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Understanding Mathematical Modelling Steps

Mathematical modeling involves framing real-world questions mathematically, studying the model using math tools, and interpreting results. It is used to solve industrial problems and gain insight into phenomena. The five-step method is: 1) ask the question, 2) select an approach, 3) formulate the model, 4) solve the model, and 5) answer the original question. An additional step involves assessing the model and improving it through repetition as needed.

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18 views9 pages

Understanding Mathematical Modelling Steps

Mathematical modeling involves framing real-world questions mathematically, studying the model using math tools, and interpreting results. It is used to solve industrial problems and gain insight into phenomena. The five-step method is: 1) ask the question, 2) select an approach, 3) formulate the model, 4) solve the model, and 5) answer the original question. An additional step involves assessing the model and improving it through repetition as needed.

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What is Mathematical Modelling?

Framing questions in/about the real world in mathematical terms. Building a mathematical model (representation) of the real world.

Studying the mathematical model using known mathematical tools and techniques.

Interpreting the results of the mathematical investigations in terms of the original real-world problem.

Why Mathematical Modelling?


To solve real-world problems (industrial/business settings).

To gain insight into real-world phenomena (research settings).

Solving Problems Using Mathematical Modelling: The Five-Step Method


1. Ask the question.

2. Select the modelling approach.

3. Formulate the model.

4. Solve the model.

5. Answer the question.


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Step 1: Ask the question


Make a list of all the variables in the problem, including appropriate units.

Be careful not to confuse variables and constants (model parameters).

State any assumptions you are making.

State the objective of the problem in precise mathematical terms.


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Step 2: Select the modelling approach


Choose a general solution procedure to be followed in solving this problem.

Generally speaking, success in this step requires experience, skill, and familiarity with the relevant literature. In this course, we usually will specify the modelling approach to be used.

Step 3: Formulate the model


Restate the question posed in step 1 in terms of the modelling approach specied in step 2.

You may need to relabel some of the variables specied in step 1 in order to agree with the notation generally used with the modelling approach chosen.

Note any additional assumptions made in order to t the problem described in step 1 into the mathematical structure specied in step 2.
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Step 4: Solve the model


Apply the general solution procedure specied in step 2 to the problem formulated in step 3.

Be careful in your mathematics. Check your work for math errors. Does your answer make sense?

Use appropriate technology. Computer algebra systems, graphics, and numerical software will increase the range of problems within your grasp, and they also reduce math errors.

Step 5: Answer the question


Rephrase the results of step 4 in nontechnical terms.

Avoid mathematical symbols and jargon.

Anyone who can understand the statement of the question as it was presented to you originally should be able to understand your answer.

An Additional Iterative Step


Models rarely are perfect and complete representations of the real-world problem. Simplifying assumptions often have been made in order to make some progress. After the completion of the ve-step method, one should assess the accomplishments. How relevant is the solution to the original problem statement? Can some of the simplifying assumptions be relaxed? Can the model be improved? Repeat the 5-step process as necessary ...
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