Explore real-world applications of selected mathematical theory, concepts, and methods Exploring related methods that can be utilized in various fields of practice from science and engineering to business, A First Course in Applied Mathematics details how applied mathematics involves predictions, interpretations, analysis, and mathematical modeling to solve real-world problems. Written at a level that is accessible to readers from a wide range of scientific and engineering fields, the book masterfully blends standard topics with modern areas of application and provides the needed foundation for transitioning to more advanced subjects. The author utilizes MATLAB® to showcase the presented theory and illustrate interesting real-world applications to Google's web page ranking algorithm, image compression, cryptography, chaos, and waste management systems. Additional topics covered include: * Linear algebra * Ranking web pages * Matrix factorizations * Least squares * Image compression * Ordinary differential equations * Dynamical systems * Mathematical models Throughout the book, theoretical and applications-oriented problems and exercises allow readers to test their comprehension of the presented material. An accompanying website features related MATLAB® code and additional resources. A First Course in Applied Mathematics is an ideal book for mathematics, computer science, and engineering courses at the upper-undergraduate level. The book also serves as a valuable reference for practitioners working with mathematical modeling, computational methods, and the applications of mathematics in their everyday work. "This book details how applied mathematics involves predictions, interpretations, analysis, and mathematical modeling to solve real-world problems. Due to the broad range of applications, mathematical concepts and techniques and reviewed throughout, especially those in linear algebra, matrix analysis, and differential equations. Some classical definitions and results from analysis are also discussed and used. Some applications (postscript fonts, information retrieval, etc.) are presented at the end of a chapter as an immediate application of the theory just covered, while those applications that are discussed in more detail (ranking web pages, compression, etc.) are presented in dedicated chapters. Acollection of mathematical models of a slightly different nature, such as basic discrete mathematics and optimization, is also provided. Clear proofs of the main theorems ultimately help to make the statements of the theorems more understandable, and a multitude of examples follow important theorems and concepts. In addition, the author builds material from scratch and thoroughly covers the theory needed to explain the applications in full detail, while not overwhelming readers with unneccessary topics or discussions. In terms of exercises, the author continuously refers to the real numbers and results in calculus when introducing a new topic so readers can grasp the concept of the otherwise intimidating expressions. By doing this, the author is able to focus on the concepts rather than the rigor. The quality, quantity, and varying level of difficulty of the exercises provides instructors more classroom flexibility. Topical coverage includes linear algebra; ranking web pages; matrix factorizations; least squares; image compression; ordinary differential equations; dynamical systems; and mathematical models"-- Résumé de l'éditeur
