Chaos

Explore Chaos This book introduces and explores the mathematical phenomenon known as chaos. Chaos explains how very small changes in the initial configuration of a system lead to great discrepancies down the road. Called the butterfly effect, this phenomenon accounts for, among other things, our inability to accurately predict the weather despite enormous computing power and loads of data. Chaos reviews linear iteration and explains both linear and nonlinear iteration with fixed points, cycles, and orbits through both graphical iteration and orbit diagrams. Many of the activities can be enhanced with graphing calculators and spreadsheet software. While applicable to many mathematics courses, Chaos works especially well as a supplement to an algebra curriculum.