With an emphasis on mathematical thinking and problem solving, Mathematics in Games, Sports, and Gambling — The Games People Play shows how discrete probability, statistics, and elementary discrete mathematics are used in games, sports, and gambling situations. It draws on numerous examples, questions, and problems to explain the application of mathematical theory to various real-life games. Only requiring high school algebra, the text offers flexibility in choosing what material to cover in a basic mathematics course. It covers permutations in the two-deck matching game so derangements can be counted, introduces graphs to find matches when looking at extensions of the five-card trick, and studies lexicographic orderings and ideas of encoding for card tricks. The text also explores linear equations and weighted equations in the section on the NFL passer rating formula and presents graphing to show how data can be compared or displayed. For each topic, the author includes exercises based on real games and sports data.

Exploring the Infinite addresses the trend toward a combined transition course and introduction to analysis course. It guides the reader through the processes of abstraction and log- ical argumentation, to make the transition from student of mathematics to practitioner of mathematics. This requires more than knowledge of the definitions of mathematical structures, elementary logic, and standard proof techniques. The student focused on only these will develop little more than the ability to identify a number of proof templates and to apply them in predictable ways to standard problems. This book aims to do something more; it aims to help readers learn to explore mathematical situations, to make conjectures, and only then to apply methods of proof. Practitioners of mathematics must do all of these things. The chapters of this text are divided into two parts. Part I serves as an introduction to proof and abstract mathematics and aims to prepare the reader for advanced course work in all areas of mathematics. It thus includes all the standard material from a transition to proof" course. Part II constitutes an introduction to the basic concepts of analysis, including limits of sequences of real numbers and of functions, infinite series, the structure of the real line, and continuous functions. Features Two part text for the combined transition and analysis course New approach focuses on exploration and creative thought Emphasizes the limit and sequences Introduces programming skills to explore concepts in analysis Emphasis in on developing mathematical thought Exploration problems expand more traditional exercise sets

Understanding Real Analysis, Second Edition offers substantial coverage of foundational material and expands on the ideas of elementary calculus to develop a better understanding of crucial mathematical ideas. The text meets students at their current level and helps them develop a foundation in real analysis. The author brings definitions, proofs, examples and other mathematical tools together to show how they work to create unified theory. These helps students grasp the linguistic conventions of mathematics early in the text. The text allows the instructor to pace the course for students of different mathematical backgrounds. Key Features: Meets and aligns with various student backgrounds Pays explicit attention to basic formalities and technical language Contains varied problems and exercises Drives the narrative through questions

Invitation to Linear Algebra is an informative, clearly written, flexible textbook for instructors and students. Based on over 30 years of experience as a mathematics professor, the author invites students to develop a more informed understanding of complex algebraic concepts using innovative, easy-to-follow methods. The book is organized into lessons rather than chapters. This limits the size of the mathematical morsels that students must digest, making it easier for instructors to budget class time. Each definition is carefully explained with detailed proofs of key theorems, including motivation for each step. This makes the book more flexible, allowing instructors to choose material that reflects their and their students’ interests. A larger than normal amount of exercises illustrate how linear and nonlinear algebra apply in the students’ areas of study. Features The book’s unique lesson format enables students to better understand algebraic concepts Students will learn key elements of linear algebra in an enjoyable fashion Large number of exercises illustrate the applications of the course material Allows instructors to create a course around individual lessons Detailed solutions and hints are provided to selected exercises

Exploring Geometry, Second Edition promotes student engagement with the beautiful ideas of geometry. Every major concept is introduced in its historical context and connects the idea with real-life. A system of experimentation followed by rigorous explanation and proof is central. Exploratory projects play an integral role in this text. Students develop a better sense of how to prove a result and visualize connections between statements, making these connections real. They develop the intuition needed to conjecture a theorem and devise a proof of what they have observed. Features: Second edition of a successful textbook for the first undergraduate course Every major concept is introduced in its historical context and connects the idea with real life Focuses on experimentation Projects help enhance student learning All major software programs can be used; free software from author

