The theory of finite automata, in simple terms, where to read?

Question

Discrete Math

The theory of finite automata, in simple terms, where to read?
To explain all the formulas and conventional signs.

Answer 1

I can offer a theory from the university course on laboratory work, which at one time helped me a lot to figure it out: L5. Finite automata.doc . And besides that, I can only advise THIS ...

Answer 2

To describe finite automata, as far as I know, "classical" sections of mathematics are used. In particular, set theory . Look at operations on sets - it's very simple. If even there some icons seem incomprehensible, you can see the meanings of mathematical symbols . Mathematically, the automaton itself is written in the form of, uh .. "tuple" ( I see the English description as simpler).
We must always remember that, in fact, in any finite automaton there are only two simple entities - events and states. Everything else is derived from them.
In their right mind, it is unlikely that anyone will describe a specific finite state machine in the form of formulas. It is easier to do this in the form of a graph or table. Formulas are used for formal descriptions and proofs.
If it really "itches" to learn the machines from the very beginning, I recommend taking a special course (boring, like many formal things).