This primary text for an introductory course on linear and nonlinear programming can be understood by undergraduate students who have completed both a standard single-variable calculus sequence and an introductory linear algebra course. It attempts to bridge the gap between management science texts which lack mathematical detail and rigor, and texts for graduate courses in mathematical programming. The book integrates hands-on learning, a linear algebra focus, Maple software, and real-world applications, and includes computational and conceptual exercises plus six group projects. No experience with Maple is required, and an appendix on getting started with Maple is provided. Applications and exercises are presented from diverse fields such as transportation, chemistry, genetics, and game theory. The book also discusses some intermediate linear algebra topics, including the spectral theorem and matrix norms. A web site offers Maple worksheets and code. Fishback is affiliated with Grand Valley State University. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)