A mathematical model for the number of subscribers to two competing cable TV companies is presented. An applet is included, allowing the user to experiment with the model. The theory behind the model is mentioned and two specific assignments related to the model are given.

APPROPRIATE COURSES:

Introductory/Intermediate Linear Algebra

SOFTWARE SPECIFICATIONS:

Netscape Navigator 6 is really the way to go with this page. Works in IE 5.5, but not in 5.0. Behavior in NN 4 seems generally acceptable but quirky. Works with a recent Mozilla build, too. (The source of these problems is most likely the TextArea class, which is buggy.)

Systems supported: IE 5/Win98, Netscape 4.7/Win98

Open Cable TV Consumer Preference Model in new window

This simple applet gives students the ability to experiment with convergence of powers of a transition matrix, a result known as Perron's Theorem in Linear Algebra. The exploration is done within the economics context of competition for consumers, which makes the numbers have a real context for the students. The discussion and accompanying applet are followed by a handful of suggested exercises to direct student activities to some interesting cases, but instructors may find this tool useful as a supplement for many of the problems they assign from the standard textbook.

Open Cable TV Consumer Preference Model in new window