Modeling Methodology

MTH 128 Modeling Methodology

Reminder: Send an e-mail to ppeterson@jtcc.edu as soon as possible.
I e-mail the notes as pdf when we use the SmartBoard or PowerPoint when we use
PowerPoint.

This presentation is based on Chapter 3: Modelling Methodology of Guide to
Mathematical Modeling, especially Section 3.3: Methodology and modelling flowchart.

By now, hopefully you have read the very short Chapter 1: What is Modelling? If not,
what are you waiting for?

I think it is best to skip Chapter 2: Getting Started until we have covered some
technique in chapters 3 and 4.
Reminder: Send an e-mail to ppeterson@jtcc.edu as soon as possible.
I e-mail the notes as pdf when we use the SmartBoard or PowerPoint
when we use PowerPoint.

This presentation is based on Chapter 3 of Guide to Mathematical
Modeling.

By now, hopefully you have read the very short Chapter 1: What is
Modelling? If not, what are you waiting for?

I think it is best to skip Chapter 2: Getting Started until we have covered
some technique in chapters 3 and 4.
MTH 128 Modeling Methodology
MTH 128 Modeling Methodology
The Modeling Process

The following is a suggestion of how to build mathematical models.

1.Identify the real problem

2. Formulate a mathematical model

3. Obtain a mathematical solution of the model

4. Interpret the mathematical solution

5. Compare with reality. If the result is not satisfying, go back to step 1

2.Present the result.

Be flexible!
MTH 128 Modeling Methodology
We will now take a closer look at each one of the six steps.

1.Identify the real problem

What do we want to know?

What is the purpose and objective?

How will the outcome be used and judged?

If some facts and/or data are given, what are their sources? Are they
reliable?

Can we expect a unique answer?

Classify the problem: Is it deterministic or stochastic? A model is called
deterministic if it depends entirely on its input factors. If
there are random effects that plays a central role in the investigation of the
problem, the model is said to be stochastic
MTH 128 Modeling Methodology
2. Formulate a mathematical model

Look first for the simplest model

Identify relevant factors and make up a list of them

Introduce variables with appropriate symbols for denoting them and units for
measuring them

Analyze how the different variables depend on one another, and derive equations
based on this analysis
MTH 128 Modeling Methodology
3. Obtain a mathematical solution of the model

Use your mathematical skill and knowledge to solve the mathematical Model

Look for an exact solution or an approximate (numerical) one

If needed, use computer programs as an aid (for example simulations)
MTH 128 Modeling Methodology
4. Interpret the mathematical solution

Have the values of the variables got the correct size and sign?

Do the variables increase or decrease when they are supposed to?

Check for sensible behavior of the model, by considering the effect of assigning
very large or small values to the different variables that are involved
MTH 128 Modeling Methodology
5. Compare with reality

Can your results be tested against real data?

Do your predictions agree with real data?

Does your mathematical model fulfill its purpose and objective, or do you need to
improve it by using more sophisticated mathematics?

If you think the model needs to be improved, go back to the first step
(identifying the real problem)
MTH 128 Modeling Methodology
6. Present the result

Write a report in which your results stand out

Who is this report for, and what do the readers want to know? How much detail is
required?

Use the correct format if dictated by the contest directions, or a standard
structure such as IMRaD (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion)

Try to make the important features clear and make sure that the main results are
easy to find within the report. For the contest, it is very important that your report is
skimmable