Elements of mathematical modeling in software environments MATLAB 5 and Scilab. (Q2734523)

The developments in education as well as in science and technology require more and more the combination of mathematization and computerization together with the application in special disciplines.NEWLINENEWLINENEWLINEThe first part is very often called ``mathematical modeling'', the second part is supported by software means like MATHEMATICA, MATLAB, MAPLE etc.NEWLINENEWLINENEWLINEThis book is very appropriate to support this process as a textbook. It starts with a careful introduction into the area of mathematical modeling based on the concepts of system and system analysis. This part is followed by an introduction into MATLAB. The examples which have been used are representative and facilitate the entry into this system. Chapter 3 deals with different mathematical models and classifies these models according to several properties (static-dynamic, discrete-continuous etc.) and defines as well as discusses the parts of mathematics which are required to build these models. This is an excellent guideline for practical applications, many examples illustrate the concepts and the use of MATLAB.NEWLINENEWLINENEWLINEThe selection of model parameters is a next important problem which is carefully introduced and discussed. The optimization and the structural synthesis of systems are the last topics to be discussed.NEWLINENEWLINENEWLINEA full and comprehensive example (the forecasting of stock market developments) shows the whole spectrum of considerations. The closing remarks present the system Scilab which can be loaded from INRIA (France) for free. Very useful for the use of these ideas is a comprehensive summary of available MATLAB functions and methods.NEWLINENEWLINENEWLINEA very recommendable book, for students as well as scientists, in many fields. The future should make this book available also in other languages.