Mathematical Modeling - Hardcover

Meerschaert, Mark M.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0124876501 ISBN 13: 9780124876507

Publisher: Academic Press, 1993

Synopsis

Mathematical modeling is the process of solving a "real world" problem using mathematical methods. This book takes a practical approach toward the solution of a variety of real problems such as docking two vehicles in space, growth rate of an infectious disease, and wildlife management, while introducing the necessary, rigorous mathematical techniques required for a reasonable solution. The book employs a uniform problem-solving methodology consistently in the three major areas of optimisation, dynamic systems, and stochastic processes. Computer programs, calculators, and graphics are used where appropriate.
* Chapters followed by challenging exercises
* Emphasizes the use of appropriate technology for solving mathematical problems.
* Discusses computer algebra systems, graphics, and numerical methods.

About this title

From the Back Cover

The Second Edition of this popular text offers a unique approach to mathematical modeling. Meerschaert offers an inviting introduction and applies a problem-solving methodology in the three major areas of optimization, dynamical systems, and stochastic processes.
This edition takes a practical approach toward the solution of a variety of real problems including docking two vehicles in space, the growth rate of an infectious disease, and wildlife management. Rigorous mathematical techniques required for a reasonable solution are introduced as necessary.
Key Features Include:
* A large collection of real-world problems
* An integration of computer outputs from the latest versions of Mathematica, Maple, Lindo, Minitab
* A systematic five-step modeling method
* Applies calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and probability
New To This Edition:
* Material on discrete modeling, including integer programming
* Extended treatment on chaos and fractals
* Additional material on linear programming, including the use of spreadsheet tools
* More applications in probability and statistics
Reviewer Comments:
"The author is very clear and careful in his presentation. The exercises are excellent. The examples are one of the strongest features. Honestly, I have not considered using any other text for my course."
--Blaise Morton, University of Minnesota
"It is the best modeling book for this audience that I have found. I find that Meerschaert's idea of an undergraduate course in modeling is very close to how I think such a course should run."
--W. George Cochran, Louisiana State University

About the Author

Mark M. Meerschaert is Chairperson of the Department of Statistics and Probability at Michigan State University and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Nevada. Professor Meerschaert has professional experience in the areas of probability, statistics, statistical physics, mathematical modeling, operations research, partial differential equations, ground water and surface water hydrology. He started his professional career in 1979 as a systems analyst at Vector Research, Inc. of Ann Arbor and Washington D.C., where he worked on a wide variety of modeling projects for government and industry. Meerschaert earned his doctorate in Mathematics from the University of Michigan in 1984. He has taught at the University of Michigan, Albion College, Michigan State University, the University of Nevada in Reno, and the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. His current research interests include limit theorems and parameter estimation for infinite variance probability models, heavy tail models in finance, modeling river flows with heavy tails and periodic covariance structure, anomalous diffusion, continuous time random walks, fractional derivatives and fractional partial differential equations, and ground water flow and transport. For more details, see his personal web page http://www.stt.msu.edu/~mcubed

Edition details

• Publisher: Academic Press
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0124876501
• ISBN 13: 9780124876507
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 287