A First Course in Mathematical Modeling [Hardcover]

Frank R. Giordano (Author), Maurice D. Weir (Author), William P. Fox (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0534384285 | ISBN-13: 978-0534384289 | Publication Date: July 29, 2002 | Edition: 003

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"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."

"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."

"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."

About the Author

Frank R. Giordano graduated from the United States Military Academy and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers in 1964. His distinguished military career included positions as Platoon Leader (101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky and Vietnam), Company Commander (307th Engineer Battalion, Fort Bragg, North Carolina) and Operations Officer (39th Engineer Battalion, Vietnam). After being an Olmsted Scholar at the Universities of Madrid, Spain and Arkansas, he began teaching Mathematics at the United States Military Academy in 1975. At the USMA, he was a Permanent Associate Professor of Mathematics, Deputy Head of the Mathematics Department, and Head of the Mathematics Department.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 552 pages
• Publisher: Brooks Cole; 003 edition (July 29, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0534384285
• ISBN-13: 978-0534384289
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #840,099 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Text for Mathematical Models of Reality, April 6, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: A First Course in Mathematical Modeling (Hardcover)

From discrete to continuous modelling, with many proyects and examples, I like very spacially this book for the undergraduate level. The presentation is very clear, but rigurous, making experience the reader through the models. It focuses on the interpretation and ends with some tools for modelbuilding. For a start of mathematical model understanding of reality this book is specially good, clear and completely well written. Good job Mr. Giordano and Weir! See also: Mesterton-Gibbons:An aproach to Mathematical Modelling, Fowler: Mathematical Models in the Sciences, Beltrami: Mathematics for Dynamical Modeling, Morrison: The Art of Modeling Dynamical Systams and Giordano: Differential Equations a Modeling Aproach.

0 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good quality, September 6, 2010

By 

Craig - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A First Course in Mathematical Modeling (Hardcover)

I'm definitely satisfied with the quality of the book, as well as the expediancy with which it was delivered. I bought it brand new though... so I certainly would have been pretty irate if it wasn't in perfect condition.

6 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If ur undecided about pure or applied math, thats the right book to know.., January 15, 2006

By 

atwi_confidence - See all my reviews

This review is from: A First Course in Mathematical Modeling (Hardcover)

Well, I was undecided about pure or applied mathematics.
I was more thinking of applied mathematics.

I took a course that uses this book.
Two weeks after the class began, I dropped the course, and I knew I am a pure mathematics guy!

(so the stars are for letting me know about what field I like, not the material presented in the book).

I am not saying anyone who starts reading this book is going to switch to pure mathematics.. it should not be the case, however, I think it has the essence of applied mathematics, so if u really like applied mathematics, ur going to very much appreciate this book.