Last updated 9 May 2017.
This course provides a general introduction to this beautiful subject. Students will learn both classical methods for clever counting, as well as how to apply more modern methods to analyze recursions and sequences. Students will also learn fundamental techniques in graph theory. Throughout the course, students will encounter novel challenges that blur the lines between combinatorics and other subjects, such as number theory, probability, and geometry, so that they develop the skills to creatively combine seeming disparate areas of mathematics.
This course is structured around challenge. Lecture topics are hand-picked to reflect the rather advanced ability level of the general CMU student, and consequently, much of the curriculum sequence is original. Homework and exam problems are particularly difficult, and require creative problem-solving rather than application of learned techniques. To encourage students to truly develop these skills, collaboration is encouraged on homework, and exams (which are non-collaborative) will be open-notes.
The only pre-requisite for the course is one of 21-127 Concepts of Mathematics or 21-128 Mathematical Concepts and Proofs.
In order to encourage students to experiment with the concepts taught in class, homework assignments will be given on alternate weeks. They will be due in class on Fridays, at the beginning of lecture. Each assignment will consist of four to five challenging problems, for which the proof or justification of each answer is more important than actual numerical answer.
Since homework is a learning activity, students are welcome to discuss ideas with each other, although collaboration in the writing stage is not permitted. In other words, please do not look at the actual document that another student is handing in.
Make-up exams will be given only in the case of a documented medical excuse, a university-sanctioned absence (e.g., participation in a varsity sporting event), or a family emergency. However, this must be requested before the official start time of each exam.
Attendance/Participation. Attendance and participation are not part of the course grade, but are strongly encouraged because the curriculum of this class contains many original components.
Academic Integrity and Collaboration. Collaboration as detailed above is permitted only on homework assignments, and not on exams. In the event of academic dishonesty, a score of zero will be assigned, and a communication will be sent to the academic advisor. This policy is motivated by the goal of maintaining a fair environment for all learners.
Late Work. There is no penalty for late homework, except that all homework must be submitted by the final class day of the semester. Any homework submitted after that date receives zero credit. However, students are strongly encouraged to submit homework on time, because this keeps the class in sync for healthy collaboration on homework, and homework is very helpful for exam preparation.
Re-grade Requests. Re-grade requests must be submitted in writing, within one week of receiving the graded assignment. They will be honored, but please note that it is possible for scores to decrease after a re-grade.
Accommodations for students with disabilities. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact Catherine Getchell, Director of Disability Resources, 412-268-6121, getchell@cmu.edu. If you have an accommodations letter from the Disability Resources office, I encourage you to discuss your accommodations and needs with me as early in the semester as possible. I will work with you to ensure that accommodations are provided as appropriate.
Statement on Student Wellness. As a student, you may experience a range of challenges that can interfere with learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, substance use, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may diminish your academic performance and/or reduce your ability to participate in daily activities. CMU services are available, and treatment does work. You can learn more about confidential mental health services available on campus at: http://www.cmu.edu/counseling/. Support is always available (24/7) from Counseling and Psychological Services: 412-268-2922.
| Week | Topic | Alternate reference | Work due Fri |
| Week 1
(Mon Jan 16) |
Basic counting; induction | Chapter 1; Fwd-backward induction | |
| Week 2
(Mon Jan 23) |
Inclusion-exclusion,
pigeonhole principle |
Chapter 2;
Dirichlet's approximation theorem (on AoPS) |
Homework 1 |
| Week 3
(Mon Jan 30) |
Homework 2 | ||
| Week 4
(Mon Feb 6) |
Binomial coefficients | Chapter 3; Lucas' Theorem | Exam 1 on Fri |
| Week 5
(Mon Feb 13) |
Linear algebra and recurrences | Chapter 4; Wikipedia, Croot's notes | Homework 3 |
| Week 6
(Mon Feb 20) |
Generating functions | Generatingfunctionology (free book),
by H. Wilf. Sections 1.1-1.3, 2.1-2.3; notes from MIT's OpenCourseWare |
|
| Week 7
(Mon Feb 27) |
More generating functions | Homework 4 | |
| Week 8
(Mon Mar 6) |
Introduction to graphs
(No class Fri Mar 10) |
Chapter 7 | |
| Spring break
(Mon Mar 13) |
Relax | ||
| Week 9
(Mon Mar 20) |
Trees | Chapter 8 |
Exam 2
on Fri
Homework 5 |
| Week 10
(Mon Mar 27) |
Traveling salesman problem | Chapter 9 | |
| Week 11
(Mon Apr 3) |
Matchings | Chapter 10 | Homework 6 |
| Week 12
(Mon Apr 10) |
Combinatorial geometry | Chapter 11 | |
| Week 13
(Mon Apr 17) |
Ramsey theory
(No class Fri Apr 21) |
Alt refs
#1
and
#2
from B. Sudakov's
Princeton Combinatorics course. |
Homework 7 |
| Week 14
(Mon Apr 24) |
Planar graphs | Chapter 12 | |
| Week 15
(Mon May 1) |
Coloring | Chapter 13 |
Exam 3
on Mon
Homework 8 |
|
Final exam
Mon May 8 |
In Doherty 1212, from 8:30am-11:30am | ||
| You are visitor number since 18 January 2017. |
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