Description
Book SynopsisMathematical models - equations of various sorts capturing relationships between variables involved in a complex situation - are fundamental for understanding the potential consequences of choices we make. This book on elementary topics in mathematical modeling and data analysis has a specific focus on environmental applications.
Trade ReviewIt is great that mathematics is finally taught as a tool to understand the challenges that the planet will be facing and to participate in the debate. The book aims at developing skills in mathematical modeling and data analysis, with a focus on the environment. The projects encourage active learning. A wonderful book!"" - Christiane Rousseau, Initiator of Mathematics of Planet Earth (MPE2013) and Professor of Mathematics, Universite de Montreal
""Using diverse examples with environmental science data, this text provides a lively review of high school math. Ideal for a quantitative literacy course, it offers an excellent alternative to the typical math rehash."" - Louis J. Gross, Chancellor's Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Mathematics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Table of Contents
- Basic quantitative concepts: Scales of measurement
- Ratios, percents, proportions
- Part I summary project
- Elementary modeling: Linear functions as models
- Exponential functions as models
- Power functions as models
- Discrete time dynamic modeling and difference equations
- Modeling with systems of difference equations
- Data analysis and statistics: Descriptive statistics
- Probability distributions and random variables
- Statistics of sampling
- Hypothesis testing and statistical inference
- Index
