Creating a Project on Difference Equations with Primary Sources: Challenges and Opportunities

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This article discusses the creation of a student project about linear difference equations using primary sources. Early 18th-century developments in the area are outlined, focusing on efforts by Abraham De Moivre (1667–1754) and Daniel Bernoulli (1700–1782). It is explained how primary sources from these authors can be used to cover material appearing in most discrete mathematics courses while revealing how the mathematical ideas evolved. It is argued that this project works well in a discrete mathematics course that also makes the transition to higher mathematics, developing mathematical reading and writing skills in a natural setting.