finite mathematics

(mathematics) Those parts of mathematics which deal with finite sets. Those fields of mathematics which make no use of the concept of limit. Also known as discrete mathematics.

Those parts of mathematics which deal with finite sets. More generally, finite mathematics is taken to include those fields which make no use of the concept of limit; thus linear programming, which finds maxima and minima through the four arithmetic operations, is included, whereas classical optimization, which uses differential calculus, is excluded. Other subjects generally considered in the finite mathematics include finite set theory; logic; the study of finite groups, rings, and fields; combinatorial theory; linear algebra; probability; game theory; dynamic programming; and networks. See also Field theory (mathematics); Game theory; Group theory; Linear algebra; Linear programming; Logic; Optimization; Probability; Ring theory; Set theory.