If you are looking into learning more about the math behind actionscript animation, I suggest a great book:
ActionScript Animation {Making Things Move}
by: Keith Peters
Preview: Here.
It’s about ~$27 and is an essential if you’re interested in ActionScript animation.
Has:
Tons of actionscript methods of animation
Motion princpicles
even some 3D concepts.
Check it out, (or if you know me…. ask me to borrow it);
ALSO:
I would really look into using:
import mx.transitions.Tween;
import mx.transitions.easing.*;
Here is a GREAT intro to the use of the tween class:
http://www.kirupa.com/developer/actionscript/tween.htm