S1 - Mathematical models in probability and statistics

Question 1

what is a mathematical model?

Answer 1

a simplification of a real world situation

Question 2

what mathematical model can be used for?

Answer 2

make predictions about a real world problem

Question 3

mathematical models are useful because:

Answer 3

1. they are easy to produce
2. they can simplify a more complex situation
3. they can help us improve our understanding of the real world as certain variables can readily be changed
4. they enable predictions to be made
5. they can help provide control - as in aircraft scheduling

Question 4

mathematical models should sometimes be treated with some cautions because:

Answer 4

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