The Role of Mathematics in the Palestinian Economy: Estimating the Speed of the Swallowing of Palestinian Lands by the Israeli Settlements

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of mathematics in the Palestinian economy by deriving a dynamic model for the speed –the rate of change – of the expansion for the Israeli settlements and thus the “swallowing” rate of Palestinian lands. Partial Differential Equations were used to derive a theoretical model for the “swallowing” rate of Palestinian lands by Israeli settlements, which in turn result in tremendous negative effects on both the agricultural and industrial sector of the Palestinian economy. The developed dynamic model explains the process of which the Israeli settlements expands and the variables affecting the “swallowing” rate. The data was plotted and a mathematical equation was fitted for the growth rate of the settlements. This will give the policymakers an approximation of how fast the settlements are expanding and may aid them in their strategic planning of Palestinian development.