Advanced Problem Solving Using Maple: Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, Business Analytics, and Decision Analysis

The study of problem solving is essential for anyone who desires to use applied mathematics to solve real-world problems. We present problem-solving topics using the computer algebra system Maple™ for solving mathematical equations, creating models and simulations, as well as obtaining plots that help us perform our analyses. We present cogent applications of applied mathematics, demonstrate an effective use of a computational tool to assist in doing the mathematics, provide discussions of the results obtained using Maple, and stimulate thought and analysis of additional applications. This book serves as either an introductory course or capstone course, depending on the chapters covered, to start to prepare students to apply the mathematical modeling process by formulating, building, solving, analyzing, and criticizing mathematical models. It is intended for a first course at the sophomore or junior level for applied mathematics or operations research majors that introduces these students to mathematical topics that they will revisit within their major. This text can also be used for a beginning graduate-level course or as a capstone experience for mathematics majors as well as mathematics education majors, as modeling has a much bigger role in secondary education with the newest National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards. We also introduce many additional mathematics topics that students may study more in depth later in their majors.