Mathematical Applications: For the Management, Life, and Social Sciences [Hardcover]

Ronald J. Harshbarger (Author), James J. Reynolds (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 4, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0618654216 | ISBN-13: 978-0618654215 | Edition: 8

Intended for a two-term applied calculus or finite mathematics and applied calculus course, Mathematical Applications, 8/e, presents concepts and skills in an approachable way for students of varying abilities and interests. The Eighth Edition retains the features that have made this text a popular choice, including applications covering diverse topics that are important to students in the management, life, and social sciences. This edition broadens the represented applications by adding a number of environmental science applications. The use of modeling has also been expanded, with modeling problems now clearly labeled in the examples.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1000 pages
• Publisher: Brooks Cole; 8 edition (January 4, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618654216
• ISBN-13: 978-0618654215
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.6 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #440,690 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The reach is so broad, some of the goals slip through their fingers, August 13, 2008

By 

Charles Ashbacher (Marion, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Mathematical Applications: For the Management, Life, and Social Sciences (Hardcover)

The attempted reach of this book is so great; nearly every goal appears to slip through their fingers. The first section of the book (577 pages) is roughly equivalent to a book in finite mathematics and the second (approximately 400 pages) to a book in business calculus. With such a broad mathematical swath being applied, the effectiveness is limited. The college where I teach mathematics and computer science recently added a course in basic mathematical modeling, so I examined this book as a possible text. I cannot envision any circumstances where this book will satisfy our needs for the reasons listed above. While the coverage is wide and to some depth, there is so much that only a fraction of the material could be covered in a semester.
The chapter headings are:

*) Algebraic concepts
*) Linear equations and functions
*) Quadratic and other special functions
*) Matrices
*) Inequalities and linear programming
*) Exponential and logarithmic functions
*) Mathematics of finance
*) Introduction to probability
*) Further topics in probability; data description
*) Derivatives
*) Applications of derivatives
*) Derivatives continued
*) Indefinite integrals
*) Definite integrals; techniques of integration
*) Functions of two or more variables

To go from the basics of algebra all the way to partial differential equations in one book is quite a feat, certainly something that cannot be done in a single semester. Therefore, this is a book that would only be suitable for a two-semester course sequence. The only such sequence that I can see where this book would be appropriate is one covering "Mathematics for business." The chapter on the mathematics of finance and the majority of the application examples being from business and economics would almost force this to be the only possible area of application.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Math for all Industries, May 6, 2006

By 

A. Nalicat "nalicat" (CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Mathematical Applications 7th Edition (Student Text) (Paperback)

Covers a wide range of math applications in different industry and situations you may become part of in your career. The examples used were helpful in elaborating further on the equation and topic. Excellent quantitative book - a must have in your library beyond college life.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars product and delivery, March 4, 2010

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College girl "Tam" (Texas) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mathematical Applications: For the Management, Life, and Social Sciences (Hardcover)

I was very pleased with my purchase. I ordered the book for about 1/10th of what the bookstores sell them for. It was brand new in perfect condition and I received it in a couple of days without paying a ridiculous shipping fee. I would recommend buying all college text books this way.