Discrete Mathematics

SYMMETRY AND GEOMETRY. One of the core concepts essential to understanding natural phenomena and the dynamics of social systems is the concept of “relation”. Furthermore, scientists rely on relational structures with high levels of symmetry because of their optimal behavior and highperformance. Humanfriendships, socialandinterconnectionnetworks, trafficsystems, chemical structures, etc., can beexpressed asrelational structures. A mathematical model capturing the essence of this situation is a combinatorial object exhibiting a high level of symmetry, and the underlying mathematical discipline is algebraic combinatorics—the most vivid expression of the concept of symmetry in discrete mathematics.

Introduces and clarifies the basic theories of 12 structural concepts, offering a fundamental theory of groups, rings and other algebraic structures. Identifies essentials and describes interrelationships between particular theories. Selected classical theorems and results relevant to current research are proved rigorously within the theory of each structure. Throughout the text the reader is frequently prompted to perform integrated exercises of verification and to explore examples.