Math Is Fun Forum
You are not logged in.
- Topics: Active | Unanswered
#1 2009-10-26 15:04:42
- MathsIsFun
- Administrator
- Registered: 2005-01-21
- Posts: 7,713
Mathematical Models
Mada an "introductory" page on Mathematical Models
How do you like it?
"The physicists defer only to mathematicians, and the mathematicians defer only to God ..." - Leon M. Lederman
Offline
#2 2009-10-26 22:21:39
- mathsyperson
- Moderator
- Registered: 2005-06-22
- Posts: 4,900
Re: Mathematical Models
I really like this page. I think the example is a very good one, because it demonstrates that when improving a model, there's a point where the next thing that needs considering would make the calculations much more complex and the accuracy is already good enough that it's probably not worth doing.
Why did the vector cross the road?
It wanted to be normal.
Offline
#3 2009-10-27 02:33:07
- bobbym
- bumpkin
- From: Bumpkinland
- Registered: 2009-04-12
- Posts: 109,606
Re: Mathematical Models
Hi MathsisFun;
Interesting, except the part about having a job for life. That was depressing.
In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.
Offline
#4 2009-10-27 05:20:12
- ccmint
- Member
- Registered: 2009-10-11
- Posts: 22
Re: Mathematical Models
The page looks great. I just have one question. How did you figure out the minimum (0.22, 0.17)?
Offline
#5 2009-10-27 05:22:17
- bobbym
- bumpkin
- From: Bumpkinland
- Registered: 2009-04-12
- Posts: 109,606
Re: Mathematical Models
Hi ccmint;
He eyeballed it from the graph.
In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.
Offline
#6 2009-10-27 05:39:34
- ccmint
- Member
- Registered: 2009-10-11
- Posts: 22
Re: Mathematical Models
Ok, Thanks Bobby.
Offline
#7 2009-10-27 06:13:33
- mathsyperson
- Moderator
- Registered: 2005-06-22
- Posts: 4,900
Re: Mathematical Models
It's also possible to use calculus to get the exact answer - the x-value turns out to be
Why did the vector cross the road?
It wanted to be normal.
Offline
#8 2009-10-27 08:10:43
- MathsIsFun
- Administrator
- Registered: 2005-01-21
- Posts: 7,713
Re: Mathematical Models
Thanks, everyone!
Yes, I just eyeballed it, as the exact solution is a calculus thing. I might mention that on the page.
"The physicists defer only to mathematicians, and the mathematicians defer only to God ..." - Leon M. Lederman
Offline