The authors of this text demonstrate using mathematical concepts to solve truly interesting problems about how our world works. Mathematical modeling is the process of looking at a problem, finding a mathematical core, working within that core, and coming back to see what mathematics tells you about the problem. Real problems ask such questions as: How do we create computer animations? Where should we locate a fire station? How do we effectively control an animal population? This approach integrates a mix of ideas in geometry, algebra, and data analysis with technologies of computers and graphing calculators