Mathematical Modeling
with Algebra

Mathematical Modeling with Algebra

Mathematical Modeling with Algebra is all about solving authentic problems in real word contexts. The contexts have been chosen with two goals in mind: 1) To resonate with high school students’ interests, and 2) to demonstrate the broad applicability of mathematics. Each context meets at least one of these goals, and some meet both goals. Embedded in each context is some sort of decision so that students are introduced to mathematics as a decision-making tool. The contexts are varied and include choosing the best wireless plan, optimizing production at a skateboard factory, minimizing the cost of reducing pollutants, scheduling workers in a pizzeria, choosing the right mix of colleges to apply to, and finding the best location for a disaster response facility.

Throughout the book, students will be making sense of problems, persevering in their solution, mathematically modeling real-world contexts, using appropriate tools when necessary, and attending to the precision of results. This textbook utilizes Excel extensively which enables students to focus on modeling and interpretation of results without needing to crunch through calculations, preparing them for courses that use it in college and future jobs.

Explore Mathematical Modeling with Algebra Contents

Chapter 1: Make Hard Decisions—Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) ▪ wireless plan ▪ college ▪ used car

Chapter 2: Optimize Product Mix: Profit Maximization with Linear Programming ▪ computer assembly ▪ skateboards ▪ sports shoes

Chapter 3: Analyze Optimal Solutions—Sensitivity Analysis ▪computer assembly ▪ skateboards ▪ sports shoes

Chapter 4: Minimize Calories or Cost with Linear Programming ▪ Malawi diet ▪ Wisconsin watershed pollution ▪ gasoline blending

Chapter 5: Optimize Effectiveness or Cost with Integer Programming ▪ political advertising ▪ workforce in pizza palace ▪ trucking oranges

Chapter 6: Optimize Selection with Binary Programming ▪ flip houses ▪ apply to colleges ▪ form swim teams ▪ form project teams

Chapter 7: Find Optimal Locations with Algorithms ▪ hot dog stand ▪ strawberry warehouse ▪ smoothie store ▪ disaster response facility

Chapter 8: Waiting in Line with Polynomials – Non-linear functions and Queueing ▪ ticket box office ▪ post offices ▪ airport security screening