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11 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What is a mathematical model? |
A simplification of a real world problem |
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Why are mathematical models used? |
To make predictions about a real world problem in order to improve understanding of the situation |
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Advantages of mathematical models |
- Quick and easy to produce - They can simplify a more complex situation - They can help us improve our understanding of the real world as certain variables can readily be changed - They enable predictions to be made - They can help provide control - as in aircraft scheduling |
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Disadvantages of mathematical models |
- The model is a simplification of the real problem and does not include all aspects of the problem - The model may only work in certain situations |
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First stage of mathematical models |
A real world problem is observed |
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Second stage of mathematical models |
A mathematical model is devised |
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Third stage of mathematical models |
The mathematical model is used to make predictions about the expected behaviour of the real world problem |
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Fourth stage of mathematical models |
Experimental data is collected from the real world |
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Fifth stage of mathematical models |
Compare predicted and observed outcomes |
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Sixth stage of mathematical models |
Statistical tests are used to assess how well the model describes the real world |
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Seventh stage of mathematical models |
The mathematical model is refined, if necessary, to improve the match of predicted outcomes with observed (experimental) data |
