In elementary school, you probably learned how to use modeling clay. You likely copied some object the teacher provided or maybe you were given a concept and you were allowed to come up with your own interpretation of it. Either way, you made a clay model of something in the real world.
We often use models in mathematics. A mathematical model is any description of phenomena using mathematical concepts and language. Here are just a few ways we use models in math to help us solve problems:
Graphs
Mathematicians (and scientists) often create a visual representation of a problem by plotting data on a graph. The data usually come from a study or experiment.
Equations
Mathematicians also use equations to explain phenomena. Generally, these equations are based on data that have been collected about the phenomenon they are modeling.
Simulations
Simulations are used to explore different possible scenarios for more complex problems. When using a simulation, you do not have to build a physical model.
In this lesson, you will use some of these techniques to create models you can use to solve problems. You will use technology to create the graphs of polynomial equations and interpret what you see. You will also use polynomial models to answer questions about phenomena you might find outside the mathematics classroom.
