Does This Line Ever Move?: Everyday Applications of Operations Research

Explore Real-World Mathematics! When students solve real-world problems, they see the usefulness of mathematics, they understand concepts better, and they gain insights into related careers. Authors Kenneth R. Chelst and Thomas G. Edwards, professors of engineering and education, respectively, have collaborated to convert real problems from the field of operations research into 10 easy-to-use teaching modules. Relevant to Studenta (TM)s Lives Students will recognize and appreciate the contexts: queuing theory as applied to long lines for concert tickets, multi-attribute decision making for chosing a college, and maximizing profit and minimizing waste by developing a system for ordering supplies for a concession stand. More Curriculum Choices Teachers of advanced algebra, precalculus, or general survey courses can use these modules to motivate or review topics. As they work, students will develop skill in using mathematics to model and solve real-world problems.