A First Course in Mathematical Modeling - Hardcover

Giordano, Frank R.; Fox, William P.; Horton, Steven B.; Weir, Maurice D.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0495011592 ISBN 13: 9780495011590

Publisher: Cengage Learning, 2008

Synopsis

Offering a solid introduction to the entire modeling process, A FIRST COURSE IN MATHEMATICAL MODELING, 4th Edition delivers an excellent balance of theory and practice, and gives you relevant, hands-on experience developing and sharpening your modeling skills. Throughout, the book emphasizes key facets of modeling, including creative and empirical model construction, model analysis, and model research, and provides myriad opportunities for practice. The authors apply a proven six-step problem-solving process to enhance your problem-solving capabilities -- whatever your level. In addition, rather than simply emphasizing the calculation step, the authors first help you learn how to identify problems, construct or select models, and figure out what data needs to be collected. By involving you in the mathematical process as early as possible -- beginning with short projects -- this text facilitates your progressive development and confidence in mathematics and modeling.

About this title

About the Author

Frank R. Giordano began his teaching career at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, where he served for 21 years, including seven years as professor and head of the Department of Mathematical Sciences. He currently is a Professor of Defense Analysis and Operations Research at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA. He has served as project director for several major National Science Foundation grants devoted to modeling, including one to initiate a high school modeling contest (the HiMCM). For the past 15 years, he has served as the director of the Mathematical Contest in Modeling. Frank R. Giordano began his teaching career at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, where he served for 21 years, including seven years as professor and head of the Department of Mathematical Sciences. He currently is a Professor of Defense Analysis and Operations Research at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA. He has served as project director for several major National Science Foundation grants devoted to modeling, including one to initiate a high school modeling contest (the HiMCM). For the past 15 years, he has served as the director of the Mathematical Contest in Modeling.

Review

"The authors keep a good balance of theory and practice, maintaining fidelity to the ideal of developing experience and skills in the modeling process, rather than overconcentrating on the mathematics of modeling. The revisions are thoughtful and strengthen the text, tying together more effectively the good selection of methods and applications contained in previous editions." Charles Landraitis, Boston College.

"The approach to modeling is very solid, and corresponds with what I have seen as useful in teaching modeling at all levels for 25 years." Stephen J. Merrill, Marquette University.

"The examples, projects, and exercises are excellent. Very varied and interesting, with a good mix of topics. It is great to be able to pick and choose from among the topics and examples. At the same time, there is nothing superfluous about the coverage." Libby Krussel, The University of Montana.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cengage Learning
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0495011592
• ISBN 13: 9780495011590
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 4
• Number of pages: 640