Math 432: Combinatorics (Spring 2024)


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Instructor: Gexin Yu, Jones 100B, phone: 221-2040, gyu@wm.edu

Meeting time and location: MW: 3:30-4:50pm, Jones 306

Web pages:

Office Hours: MW 2-3pm or by appointment.

Text: there is no official textbook for this course. A good reference book is Combinatorial Mathematics by Douglas West.

Course goal: An introductory course to combinatorics. The major topics will include enumerative combinatorics (such as subsets, partitions and permutations, recurrence relations, and generating functions, inclusion and exclusion), extremal set theory, and probabilistic methods.

Tests: There will be no mid-tests and one final exam.

Homework: There will be weekly homework assignments. We cannot emphasize the importance of homework enough. Although understanding material while you read the text or listen to lecture is certainly important, your most important studying will be in completing the homework assignments.

Perhaps the most fundamental part of this course is learning how to write and read precise mathematical ideas. Part of writing precise mathematical ideas is writing complete sentences with correct grammar. Homework written incoherently will not be judged complete! Incoherently includes, but is not limited to, using incomplete sentences, using incorrect grammar and overusing unnecessary mathematical notation. You are STRONGLY encouraged to discuss your homework with us prior to handing in homework. Start homework early and work steadily! Homework is usually due (firm) at Friday mid-night at blackboard.

Help Session: A weekly homework help session will be offer every Thursday at Jones Hall 131. Time: 1-2pm.

Attendance: Regular attendance is critical for your success in this course. I expect your presence at every lecture.

Grading: Your final grade is calculated as follows:

Honor Code: Students will uphold William and Mary's stated honor code as it is written, any infractions will be referred to the Honor Council.

ADA accommodation: William & Mary accommodates students with disabilities in accordance with federal laws and university policy. Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a learning, psychiatric, physical, or chronic health diagnosis should contact Student Accessibility Services staff at 757-221-2509 or at sas@wm.edu to determine if accommodations are warranted and to obtain an official letter of accommodation. For more information, please see www.wm.edu/sas