Using the United States Census Data to Introduce Differential Equations |
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| Authors: | Jean Marie Linhart |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Mathematics, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA USA, JeanMarie.Linhart@cwu.eduJeanMarie.Linhart@cwu.edu |
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| Abstract: | AbstractThis article describes a method for using the United States Census data to open a differential equations course. The question of finding a model for the United States population data gives students a first experience with creating a model using differential equations, and also understanding derivatives, what they mean, and how to calculate them in the context of real data. This model-building start motivates further exploration in many of the standard differential equations topics: the method of separation of variables, slope fields, autonomous equations, equilibria, and stability. |
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| Keywords: | United States Census modeling differential equations separation of variables logistic equation parameter estimation finite differences |
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