Advanced Problem Solving Using MapleTM: Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, Business Analytics, and Decision Analysis applies the mathematical modeling process by formulating, building, solving, analyzing, and criticizing mathematical models. Scenarios are developed within the scope of the problem-solving process. The text focuses on discrete dynamical systems, optimization techniques, single-variable unconstrained optimization and applied problems, and numerical search methods. Additional coverage includes multivariable unconstrained and constrained techniques. Linear algebra techniques to model and solve problems such as the Leontief model, and advanced regression techniques including nonlinear, logistics, and Poisson are covered. Game theory, the Nash equilibrium, and Nash arbitration are also included. Features: The text’s case studies and student projects involve students with real-world problem solving Focuses on numerical solution techniques in dynamical systems, optimization, and numerical analysis The numerical procedures discussed in the text are algorithmic and iterative Maple is utilized throughout the text as a tool for computation and analysis All algorithms are provided with step-by-step formats About the Authors: William P. Fox is an emeritus professor in the Department of Defense Analysis at the Naval Postgraduate School. Currently, he is an adjunct professor, Department of Mathematics, the College of William and Mary. He received his PhD at Clemson University and has many publications and scholarly activities including twenty books and over one hundred and fifty journal articles. William C. Bauldry, Prof. Emeritus and Adjunct Research Prof. of Mathematics at Appalachian State University, received his PhD in Approximation Theory from Ohio State. He has published many papers on pedagogy and technology, often using Maple, and has been the PI of several NSF-funded projects incorporating technology and modeling into math courses. He currently serves as Associate Director of COMAP’s Math Contest in Modeling (MCM).

Problem Solving is essential to solve real-world problems. Advanced Problem Solving with Maple: A First Course applies the mathematical modeling process by formulating, building, solving, analyzing, and criticizing mathematical models. It is intended for a course introducing students to mathematical topics they will revisit within their further studies. The authors present mathematical modeling and problem-solving topics using Maple as the computer algebra system for mathematical explorations, as well as obtaining plots that help readers perform analyses. The book presents cogent applications that demonstrate an effective use of Maple, provide discussions of the results obtained using Maple, and stimulate thought and analysis of additional applications. Highlights: The book’s real-world case studies prepare the student for modeling applications Bridges the study of topics and applications to various fields of mathematics, science, and engineering Features a flexible format and tiered approach offers courses for students at various levels The book can be used for students with only algebra or calculus behind them About the authors: Dr. William P. Fox is an emeritus professor in the Department of Defense Analysis at the Naval Postgraduate School. Currently, he is an adjunct professor, Department of Mathematics, the College of William and Mary. He received his Ph.D. at Clemson University and has many publications and scholarly activities including twenty books and over one hundred and fifty journal articles. William C. Bauldry, Prof. Emeritus and Adjunct Research Prof. of Mathematics at Appalachian State University, received his PhD in Approximation Theory from Ohio State. He has published many papers on pedagogy and technology, often using Maple, and has been the PI of several NSF-funded projects incorporating technology and modeling into math courses. He currently serves as Associate Director of COMAP’s Math Contest in Modeling (MCM).

Modern computing tools like Maple (symbolic computation) and Matlab (a numeric computation and visualization program) make it possible to easily solve realistic nontrivial problems in scientific computing. In education, traditionally, complicated problems were avoided, since the amount of work for obtaining the solutions was not feasible for the students. This situation has changed now, and the students can be taught real-life problems that they can actually solve using the new powerful software. The reader will improve his knowledge through learning by examples and he will learn how both systems, MATLAB and MAPLE, may be used to solve problems interactively in an elegant way. Readers will learn to solve similar problems by understanding and applying the techniques presented in the book. All programs used in the book are available to the reader in electronic form.

This book offers a problem-solving approach. The authors introduce a problem to help motivate the learning of a particular mathematical modeling topic. The problem provides the issue or what is needed to solve using an appropriate modeling technique.

This unique book presents decision analysis in the context of mathematical modeling and game theory. The author emphasizes and focuses on the model formulation and modeling-building skills required for decision analysis, as well as the technology to support the analysis. The primary objective of Decision Analysis through Modeling and Game Theory is illustrative in nature. It sets the tone through the introduction to mathematical modeling. The text provides a process for formally thinking about the problem and illustrates many scenarios and illustrative examples. These techniques and this approach center on the fact (a) decision makers at all levels must be exposed to the tools and techniques available to help them in the decision process, (b) decision makers as well as analysts need to have and use technology to assist in the entire analysis process, (c) the interpretation and explanation of the results are crucial to understanding the strengths and limitations of modeling, and (d) the interpretation and use of sensitivity analysis is essential. The book begins with a look at decision-making methods, including probability and statistics methods under risk of uncertainty. It moves to linear programming and multi-attribute decision-making methods with a discussion of weighting methods. Game theory is introduced through conflict games and zero-sum or constant-sum games. Nash equilibriums are next, followed by utility theory. Evolutionary stable strategies lead to Nash arbitration and cooperation methods and N-person methods presented for both total and partial conflict games. Several real-life examples and case studies using game theory are used throughout. This book would be best used for a senior-level course in mathematics, operations research, or graduate-level courses or decision modeling courses offered in business schools. The book will be of interest to departments offering mathematical modeling courses with any emphasis on modeling for decision making.

The book contains chapters of structured approach to problem solving in mathematical analysis on an intermediate level. It follows the ideas of G.Polya and others, distinguishing between exercises and problem solving in mathematics. Interrelated concepts are connected by hyperlinks, pointing toward easier or more difficult problems so as to show paths of mathematical reasoning. Basic definitions and theorems can also be found by hyperlinks from relevant places. Problems are open to alternative formulations, generalizations, simplifications, and verification of hypotheses by the reader; this is shown to be helpful in solving problems. The book presents how advanced mathematical software can aid all stages of mathematical reasoning while the mathematical content remains in foreground. The authors show how software can contribute to deeper understanding and to enlarging the scope of teaching for students and teachers of mathematics.

Teaches problem-solving using two of the most important mathematical software packages: Maple and MATLAB. This new edition contains five completely new chapters covering new developments.