Using matrices to model the dynamics of demography

In this lesson, students will formulate, implement, and interpret a simple demographic model in which birth and survival rates are constant for each age cohort. The model will have the form x'=Ax, where x is the population distribution at some time, x' the population 20 years later, and A a (Leslie) matrix that contains the problem parameters. Using a context should help students better understand the meaning of matrix multiplication and its role in linear discrete dynamics.
Resource ID#: 10064 Type: Lesson Plan
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General Information

Subject(s): Mathematics
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Intended Audience: Educators educators
Suggested Technology: Graphing Calculators, Computer for Presenter, Computers for Students, LCD Projector, Microsoft Office
Instructional Time: 2 Hour(s)
Resource supports reading in content area:Yes
Freely Available: Yes
Keywords: demography, age structure, dynamics, discrete dynamics, matrix multiplication, population, Markov chain, Leslie matrix, vectors, matrices, matrix, dimensions
Instructional Component Type(s): Lesson Plan,  Problem-Solving Task
Resource Collection: iCPALMS

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