I'm about to start a Masters in Software Engineering at university and have not studied/used-intensely anything mathematical for 6 years. I know that computing science makes use of discrete mathematics, and i already have a text book in mind for getting to grips with that topic (Discrete Mathematics with Applications by Susanna Epp), but i just need some help in finding a text book as a precursor to Discrete Mathematics as I'm worried that after 6 years I'll be very very rusty.
I had a couple in mind, but they're quite large:
1) Foundation Mathematics
2) Maths A Student's Survival Guide.
If anyone knows if I'm in the right area/these are the right text books/or has any better solutions please let me know!
A good introduction to ANY elementary mathematics is "What is Mathematics?" by Courant and Robbins.
I also like "Mathematics for the Million" by Lancelot Hogben.
Both of these are available in reasonably-priced paperback editions.
As long as I'm throwing out book recommendations, another of my favorites is "Numerical Methods for Scientists and Engineers" by R. W. Hamming.