APPLIED MATHEMATICS BASICS
What is applied mathematics?
Applied mathematics is not only concerned with using rigorous mathematical meth-
ods, but also applications of those methods. It entails a wide range of research in the
worlds of biology, computer science, sociology, engineering, physical science, and
many other fields, especially in the experimental sciences. In each case, applied math-
ematics is used by a researcher to more thoroughly understand a particular applica-
tion or physical phenomena. The many uses of applied mathematics include numeri-
cal analysis, linear programming, mathematical modeling and simulation, the
mathematics of engineering, mathematical biology, game theory, probability theory,
mathematical statistics, financial mathematics, and even cryptography.
How did applied mathematics growover time?
Historically speaking, applied mathematics was always concerned with using mathe-
matics to solve problems in physics, chemistry, medicine, engineering, the physical
sciences, technology, and biology. In fact, applied mathematics is older than pure
mathematics, as it was used in areas that formed the core of early physics research,
such as mechanics, fluid dynamics, and optics. As mathematical tools became more
powerful, these areas of physics became more mathematically based. This mathemati-
cal analysis tie to science and engineering has always had a great place in history and
has led to some of its greatest discoveries.
How has applied mathematics changedover the past few decades?
In the past few decades, applied mathematics has made tremendous strides in explain-
ing our world. In particular, with the advent of more powerful computers and their 243
APPLIED
MATHEMATICS