A First Course in Mathematical Modeling, 3rd Edition

This text provides an introduction to the entire modeling process. Throughout the book, students practice key facets of modeling, including creative and empirical model construction, model analysis, and model research. The authors apply a proven six-step problem solving process to enhance a student's problem solving capabilities. Rather than simply emphasizing the calculation step, the authors first ensure that students learn how to identify problems, construct or select models, and figure out what data needs to be collected. By involving students in the mathematical process as early as possible, beginning with short projects, the book facilitates their progressive development and confidence in mathematics and 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. 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.

Maurice D. Weir is professor emeritus at the Naval Postgraduate School. He began his teaching career at Whitman College, and then in 1969 became a professor of mathematics at the Naval Postgraduate School, where he also served as associate provost for instruction. Dr. Weir's research and teaching interests include combat systems modeling and simulation, mathematics education, mathematical modeling, and differential equations. Professor Weir won the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal from the United States Military Academy in 1986 and the Schieffelin Award for Excellence in Teaching at the Naval Postgraduate School in 1983. Professor Weir retired from teaching in 1999 but is still actively engaged in writing mathematics textbooks. He received his M.S. and D.A. degrees from Carnegie-Mellon.

William P. Fox is a professor in the Department of Defense Analysis at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. Previously; he was an instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, and professor of operations research while serving in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the United States Military Academy (USMA) for more than 12 years. He also served as the Chair of Mathematics at Francis Marion University for eight years before coming to the Naval Postgraduate School. Dr. Fox has taught a variety of mathematics courses in his career, and his areas of interest include mathematical modeling, optimization, statistics, and simulations. He holds his undergraduate degree from USMA, a master's degree from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a Ph.D. from Clemson University.