ICTMA 10
When we mean to build
We must first survey the plot, then draw the model;
And when we see the figure of the house,
Then must we rate the cost of the erection.
Which if we find outweighs ability,
What do we then but draw anew the model
In fewer offices, or, at least, desist
To build at all?
Shakespeare on modelling: Henry IV, Pt 2
Mathematics possesses not only the truth, but supreme beauty - a beauty cold and austere like that of stern perfection, such as only great art can show.
Bertrand Russell (1872-1970) in The Principles of Mathematics
ABOUT THE EDITORS
Qi-Xiao Ye, Professor of Mathematics, completed his graduate studies at Peking University, Beijing, China in 1963. His research field is partial differential equations, especially reaction-diffusion equations. He was heavily involved in both the modelling and designing of a ship lock in Gezhou Dam on the Yangtze River and also in the design and implementation of the associated software. He has taught many courses on mathematical modelling, is one of the chief organisers of the China Undergraduate Mathematical Contest in Modelling (CUMCM) and has a strong interest in the reform of mathematics education at university and high school level.
Werner Blum gained his PhD in Pure Mathematics and is currently Professor of Mathematics and Mathematical Education, University of Kassel, Germany. His research interests include mathematical modelling and applications, mathematical literacy and quality of instruction, strategy in mathematics teaching and mathematics in vocational education. He has been Co-Chairman of the Kassel-Exeter project and President of the GDM. He is currently Chairman of the ICMI Study on Applications and Modelling in Mathematics. He is a member of the PISA Expert Group and chairs a model project for quality development.
Ken Houston, Professor of Mathematical Studies in the School of Computing and Mathematics, University of Ulster, gained his BSc Honours and PhD degrees from Queen’s University, Belfast. He has long been involved with ICTMA and is currently President. He has a strong interest in the teaching, learning and assessment of mathematical modelling and has served on several national and international committees relating to mathematics and mathematics education.
Qi-Yuan Jiang, Professor of Mathematics, graduated from Tsinghua
University, Beijing, China in 1962. His research interests include mathematical
modelling and applications and operations research. He has taught courses
on mathematical modelling since the early 1980s, and at present he teaches
a course on experiments in mathematics. He is one of the chief organisers
of the China Undergraduate Mathematical Contest in Modelling (CUMCM) and
has a strong interest in the reform of mathematics education.
MATHEMATICAL MODELLING IN EDUCATION AND CULTURE:
ICTMA 10
Editors:
Qi-Xiao Ye
Beijing Institute of Technology
China
Werner Blum
University of Kassel
Germany
Ken Houston
University of Ulster
Northern Ireland
Qi-Yuan Jiang
Tsinghua University
China
Horwood
Publishing
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First published in 2003 by
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© Horwood Publishing Limited, 2003
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
A catalogue record of this book is available from the British Library
ISBN 1-904275-05-2
Printed in Great Britain by Antony Rowe Limited