S1 Important Info

Question 1

What is a mathematical model?

Answer 1

Simplification of a real world situation

Question 2

What are mathematical models used for?

Answer 2

• To make predictions about real world problem.

- By analysing model, improved understanding of situation obtained

Question 3

List 5 advantages to mathematical models

Answer 3

• Quick & easy to produce
• Simplifies complex situation
• Improve understanding of real world as certain variables can readily be changed
• Enables us to make predictions
• Provides control

Question 4

Give 2 reasons why mathematical models should be treated with caution.

Answer 4

• Simplification - doesn’t include all aspects of problem

- Model may only work in certain situations

Question 5

Briefly outline steps for making a mathematical model [7]

Answer 5

1) Real world problem observed
2) Mathematical model devised
3) Model used to make predictions
4) Experimental data collected from real world
5) Predicted & observed outcomes compared
6) Statistical test used to asses how well model describes real world
7) Mathematical model refined (if necessary) to improve match between expected and observed values

Question 6

Define mutually exclusive

Answer 6

When events have no outcomes in common

Question 7

In stats, what does the term independent mean?

Answer 7

When one event has no effect on the other

Question 8

When might a normal distribution be appropriate?

Answer 8

When there is little/no skew in data