Mathematical Applications in the Modern World: A Math Modeling Alternative to Precalculus

该项目正在开发一门数学应用课程的材料，作为现有微积分预科课程和相关课程的现代替代方案。本课程是微积分基础阶段的数学模型入门课程，与高等数学专业开设的数学建模课程相对应。课程中开发的模型主要基于离散的数学主题，如差分方程组、线性方程组、网络和概率。它涉及到相当程度的计算机和/或图形计算器工作，以探索大多数数学模型的实现。它还包括各种现场课堂实验，以调查数学在预测实际过程结果方面的准确性，或帮助根据观察到的实验数据建立数学模型。该课程以一系列学生调查为特色，提供真实的生活维度，并通过使学生接触到数学的广泛适用性，为学生提供在数学相关领域继续学习的动力和动力。

The project is developing materials for a course in mathematical applications as a modern alternative to existing precalculus and related courses. The course is an introduction to mathematical models at the precalculus level and is a counterpart to the mathematical modeling course offered to upper division mathematics majors. The models developed in the course are primarily based on discrete mathematical topics such as difference equations, systems of linear equations, networks and probability. It involves a considerable degree of computer and/or graphing calculator work to explore the implementation of most of the mathematical models. It also involves a variety of live classroom experiments to investigate the accuracy of the mathematics in predicting the results of actual processes or to help develop mathematical models based on observed experimental data. The course features a series of student investigations to provide a real life dimension and provides students with the motivation and impetus to continue on in mathematically related fields by exposing them to the wide applicability of mathematics.