Modeling

Definition of Modeling

• Modeling is the process of representing real life situations through equations or inequalities.

Examples of Modeling

• Suppose a laboratory prepares a 200-mg of technetium-99m which has a half-life of 6 hours. Its exponential decay can be modeled by the equation

Solved Example on Modeling

The population of the world(in million) is modeled by the expression , where x represents the number of years since 1985. Estimate the world population in 1995.

Choices:

A. 4,420 millions

B. 7,420 millions

C. 6,420 millions

D. 5,420 millions

Correct Answer: D

Solution:

Step 1:   [Original model.]

Step 2:   [Replace x = 10 in the model.]

Step 3:   [Simplify.]

= (0.75 × 100) + (74.5 × 10) + 4600

Step 4: = 75 + 745 + 4600

Step 5: = 5420

Step 6: So, the world population in 1995 was 5,420 millions.

Related Terms for Modeling

• Equations
• Inequalities

Real-world Connections

• Mathematical models are used in sciences such as biology and physics and in other fields such as economics and sociology. 

Additional Links for Modeling

• Click here for samples
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