A First Course in Applied Mathematics

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.

JORGE REBAZA, PhD, is Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at Missouri State University. Dr. Rebaza has published numerous journal articles in his areas of research interest, which include numerical analysis, dynamical systems, matrix computations, and applied mathematics.