Mathematics in Action - Modelling the Real World Using Mathematics

Av Richard Beare

Inklusive CD-ROM, 390 kr (exkl. moms och frakt)

This lucid and readable introduction covers modelling as a process and includes an interest in the mathematics for its own sake. It is suitable for college, undergraduate and postgraduate study, whether of mathematics or other disciplines, since the wide range of models are treated at various levels.

A unique feature is that most models discussed are implemented in spreadsheet form on the associated CD-ROM. Interactively exploring their behaviour is a far more effective (and interesting) way of learning than merely reading the printed word and looking at static diagrams in a book. However, the book is also designed to be read on its own, without the use of a computer, since ample example results from all the models are shown in the illustrations.

Realistic examples are used, which are of practical or theoretical importance to someone, and which exemplify both the process of modelling and links with conventional topics of mathematical study. For this reason, the chapters are arranged to correspond to particular types of mathematical representation. Consequently, the reader will find it easier to connect examples of mathematics in action with different aspects of mathematics that he or she is already familiar with, and that systematic development is possible avoiding the complexities and inelegance that so often result when one simply takes modelling problems and finds out where they lead.

The book also aims to make clear how the same real world situation can often be modelled using a variety of different mathematical approaches and how these link with one another.

Models have been chosen from as wide a range of subject disciplines as possible and for their intrinsic interest, but are readily understandable to those without specialist knowledge in the relevant fields. Well researched relevant background information and theory for each modelling problem is presented, so that it is placed in its proper context and its true significance appreciated. The models relevant to difference subject disciplines can be found by looking in the detailed index under headings such as geographical models, engineering models and so on.