Few people ever read a preface, and those who do often just glance at the first few lines. So we begin by answering the question most frequently asked by the readers of our manuscript: "What does [BB] mean?" Like most undergraduate texts in mathematics these days, answers to some of our exercises appear at the back of the book. Those which do are marked [BB] for "Back of Book." In this book, complete solutions, not simply answers, are given to almost all the exercises marked [BB]. So, in a sense, there is a free Student Solutions Manual at the end of this text.

We are active mathematicians who have always enjoyed solving problems. It is our hope that our enthusiasm for mathematics and, in particular, for discrete mathematics is transmitted to our readers through our writing.

Adopting a user-friendly, conversational—and at times humorous—style, these authors make the principles and practices of discrete mathematics as stimulating as possible while presenting comprehensive, rigorous coverage. Examples and exercises integrated throughout each chapter serve to pique reader interest and bring clarity to even the most complex concepts. Above all, the book is designed to engage today's readers in the interesting, applicable facets of modern mathematics. More than 200 worked examples and problems, as well as over 2500 exercises are included. Full solutions are provided in the back of the book. More than 150 Pauses—short questions inserted at strategic points—are included. Full solutions to Pauses are included at the end of each section. For educators in area of discrete mathematics.