What is finite mathematics? Though there is no easy answer to this question, a brief answer would include "mathematics that works outside of the notion of continuity." The realm of continuity is the realm of calculus. Consequently, mathematical modeling of real life problems that are limited to discrete (finite packs of) data or information falls into realm of finite mathematics. Hence, computer scientists should not miss taking finite mathematics since by its very nature a computer works with discrete data. However, finite mathematics goes further than discrete mathematics even though they are closely related. Finite mathematics is more about learning mathematical modeling techniques that can be applied to real world problems.
For example, a system of linear equations is a modeling technique that can be applied to many real world situations, including business and economics, finance, life sciences, social sciences, computer sciences and the physical sciences. Hence, in finite mathematics we learn methods to solve systems of linear equations. Of course, not all situations in the real world are bound by equality and therefore we need to learn how to model using inequalities and how to solve a system of linear inequalities. These techniques form the basis of linear programming. Techniques learned in finite mathematics are the basis of Operations Research that has applications in transportation, shipping, scheduling and optimization.
Basic financial mathematics is also in the realm of finite mathematics with a particular emphasis in compound interest, future values of annuities, present values of annuities and amortization. Probability and statistics have to work with discrete distributions and the basis for these fields is set theory. In finite mathematics we begin with set theory and then introduce the concepts of probability including conditional probability, independence of events, and Bayes' Theorem. We then extend these concepts to counting techniques and binomial probability.
As part of finite mathematics we will learn about stochastic processes that are mathematical models that have evolved over time in a probabilistic way. We will study a Markov Chain which is a special kind of stochastic process. Again, all these models have applications in business and economics, life sciences, social sciences, computer sciences and physical sciences.
Finite mathematics will be one of the most interesting and applicable mathematics course in your program.
UW Colleges Catalog Course Description for MAT 210 Topics in Finite Mathematics - 3 credits.
Matrices, linear programming and applications, probability, Markov chains and mathematics of finance.
Prerequisite. A grade of C or better in MAT 110 or MAT 124 or equivalent, or placement based on placement test score. MS
Successful completion of this course will enhance the student's ability to:
By completing this course, students will be able to:
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Michael Bartlett