How Difficult is Discrete Math?

I'm a high school junior who loves math and I've been hearing about this 'Discrete Math' thing a lot. Can anyone with experience tell me how challenging discrete math is compared to other math topics? I'm thinking about diving into it, but I'd like to know what I'm going into.

Discrete Mathematics is actually distinct from many other traditional mathematical studies. It doesn't deal with continuity or differentiability as Calculus does. Instead, it focuses on countable, distinct sets of numbers and encompasses topics that many students find enjoyable like combinations, logic, graph theory, and sequences.

Its difficulty can vary from person to person, and much of it depends on your individual math skills and interests. If you have an appreciation for analyzing and proving relationships between mathematical objects, then Discrete Mathematics might just be the area for you. If you're comfortable with proofs, or if you've enjoyed subjects like Geometry in the past, you may find Discrete Mathematics more intuitive.

However, it's important to be prepared to explore new modes of thinking. Discrete Mathematics is less about traditional calculations or solving equations, and more about abstract reasoning and problem-solving. Expect to encounter arguments based on logic and patterns rather than quantitative procedures.

It also builds heavily on foundational algebra skills and occasionally dips into probability, so having a solid grasp of those will definitely support your understanding of Discrete Mathematics.

For initial exploration, you can consider online resources or textbooks that cover topics like set theory, mathematical logic, combinatorics, and graph theory. While it may be different from what you're used to, the problem-solving skills and logical thinking developed through studying Discrete Mathematics can lend themselves to numerous fields like computer science, logistics, and operations research!