ERIC Number: EJ753893
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006-Jun-15
Pages: 20
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0020-739X
EISSN: N/A
A Role for M-Matrices in Modelling Population Growth
James, Glyn; Rumchev, Ventsi
International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science & Technology, v37 n4 p455-474 Jun 2006
Adopting a discrete-time cohort-type model to represent the dynamics of a population, the problem of achieving a desired total size of the population under a balanced growth (contraction) and the problem of maintaining the desired size, once achieved, are studied. Properties of positive-time systems and M-matrices are used to develop the results, which are illustrated using simple examples. The material is presented in a format that makes it appropriate as background material for interesting applications based modelling assignments on undergraduate programmes in the mathematical sciences, applied sciences, economics and technology. All relevant properties of both positive-time systems and M-matrices are presented and clarified at the outset. (Contains 2 figures.)
Descriptors: Science Education, Higher Education, Population Growth, Mathematics Education, Models, Evaluation Methods
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A