This work explores the role of probabilistic methods for solving combinatorial problems. The subjects studied are nonnegative matrices, partitions and mappings of finite sets, with special emphasis on permutations and graphs, and equivalence classes specified on sequences of finite length consisting of elements of partially ordered sets; these define the probabilistic setting of Sachkov's general combinatorial scheme. The author pays special attention to using probabilistic methods to obtain asymptotic formulae that are difficult to derive using combinatorial methods. This important book...

Discrete mathematics is an important tool for the investigation of various models of functioning of technical devices, especially in the field of cybernetics. Here the author presents some complex problems of discrete mathematics in a simple and unified form using an original, general combinatorial scheme. Professor Sachkov's aim is to focus attention on results that illustrate the methods described. A distinctive aspect of the book is the large number of asymptotic formulae derived. Professor Sachkov begins with a discussion of block designs and Latin squares before proceeding to treat...