Discrete Mathematics is the backbone of computer science. Unlike calculus, which deals with continuous change, discrete math focuses on distinct, separate values—think integers, graphs, and logical statements. For decades, students have searched for the perfect textbook to bridge the gap between high school algebra and advanced computing theory.
But what makes this book so special? Is it legal to download the PDF? And are there better alternatives?
A: The most common edition is the second edition (McGraw-Hill, 1985, ISBN: 007038133X). A "revised" printing came out in the late 1990s, but the content is essentially unchanged. There is no "4th edition" as of 2024–2025.
Make the ethical choice. Your future employer won’t check how you obtained your textbook—but your own peace of mind and the quality of your study materials will make the difference between passing and truly understanding discrete mathematics.
A: Rosen is encyclopedic (over 1,000 pages) with many applications for computer science. Liu is shorter, more theoretical, and focused on proofs. If you are a math major, pick Liu. If you are a CS major wanting coding examples, pick Rosen.
One name that consistently appears in university syllabi and online forums is —specifically, Elements of Discrete Mathematics by C.L. Liu. If you have typed the phrase "liu elements of discrete mathematics pdf" into a search engine, you are not alone. Thousands of computer science and engineering students search for this digital copy every semester.
Discrete Mathematics is the backbone of computer science. Unlike calculus, which deals with continuous change, discrete math focuses on distinct, separate values—think integers, graphs, and logical statements. For decades, students have searched for the perfect textbook to bridge the gap between high school algebra and advanced computing theory.
But what makes this book so special? Is it legal to download the PDF? And are there better alternatives?
A: The most common edition is the second edition (McGraw-Hill, 1985, ISBN: 007038133X). A "revised" printing came out in the late 1990s, but the content is essentially unchanged. There is no "4th edition" as of 2024–2025.
Make the ethical choice. Your future employer won’t check how you obtained your textbook—but your own peace of mind and the quality of your study materials will make the difference between passing and truly understanding discrete mathematics.
A: Rosen is encyclopedic (over 1,000 pages) with many applications for computer science. Liu is shorter, more theoretical, and focused on proofs. If you are a math major, pick Liu. If you are a CS major wanting coding examples, pick Rosen.
One name that consistently appears in university syllabi and online forums is —specifically, Elements of Discrete Mathematics by C.L. Liu. If you have typed the phrase "liu elements of discrete mathematics pdf" into a search engine, you are not alone. Thousands of computer science and engineering students search for this digital copy every semester.
I chose CAE to complete my ground school as I have sometimes struggled academically and felt that, to give myself the best chance, I should go to the best school. I haven't been disappointed. All of the instructors were excellent and were always happy to help me…I genuinely think that I would have done considerably less well in my exams if it hadn't been for CAE instructors. I could not speak more highly of them and would, and will, thoroughly recommend CAE as the best school.
David Crook
Modular ATPL Ground School Graduate
