A First Course in Mathematical Modeling

by Frank R. Giordano, William P. Fox, Steven B. Horton

Overview

Offering a solid introduction to the entire modeling process, A FIRST COURSE IN MATHEMATICAL MODELING, 5th 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781285050904
Publisher:	Cengage Learning
Publication date:	02/14/2013
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	704
Product dimensions:	7.20(w) x 9.20(h) x 1.20(d)

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.

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.

Steven B. Horton is professor of operations research and acting deputy head in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the United States Military Academy (USMA), West Point. He has taught a variety of mathematics courses at West Point since joining the faculty in 1991. Dr. Horton holds his undergraduate degree from USMA, master's degrees from Georgia Tech and the National Defense University, and a Ph.D. from Georgia Tech.

Table of Contents

1. Modeling Change. 2. The Modeling Process, Proportionality, and Geometric Similarity. 3. Model Fitting. 4. Experimental Modeling. 5. Simulation Modeling. 6. Discrete Probabilistic Modeling. 7. Optimization of Discrete Models. 8. Modeling with Graph Theory. 9. Modeling with Decision Theory. 10. Game Theory. 11. Modeling with a Differential Equation. 12. Modeling with Systems of Differential Equations. 13. Optimization of Continuous Modeling. 14. Dimensional Analysis and Similitude. 15. Graphs of Functions as Models. Appendix A: Problems from the Mathematics Contest in Modeling, 1985-2007. Appendix B: An Elevator Simulation Model. Appendix C: The Revised Simplex Method. Appendix D. Brief Review of Integration Techniques.

Editorial Reviews

"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.

From the Publisher