Introducing undergraduates to the moment method

Four application problems are presented which have been found to facilitate introductory instruction on numerical methods for undergraduate electrical engineering students. The method of moments (MOM) is introduced at the level of first principles, preparing students for subsequent advanced topics in matrix methods and developments through linear vector space theory. The problems are such that the associated computer programming assignments are straightforward, minimizing distraction from the mathematical concepts. Numerical solutions may be obtained, or verified, with a pocket calculator in some cases. Computer programs to obtain more sophisticated graphics output and to expedite solution of equations with large matrices can be progressively added as supplementary student exercises