Book excerpt: Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Selecting a mathematics textbook that meets the needs of a diverse student body can be a challenge. Some have too much information for a beginner; some have too little. The authors of Fundamentals of Discrete Structures, frustrated by their search for the perfect text, decided to write their own. The result provides an excellent introduction to discrete mathematics that is both accessible to liberal arts majors satisfying their core mathematics requirements, and also challenging enough to engage math and computer science majors. To engage students who may not be comfortable with traditional mathematics texts, the book uses a light tone when introducing new concepts. While there is an emphasis on computation, it avoids mathematical formalism and formal proofs, thus making it easier for the average student to understand. Unlike other textbooks in this field, Fundamentals of Discrete Structures strikes just the right balance: it illuminates the essentials of discrete mathematics while still providing a comprehensive treatment of the subject matter.