Daniel Maki and Maynard Thompson provide a conceptual framework for the process of building and using mathematical models, illustrating the uses of mathematical and computer models in a variety of situations. This text helps students learn that model building is a dynamic process involving simplification, approximation, abstraction, analysis, computation, and comparison. Students begin the process of model building with a consideration of phenomena arising in another academic area or in the real world. "The authors focus on the process of model building and the subsequent analysis and evaluation. They make a clear effort to get the student to think about the material. Also, the exercises are well thought out, and are not simply ones that students can do by mimicking examples provided in the text." "I was very impressed with the overall approach to the topic of Mathematical Modeling. I felt that the introduction to the subject of Modeling was one of the best that I have ever read." Daniel P. Maki is the Chair of the Department of Mathematics at Indiana University. His research interests include the study of algorithms related to speech recognition by computer, including hidden Markov models, neural networks, and traditional signal processing. He is on the Board of Governors for the MAA and on the MAA Committee on the Undergraduate Program in Mathematics. Maynard Thompson has research interests in the applications of mathematics to problems arising in biology and medicine. He served as Chairman of the CUPM Committee on Applied Mathematics, on the SIAM Education Committee, on the MCM Advisory Board, and as a Visiting Lecturer for the MAA and SIAM. He has written research and expository articles and lectured in workshops and conferences on mathematical modeling in the social and life sciences. Used Book in Good Condition