AMS Expects that Every Mathematician Will Do Their ODEs: From the Battle of Trafalgar to Calculus...
0Presented by:
Steven J. Miller, Williams College, Williamstown MA USA
https://qubeshub.org/community/groups/simiode/expo
Abstract: Differential equations successfully model numerous theoretical and real world problems, with examples often drawn from physics and, especially in the covid era, mathematical biology. We discuss a beautiful problem in a very different area that can be done easily in a first calculus class: modeling the famous Battle of Trafalgar, where Nelson's strategy led to one of, if not the, most decisive and lopsided naval victories ever. This example illustrates the power of creating good mathematical models that capture enough of the key features, and having techniques to solve the resulting differential equations.