An approach to using the method of least squares, a scheme for computing the best-fitting line directly from a set of points, is detailed. The material first looks at fitting a numerical value to a set of numbers. This provides tools for solving the line-fitting problem. (MP)

Discusses aspects of Christopher Columbus' decision to sail west in order to reach Asia. Includes discussions concerning the shape and size of the earth as determined up to Columbus' time and conclusions he made during the journey based on his calculations. (MDH)

A discussion of the mathematics of rugby is related to an earlier article about mathematics and the physical world. (MP)

The problems involved in making reservations for airline flights is discussed in creating a mathematical model designed to maximize an airline's income. One issue not considered in the model is any public relations problem the airline may have. The model does take into account the issue of denied boarding compensation. (MP)

Analyzes a simple boom structure and assesses its reliability using elementary engineering mechanics. Demonstrates the power and utility of Monte-Carlo simulation by showing that such a simulation can be implemented more readily with results that compare favorably to the theoretical calculations. (Author/MM)

Presents activities in which students study exponential growth and decay by collecting data, constructing graphs, and discovering algebraic formulas. (MKR)

This collection of materials includes six units dealing with applications of matrix methods. These are: 105-Food Service Management; 107-Markov Chains; 108-Electrical Circuits; 109-Food Service and Dietary Requirements; 111-Fixed Point and Absorbing Markov Chains; and 112-Analysis of Linear Circuits. The units contain exercises and model exams,…

This document consists of five units which all view applications of mathematics to American politics. The first three view calculus applications, the last two deal with applications of algebra. The first module is geared to teach a student how to: 1) compute estimates of the value of the parameters in negative exponential models; and draw…

Student research projects are open-ended questions or sets of questions intended to give undergraduate students experience doing introductory mathematical research. Proposed is an investigation of a Faro shuffle that is performed by cutting the deck exactly in half and then perfectly interleaving the cards of the two halves. (Author/JJK)

These modules develop two prevalent explanations among political scientists of who gets what in the budgetary process. Specifically, the problem of how an agency's level of appropriations changes over time is addressed. It is noted that budgeting is a political process in the classic sense, in that it elicits and embodies patterns of conflict and…

This module is designed for students with a high school algebra background. The goal is to present the elements of the group idea, primarily by way of a geometric model, and to see its application to the study of kinship relations within certain human groups. The material opens with a presentation of clans in a hypothetical society in an early…

One of the great strengths of mathematics is viewed as the fact that apparently diverse real-world questions translate into that same mathematical question. It is felt that studying a mathematical problem can often bring about a tool of surprisingly diverse usability. The module is geared to help users know how to use graph theory to model simple…

This document includes three units on applications of first-order difference equations to American politics. The first module is designed to help the user: 1) develop flexibility in analyzing difference equations in quadratic format; 2) understand how Choundy and Phillips' Theorem can be used to provide information about the time path of a…

This section provides mathematical activities in reproducible formats appropriate for students in grades 8-10. The activity is designed to provide an experience in model building while developing the concept of slope. (PK)

A work-scheduling model for Corrections Officers at State Correctional Institutions is described. This is a real-life model that was developed to deal with a problem of unacceptably large expenditures for overtime work by state prison guards. The problem involves more than 200 constraints and more than 800 variables. It is felt the model can be…