Generatingfunctionology: Third Edition

By Herbert S. Wilf

Generating functions, one of the most important tools in enumerative combinatorics, are a bridge between discrete mathematics and continuous analysis. Generating functions have numerous applications in mathematics, especially in - Combinatorics - Probability Theory - Statistics - Theory of Markov Chains - Number Theory One of the most important and relevant recent applications of combinatorics lies in the development of Internet search engines whose incredible capabilities dazzle even the mathematically trained user.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1568812795
• ISBN13: 9781568812793
• Release Date: December 2005
• Publisher: A K PETERS
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.07 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

An extremely readable hands-on book

A good introduction to the theory of generating functions and their uses. In fact, the only readable introduction I could find. It is NOT one of those many generation functions books written by mathematicians for mathematicians. Shows lots and lots of neat tricks that become available for a "generatingfunctionologist" in the fields of combinatorics and probability. All the material is presented in a very clean, organized way,...

Oustanding book; certainly worth buying a hard-copy of

This book is freely available online, but it is so good that it is worth buying a hard-copy of, and it's reasonably priced too. I would advise potential buyers to check it out online; you'll probably find that you like it, and you'll probably buy it after you get tired of staring at your screen or making printouts. Wilf is an outstanding writer, among the best writers in mathematics; this book is a true pleasure to read...

Interesting Book, Available Online

Interested readers should be made aware that if a person does a net search for "Herbert Wilf's Home Page", and then goes to that site, the author has this book (and a number of other things)available for FREE downloading. That might be a great way to preview the book, even if you later decide to spend the money to get a nicely bound traditional copy here.

Best Math Book on the Planet

Generatingfunctionology is, in my opinion, one of the best mathematics books ever written. If you want to read one mathematics book that really makes a difference, this is it! I read the book twice, and I plan to read it again. I went from being rather inept at solving combinatorial problems to being a virtual "master" almost overnight! Wilf's writing style is clear, concise, and even humorous at times. Reading this book...

Well-organized cookbook

This is a well-organized cookbook of generating function techniques. The emphasis is on combinatorial methods (breaking down the generating function into simpler, known functions). There is also a chapter on analytic methods (Lagrange reversion, contour integration, analysis of poles). The chapter on exponential generating functions is especially good; these are used when counting items that have "labelled components" in some...