Section Course Calendar

Introduction to the course and to discrete mathematics. We will briefly discuss the Syllabus and then explore the Introductory Problems activity.

After class, complete Homework 0 (write up a solution to the party handshake problem for 100 guests). This is due on Canvas before next class.

Before class: Read sections 0.1 and 0.2 of the textbook, and complete the 0.2 Before class assignment (which is responding to reading questions in section 0.2).

In class we will discuss section 0.2: Discrete Structures. A few notes are available in the 0.2 Discrete Structures Notes.

After class: try to solve the two logic puzzles in the Logic Puzzles activity. We will discuss them together in class next time.

In class we will consider some logic puzzles to motivate our study of logic and proofs.

Before class: read section 1.1, completing all activities and questions (before the exercises, so this includes the preview activity and reading questions).

Today we start chapter 1 by thinking about what it means for statements to be true or false. We will explore some examples on the Statements and the Search for Truth activity.

After class, try the exercises at the end of 1.1. These are due Wednesday night (so you can ask questions about them on Wednesday in class).

Before class: read section 1.2, completing all activities and questions.

We will cover section 1.2, which is a deeper dive into a particular type of statement: the implication. We did an activity with statements about the fronts and backs of cards. See the 1.2 Implications notes.

After class: Section 1.1 exercises are due. You should also start exercises for 1.2 so you can ask questions next time.

Before class: read section 1.3, completing all activities and questions. Note that we have already discussed the Holmes logic puzzle, so that part of the reading assignment should go quick (but is good review).

In class we will see how more complicated statements, combining multiple logical connectives, can be equivalent or imply one another. Our main tool with be Truth Tables. We will explore this activity in the Truth Tables and Deductions activity.

After class: Section 1.2 exercises are due. You should also start exercises for 1.3 so you can ask questions next time. Also note that Homework 1 will be due next week, and after today you should have all the tools needed to complete it.

No class (Labor Day).

Before class: read section 1.4, completing all activities and questions.

In class we will learn about three standard styles of mathematical proofs: direct proof, proof by contrapositive, and proof by contradiction. For this, we will work through the Proof Styles activity.

After class: Section 1.3 exercises are due and Written Homework 1 is also due. You should also start exercises for 1.4 so you can ask questions next time.

In class we will continue exploring how to write proofs, focusing on examples related to the Pigeonhole Principle. See the Stamps and Pigeonholes activity.

Before class: read section 1.5, completing all activities and questions.

We will start class reviewing what we learned about proofs last class, in particular, by introducing the Pigeonhole Principle. Then we will explore more proofs, this time about sets. A collection of questions to consider is included in the 1.5 Proofs about Discrete Structures section.

Today: more proofs about discrete structures, including sets and functions.

Before class: try as many problems from the Exam 1 study guide as you can.

Today we will review for exam 1 (which is Monday, September 21).