Students are applying their high school math skills to engineering problems. They then write MATLAB code to represent that problem. 

This is part of a 2-credit course for all entering engineering students. The course is intended to reinforce high school math skills of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry through engineering examples and help the students acquire the basics of MATLAB. It uses Wright State Math as an inspiration. It also provides an opportunity to introduce the ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET into one of the first engineering classes students take.

The "Real World Problems" require students to take measurements, estimate sizes, or use data from an outside source. They then use the data as part of the givens for a problem that is usually based around something local or otherwise closely connected to the program. At the end of each problem, there is a question for students to bring the problem back out of the math and provide an interpretation and assessment of the answer. This interpretation also brings in opportunities CURIOSITY as students compare results to their lived experiences and CREATING VALUE as students determine whether their solutions would be valuable or optimal for implementation. These written interpretation questions require students to demonstrate the ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET as they combine their new technical skills with the 3Cs.

The Real World Problems start with a situation description and then have specific asks. To scaffold learning, early problems have extensive MATLAB template codes as well. The MATLAB template codes become more sparse throughout the semester, with none given for the last few problems.

For example, a problem required them to determine how long a yellow light should be, thinking about stopping time and human reaction time. They then must extend their knowledge to account for other real-life aspects, such as people speeding or texting while driving to come up with an optimal yellow light length. Other problems require students to employ their ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET to a changing situation, such as a price adjustment in the cost of supplies for a lemonade company.

The module topics are:

1. Basic MATLAB and variables (no RWP)

2. Linear equations

3. Quadratic equations

4. Geometry

5. Trigonometry

6. Vectors

7. Systems of equations

Problems in pdf form and the associated .mlx files are included at the bottom of this card. This card will continue to be updated with more problems as they are developed.

Card cover image by Freepik