Full Description
For introductory college math course at the college algebra level for non-calculus bound students.Designed for students who are not headed for calculus-based curricula - but who still need a solid quantitative foundation for subsequent studies and for life as educated citizens - this introduction to mathematical modeling offers an alternative approach to college algebra. The authors use elementary functions to describe and explore real-world data and phenomena. Students learn how to construct useful mathematical models, to analyze them critically, and to communicate quantitative concepts effectively. The Second Edition is even more student-friendly, with more concrete language and examples throughout.
Contents
(NOTEas the chapter evolves, and concludes with a Review and a project-style Investigation.)1. Functions and Mathematical Models. Functions Defined by Tables. Functions Defined by Graphs. Functions Defined by Formulas. Average Rate of Change.2. Linear Functions and Models. Constant Change and Linear Growth, Linear Functions and Graphs. Piecewise-Linear Functions. Fitting Linear Models to Data.3. Natural Growth Models. Percentage Growth and Interest. Percentage Decrease and Half-Life, Natural Growth and Decline in the World. Fitting Natural Growth Models to Data.4. Exponential and Logarithmic Models. Compound Interest and Continuous Growth. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions. Exponential and Logarithmic Data Modeling.5. Quadratic Functions and Models. Quadratic Functions and Graphs. Quadratic Highs and Lows. Fitting Quadratic Models to Data.6. Polynomial Models and Linear Systems. Solving Polynomial Equations. Solving Pairs of Linear Equations-Lots of Ways! Linear Systems of Equations. Polynomial Data Modeling.7. Bounded Growth Models. Limited Populations. Fitting Logistic Models to Data. Discrete Models and Chaos.8. Trigonometric Models. Periodic Phenomena and Trigonometric Functions. Trigonometric Data Modeling.Answers to Selected Problems. Index. Credits.
