The Importance of Math Modeling

Introduction

• Math learned in high school has real-world applications and answers important questions.
• Examples of applicable scenarios:
  • Best recycling program for a city
  • Effects of a flu outbreak on the US
  • Determining the most thrilling roller coaster

What is Math Modeling?

• Definition: A process using math to represent, analyze, and predict real-world phenomena.
  • Provides insights or solutions to problems.
  • Math can reveal patterns in everyday life.

Steps in the Math Modeling Process

1. Define the Problem

   • Clear definition simplifies research and understanding.

2. Make Assumptions

   • Removes extraneous factors to focus on significant variables.

3. Define Variables

   • Identify important variables for the equation in the mathematical model.
   • Clarifies what you are looking for in the model.

4. Build the Model

   • Use known math (often algebra) to create a model without needing advanced calculus.
   • Assumptions help simplify the process.

5. Analyze the Model

   • Evaluate the effectiveness of the model:
     • Does it address the original question?
     • Does the answer make sense?
   • Correlate data with the initial hypothesis.

6. Report Results

   • Importance of documenting assumptions and justifications of the model.

Conclusion

• Math modeling answers complex questions about various topics such as:
  • Recycling options
  • Disease spread
  • Thrill factors in amusement parks
• Instead of asking what math is good for, consider what we can't figure out with math.

Additional Resources

• For more information on math modeling, visit M3 Challenge