[thearn4]

I guess I sort of did. I never took mathematics seriously, have a GED instead of a HS diploma, and subsequently started college in remedial HS-level algebra. But now I have a PhD in applied mathematics and work in the overlapping gray area of research that exists between the mathematics, computer science, and systems engineering disciplines.

I did have some very good (and very patient) instructors early on. But at some point when I had the chance to read and understand the basics of discrete math and intermediate calculus in-between my semesters (undergraduate was a bit broken up for me, I was a deployed military reservist), I guess I found it interesting enough at that point to go deeper and change my major.

[chris11]

What books would you recommend? I'm currently in university, and I've had some exposure to discrete mathematics. But I'm definitely not comfortable with discrete math.

[goc]

To start from absolute zero, check out Suzanna Epp's Discrete Math[0]. I believe even a motivated high school student could get started with it and even finish it. If your proof-writing is shaky, the book provides a very good workout. From there it will be easy to choose the areas of discrete math to specialize.

[0] http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0495391328?keywords=susanna...

[chris11]

Thanks, I'll check it out. My proof-writing is definitely shaky. I can clearly see the relationship between programming on writing proofs, but I can't get immediate feedback on the validity of my mathematical proofs like I can with code.

[goc]

Questions in Epp are by no means unique. If you search MSE, you'll see that every question in Epp has probably been asked and reasked about a thousand times each. That goes for subjects like Real Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Topology as well.