Quick Study Academic) is unlike any other book on our list. That’s because it’s actually a 6-page reference guide for experienced discrete math users.

➡️ We think Discrete Mathematics (Quick Study Academic) is one of the best discrete math books on our list for users who need a quick reference guide.

You’ll use this handy reference as a refresher for discrete math concepts such as:

✅ graphs

✅ trees

✅ sequences

✅ logic

And more.

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Best Discrete Math Books: Conclusion

Today we looked at the best discrete math books including:

🔥 Best Overall 🔥
Discrete Mathematics with Applications

💥 Best for Newbies 💥
Introductory Discrete Mathematics

💸 Best Value 💸
Discrete Mathematics: An Open Introduction

So whether you’re just getting started with discrete math or need a refresher/reference guide, we think these are the best discrete math books of this year.

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• 18 All-Time Best Books for Data Structures

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