Nature tries to minimize the surface area of a soap film through the action of surface tension. The process can be understood mathematically by using differential geometry, complex analysis, and the calculus of variations. This book employs ingredients from each of these subjects to tell the mathematical story of soap films. The text is fully self-contained, bringing together a mixture of types of mathematics along with a bit of the physics that underlies the subject. The development is primarily from first principles, requiring no advanced background material from either mathematics or physics. Through the Maple applications, the reader is given tools for creating the shapes that are being studied. Thus, you can "see" a fluid rising up an inclined plane, create minimal surfaces from complex variables data, and investigate the "true" shape of a balloon. Oprea also includes descriptions of experiments and photographs that let you see real soap films on wire frames. The theory of minimal surfaces is a beautiful subject, which naturally introduces the reader to fascinating, yet accessible, topics in mathematics. Oprea's presentation is rich with examples, explanations, and applications. It would make an excellent text for a senior seminar or for independent study by upper-division mathematics or science majors.

This unusual introduction to Maple shows readers how Maple or any other computer algebra system fits naturally into a mathematically oriented work environment. Designed for mathematicians, engineers, econometricians, and other scientists, this book shows how computer algebra can enhance their theoretical work. A CD-ROM contains all the Maple worksheets presented in the book.

This is the first supplement in discrete mathematics to concentrate on the computational aspects of the computer algebra system Maple. Detailed instructions for the use of Maple are included in an introductory chapter and in each subsequent chapter. Each chapter includes discussion of selected Computational and Exploration exercises in the corresponding chapter of Ken Rosen's text Discrete Math and It's Applications, Third Edition. New exercises and projects are included in each chapter to encourage further exploration of discrete mathematics using Maple. All of the Maple code in this supplement is available online via the Waterloo Maple Web site, in addition to new Maple routines that have been created which extend the current capabilities of Maple.

Explore and analyze the solutions of mathematical models from diverse disciplines As biology increasingly depends on data, algorithms, and models, it has become necessary to use a computing language, such as the user-friendly MapleTM, to focus more on building and analyzing models as opposed to configuring tedious calculations. Explorations of Mathematical Models in Biology with Maple provides an introduction to model creation using Maple, followed by the translation, analysis, interpretation, and observation of the models. With an integrated and interdisciplinary approach that embeds mathematical modeling into biological applications, the book illustrates numerous applications of mathematical techniques within biology, ecology, and environmental sciences. Featuring a quantitative, computational, and mathematical approach, the book includes: Examples of real-world applications, such as population dynamics, genetics, drug administration, interacting species, and the spread of contagious diseases, to showcase the relevancy and wide applicability of abstract mathematical techniques Discussion of various mathematical concepts, such as Markov chains, matrix algebra, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, first-order linear difference equations, and nonlinear first-order difference equations Coverage of difference equations to model a wide range of real-life discrete time situations in diverse areas as well as discussions on matrices to model linear problems Solutions to selected exercises and additional Maple codes Explorations of Mathematical Models in Biology with Maple is an ideal textbook for undergraduate courses in mathematical models in biology, theoretical ecology, bioeconomics, forensic science, applied mathematics, and environmental science. The book is also an excellent reference for biologists, ecologists, mathematicians, biomathematicians, and environmental and resource economists.

The book is designed for use in school computer labs or with home computers running the computer algebra system Maple.

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).

This book provides a basic, initial resource, introducing science and engineering students to the field of optimization. It covers three main areas: mathematical programming, calculus of variations and optimal control, highlighting the ideas and concepts and offering insights into the importance of optimality conditions in each area. It also systematically presents affordable approximation methods. Exercises at various levels have been included to support the learning process.