Mathematical
Modeling
(How Math is Used in Real Life)
Mathematical Models
A Mathematical Model is a
mathematical representation
of a non-mathematical
system or phenomenon.
• A modern tool for scientific
investigation.
• May be mathematical
equations, spreadsheets, or
computer simulations.
• Models often use
mathematical functions to
describe relationships
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between variables.
We can practice mathematical modeling by drawing and
interpreting graphs that represent real-world situations
• Think about what the variables
represent along the horizontal (x)
and vertical (y) axes, including
the units of measurement.
• Ignore parts of the situation that
don’t relate to the variables.
• Pay attention to important
properties of the situation and
Desmos Graphing Stories
make sure your graph captures 3
them.
What stories could we tell about each of the
following graphs?
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Terms to Know
• Variable – the mathematical representation of the model’s
components, which are quantities or attributes of a system that we
can measure. Any variable value should always include its unit of
measurement.
v = speed in miles per hour t = time in
seconds
• Function – a mathematical rule relating two sets
of variable values, in which each value of the first
set (the domain) corresponds to one and only one
value in the second set (the range).
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Functions Tell Stories
• Functions have many properties that are easier to see when
graphed.
• These properties determine the kinds of stories we can tell with
the function.
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Functions Tell Stories
Which of the function graphs below would you
like to see if:
• The x-axis represents time
• The y-axis represents your bank account
balance?
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Function Properties
• This is one important property of functions we will use. A function
can be increasing, decreasing, or constant.
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Function Properties
• A function is increasing on a certain x-interval if the y-values
increase as the x-values increase.
• A function is decreasing on a certain x-interval if the y-values
decrease as the x-values increase.
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Function Properties
• All of these functions are increasing.
• How would you define the difference between them?
Which would you rather see
representing your bank
Function Properties
This is another important property of functions that tells
us a lot. A function may be concave up, concave down,
or have no concavity.
Positive Concavity Zero Concavity Negative
Concavity
A function is concave up if it is:
• increasing at an increasing rate
OR
• decreasing at a decreasing rate
A function is concave down if it
is:
• increasing at a decreasing
rate
OR
• decreasing at an increasing
rate
Function Properties
• A graph’s properties may change at different intervals on its
domain.
12 Functions
Used for
Modeling
These represent some of
the possible relationships
that can occur between
two variables.
By shifting, stretching,
reflecting, and rotating
these shapes, we can find
a function that fits our
data.
The model’s usefulness
always depends on its
ability to make accurate
Income: hourly wage vs. time
Velocity: distance vs. time while moving at a
constant speed.
Electricity: voltage (volts) vs. current (amperes)
Sales: revenue vs. products sold
Fuel Efficiency: miles driven vs. gallons used
What other linear relationships can you think of?
Manufacturing Tolerances
The Law of Reflection
Distance away from starting point
Squaring (Quadratic) Function
Projectile Trajectories
Reflectors, headlights, satellite dishes
Period of a Pendulum
Distance between points in the plane
Periodic Function
What kinds of relationships can
we model with this function?