Mathematics in the News!
A guide to precalculus and calculus lessons on mathematical modeling.
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by Lou Berlin
  • Teach your students to interpret and model data like engineers and scientists.
  • Incorporate a variety of techniques including manual scatter plots, graphing calculator technology, computer spreadsheet and data analysis programs, and the Internet.
  • Use logarithms and logarithmic graph paper in meaningul, real problems.
  • Focus on concepts and balance "paper and pencil" techniques with graphing technology.
  • Emphasize a spiraling curriculum to teach precalculus and calculus skills.
  • Meet NCTM standards in problem solving, reasoning, communication, connections, representation, and data analysis.
 Mathematics in the News! book cover
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Activities Include:
  • Applications of Linear Curve Fitting
    • The Chicago Bulls!
    • The Miss America Winners! - Body Mass Index
    • "Algebra - What are we ever going to use it for?" or "Determining the Expansion Rate and Age of the Universe."
  • Compound Interest and Continuous Compounding
    • Simple and Compound Interest
    • Where does e come from?
    • The Law of Natural Growth or Decay
  • Applications of Exponential Curve Fitting
    • Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)
    • Oil Well Production
    • Population Growth of India
    • Wind Power
    • "OPEC, keep those wells flowing, please!" - Oil Well Production and Reserves

  • Applications of Logistic Growth
    • The Grey Wolf - Yellowstone National Park
    • New York City Population
    • McDonald's Hamburgers
    • "25,000 Stores!" - Starbucks Corporation
    • "Over the Peak!" - The SARS Epidemic
    • "Fight the Bite!" - West Nile Virus
  • Other Curve Fitting Applications
    • "Eight minutes of arc!" - Kepler's Third Law
    • "Fireworks on the Sun" - Solar Flare Activity and the Sunspot Cycle
    • "You're Rich!" - Oil Well Production Decline Analysis
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  • 2008 Student Workbook Edition:
$15.00  + S & H
151 pages

Includes:
- Graph paper for specific problems:
  Cartesian, semi-log, and log-log
We also sell Curve Fitting Drafting Triangles.

ISBN 978-0-9762178-0-0
  • 2008 Teacher's Edition:
$31.95 + S & H
275 pages
Free with 25 or more student editions.

Includes:
- Answer Key
- Overhead Blackline Masters
- "Mathematics in the News!" Data and
  Test/Quiz CD

ISBN 978-0-9762178-1-7
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MathPower Publishing Company
mathpower@comcast.net
www.mathpowerpublishing.com

Please contact us at MathPower Publishing Company if you have any questions.

Copyright© 2004 Lou Berlin.  All rights reserved.
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