数学建模是用数学方法解决各种实际问题的桥梁。本书分离散建模和连续建模两部分介绍了整个建模过程的原理，通过本书的学习，学生将有机会在创造性模型和经验模型的构建、模型分析以及模型研究方面进行实践，增强解决问题的能力。

1 Modeling Change

　Introduction

　1.1 Modeling Change with Difference Equations

　1.2 Approximating Change with DifferenceEquations

　1.3 Solutions to Dynamical Systems

　1.4 Systems of Difference Equations

2 The Modeling Process, Proportionality,and Geometric Similarity

　2.1 Mathematical Models

　2.2 Modeling Using Proportionality

　2.3 Modeling Using Geometric Similarity

　2.4 Automobile Gasoline Mileage

　2.5 Body Weight and Height, Strength and Agility

3 Model Fitting

　3.1 Fitting Models to Data Graphically

　3.2 Analytic Methods of Model Fitting

　3.3 Applying the Least-Squares Criterion

　3.4 Choosing a Best Model

4 Experimental Modeling

　4.1 Harvesting in the Chesapeake Bay and Other One-Term Models

　4.2 High-Order Polynomial Models

　4.3 Smoothing: Low-Order Polynomial Models

　4.4 Cubic Spline Models

5　Simulation Modeling

　Introduction

　5.1 Simulating Deterministic Behavior: Area Under a Curve

　5.2 Generating Random Numbers

　5.3 Simulating Probabilistic Behavior

　5.4 Inventory Model: Gasoline and Consumer Demand

　5.5 Queuing Models

……

6　Discrete Probabilistic Modeling

7 Optimization of Discrete Models

8 Modeling Using Graph Theory

9 Dimensional Analysis and Similitude

10 Graphs of Functions as Models

11 Modeling with a Differential Equation

12 Modeling with Systems of Differential Equations

13 Optimization of Continuous Models