Three Methods of Attacking Problems in Discrete Mathematics, Part 1

We are concerned about how we will meet the challenge of introducing our students to those topics usually listed under the heading of “discrete mathematics.” We agree with those authorities who, like Schoen (1986), maintain that this subject should be an integral part of the junior high and high school curriculum. Since many students find problems in discrete mathematics rather difficult, we think that these should be approached from various avenues. A variety of approaches will make the problems more understandable and increase the students' skill in the use of diverse mathematical techniques.