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The
following standards outline the content
of a one-year course in Discrete Mathematics.
If a one-semester course is desired,
the standards with an asterisk (*)
would apply. Students enrolled in
Discrete Mathematics are assumed to
have mastered the concepts outlined
in the Standards of Learning for Algebra
II.
Discrete mathematics
may be described as the study of
mathematical properties of sets
and systems that have a countable
(discrete) number of elements. With
the advent of modern technology,
discrete (discontinuous) models
have become as important as continuous
models. In this course, the main
focus is problem solving in a discrete
setting. Techniques that are not
considered in the current traditional
courses of algebra, geometry, and
calculus will be utilized. As students
solve problems, they will analyze
and determine whether or not a solution
exists (existence problems), investigate
how many solutions exist (counting
problems), and focus on finding
the best solution (optimization
problems). Connections will be made
to other disciplines. The importance
of discrete mathematics has been
influenced by computers. Modern
technology (graphing calculators
and/or computers) will be an integral
component of this course. |
| *DM.1 |
The
student will model problems, using vertex-edge
graphs. The concepts of valence,
connectedness, paths, planarity,
and directed graphs will be investigated. Adjacency
matrices and matrix operations
will be used to solve problems
(e.g., food
chains, number of paths). |
| *DM.2 |
The
student will solve problems through
investigation and application
of circuits, cycles, Euler
Paths, Euler Circuits, Hamilton
Paths, and Hamilton Circuits. Optimal
solutions will be sought using
existing algorithms and
student-created algorithms. |
| *DM.3 |
The
student will apply graphs to conflict-resolution
problems, such as map coloring,
scheduling, matching, and optimization. Graph
coloring and chromatic number
will be used. |
| *DM.4 |
The
student will apply algorithms,
such as Kruskal’s, Prim’s, or
Dijkstra’s, relating to trees,
networks, and paths. Appropriate
technology will be used to determine
the number of possible solutions
and generate solutions when a
feasible number exists. |
| *DM.5 |
The
student will use algorithms to
schedule tasks in order to determine
a minimum project time. The algorithms will include critical path analysis,
the list-processing algorithm,
and student-created algorithms. |
| *DM.6 |
The
student will solve linear
programming problems. Appropriate
technology will be used to facilitate
the use of matrices, graphing
techniques, and the Simplex
method of determining solutions. |
| *DM.7 |
The
student will analyze and describe
the issue of fair division (e.g.,
cake cutting, estate division). Algorithms
for continuous and discrete cases
will be applied. |
| DM.8 |
The
student will investigate and describe
weighted voting and the results
of various election methods. These
may include approval and preference
voting as well as plurality, majority,
run-off, sequential run-off, Borda
count, and Condorcet winners. |
| DM.9 |
The
student will identify apportionment
inconsistencies that apply to
issues such as salary caps in
sports and allocation of representatives
to Congress. Historical and current
methods will be compared. |
| DM.10 |
The
student will use the recursive
process and difference equations
with the aid of appropriate technology
to generate
- compound
interest;
- sequences
and series;
- fractals;
- population
growth models; and
- the Fibonacci sequence.
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| DM.11 |
The
student will describe and apply
sorting algorithms and coding
algorithms used in storing, processing,
and communicating information. These
will include
- bubble
sort, merge sort, and network
sort; and
- ISBN,
UPC, Zip, and banking codes.
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| DM.12 |
The
student will select, justify,
and apply an appropriate technique
to solve a logic problem. Techniques
will include Venn
diagrams, truth
tables, and matrices. |
| DM.13 |
The
student will apply the formulas
of combinatorics in the areas
of
- the
Fundamental (Basic) Counting Principle;
- knapsack
and bin-packing problems;
- permutations
and combinations; and
- the
pigeonhole principle.
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