Applied Differential Equations with Boundary Value Problems presents a contemporary treatment of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and an introduction to partial differential equations (PDEs), including their applications in engineering and the sciences. This new edition of the author’s popular textbook adds coverage of boundary value problems. The text covers traditional material, along with novel approaches to mathematical modeling that harness the capabilities of numerical algorithms and popular computer software packages. It contains practical techniques for solving the equations as well as corresponding codes for numerical solvers. Many examples and exercises help students master effective solution techniques, including reliable numerical approximations. This book describes differential equations in the context of applications and presents the main techniques needed for modeling and systems analysis. It teaches students how to formulate a mathematical model, solve differential equations analytically and numerically, analyze them qualitatively, and interpret the results.

Elementary Differential Equations presents the standard material in a first course on differential equations, including all standard methods which have been a part of the subject since the time of Newton and the Bernoulli brothers. The emphasis in this book is on theory and methods and differential equations as a part of analysis. Differential equations is worth studying, rather than merely some recipes to be used in physical science. The text gives substantial emphasis to methods which are generally presented first with theoretical considerations following. Essentially all proofs of the theorems used are included, making the book more useful as a reference. The book mentions the main computer algebra systems, yet the emphasis is placed on MATLAB and numerical methods which include graphing the solutions and obtaining tables of values. Featured applications are easily understood. Complete explanations of the mathematics and emphasis on methods for finding solutions are included.

Transition to Real Analysis with Proof provides undergraduate students with an introduction to analysis including an introduction to proof. The text combines the topics covered in a transition course to lead into a first course on analysis. This combined approach allows instructors to teach a single course where two were offered. The text opens with an introduction to basic logic and set theory, setting students up to succeed in the study of analysis. Each section is followed by graduated exercises that both guide and challenge students. The author includes examples and illustrations that appeal to the visual side of analysis. The accessible structure of the book makes it an ideal refence for later years of study or professional work. Combines the author’s previous works Elements of Advanced Mathematics with Foundations of Analysis Combines logic, set theory and other elements with a one-semester introduction to analysis. Author is a well-known mathematics educator and researcher Targets a trend to combine two courses into one

A Tour Through Graph Theory introduces graph theory to students who are not mathematics majors. Rather than featuring formal mathematical proofs, the book focuses on explanations and logical reasoning. It also includes thoughtful discussions of historical problems and modern questions. The book inspires readers to learn by working through examples, drawing graphs and exploring concepts. This book distinguishes itself from others covering the same topic. It strikes a balance of focusing on accessible problems for non-mathematical students while providing enough material for a semester-long course. Employs graph theory to teach mathematical reasoning Expressly written for non-mathematical students Promotes critical thinking and problem solving Provides rich examples and clear explanations without using proofs

A typical NBA game can yield approximately 2,800 statistical events in thirty-two different categories. In Numbers Don’t Lie Yago Colás started with a simple question: How did basketball analytics get from counting one stat, the final score, to counting thousands? He discovered that what we call “basketball”—rules, equipment, fundamental skills, techniques, tactics, strategies—has changed dramatically since its invention and today encompasses many different forms of play, from backyards and rec leagues to the NBA Finals. Numbers Don’t Lie explores the power of data to tell stories about ourselves and the world around us. As advanced statistical methods and big-data technologies transform sports, we now have the power to count more things in greater detail than ever before. These numbers tell us about the past, present, and future that shape how basketball is played on the floor, decisions are made in front offices, and the sport is marketed and consumed. But what is the relationship between counting and what counts, between quantification and value? In Numbers Don’t Lie Colás offers a three-part history of counting in basketball. First, he recounts how big-data basketball emerged in the past twenty years, examines its current practices, and analyzes how it presents itself to the public. Colás then situates big data within the deeper social, cultural, and conceptual history of counting in basketball and beyond and proposes alternative frameworks of value with which we may take fuller stock of the impact of statistics on the sport. Ultimately, Colás challenges the putative objectivity of both quantification and academic writing by interweaving through this history a series of personal vignettes of life at the intersection of basketball, counting, and what counts.