The emphasis is on so-called "best solution" problems to questions that frequently arise in practical situations, such as finding an answer for the least amount of time, greatest volume, least amount of work, maximum profit, and minimum cost. One of this module's purposes is to help users become acquainted with the types of calculations necessary…

This document contains two units that examine integral transforms and series expansions. In the first module, the user is expected to learn how to use the unified method presented to obtain Laplace transforms, Fourier transforms, complex Fourier series, real Fourier series, and half-range sine series for given piecewise continuous functions. In…

The document notes that in health and medical research the need to compare rates or proportions for some event can often occur. It is the module's goal to illustrate the conditions necessary for recognizing potentially misleading situations, and to show how to cope statistically with such situations. The four sections show: 1) when to adjust…

A group is viewed to be one of the simplest and most interesting algebraic structures. The theory of groups has been applied to many branches of mathematics as well as to crystallography, coding theory, quantum mechanics, and the physics of elementary particles. This material is designed to help the user: 1) understand what groups are and why they…

This module considers ordinary linear differential equations with constant coefficients. The "complex method" used to find solutions is discussed, with numerous examples. The unit includes both problem sets and an exam, with answers provided for both. (MP)

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 unit considers the application of calculus in determining price discrimination and consumer surplus in a competitive market. Producer surplus and two-tier price discrimination are also developed in problems. It is noted that calculus cannot usually provide numerical answers for practical economic problems. The importance of calculus…

Vector analysis is viewed to play a key role in many branches of engineering and the physical sciences. This unit is geared towards deriving identities and establishing "machinery" to make derivations a routine task. It is noted that the module is not an applications unit, but has as its primary objective the goal of providing science,…

These modules view aspects of computer use in the problem-solving process, and introduce techniques and ideas that are applicable to other modes of problem solving. The first unit looks at algorithms, flowchart language, and problem-solving steps that apply this knowledge. The second unit describes ways in which computer iteration may be used…

The material looks at: 1) Choosing a Clinical Test; 2) Evaluation of Diagnostic Tests; 3) Multi-Disease and Multi-Test Analysis; and 4) Medical Decision Analysis. It is felt users will be able to: 1) calculate the predictive value of a positive or negative test result in model clinical situations; 2) estimate the sensitivity and specificity…

This module applies linear algebraic methods to solve the following problem: If an object in a three-dimensional coordinate system is first rotated about a given axis through the origin by a given angle, and then rotated about another axis through the origin by another angle, there is a straightforward way to calculate the combined result of the…

It is noted that with the prominence of computers in today's technological society, digital communication systems have become widely used in a variety of applications. Some of the problems that arise in digital communications systems are described. This unit presents the problem of correcting errors in such systems. Error correcting codes are…

Applied mathematics is seen often to involve the solution of single equations or systems of equations. A particular technique for solving equations in the context of functions on the real line is examined. This technique includes an iterative process, which is viewed as an algorithm that can be implemented readily on inexpensive and widely…

This unit introduces analytic solutions of ordinary differential equations. The objective is to enable the student to decide whether a given function solves a given differential equation. Examples of problems from biology and chemistry are covered. Problem sets, quizzes, and a model exam are included, and answers to all items are provided. The…

This document explores two methods of obtaining numbers that are approximations of certain definite integrals. The methods covered are the Trapezoidal Rule and Romberg's method. Since the formulas used involve considerable calculation, a computer is normally used. Some of the problems and pitfalls of computer implementation, such as roundoff…