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Mathematical Models

In every physical science, we rely heavily on mathematical models to accomplish further scientific research.  (Yes, even you biologists and organic chemists; you just have the mathematical models hidden.)  Mathematical models are the key to all scientific research.  (And for those reading this from outside of the United States, I will use the word "sciences" in place of the term "physical sciences" from here on out; be prepared for that.)

This brings up a key question; what exactly is a mathematical model?

It would be good to have an equation fall under a mathematical model.  This can be the case, but more often than not, one equation is insufficient.  It also doesn't have to contain equations; there can also be inequalities, where a value is either less than or greater than a certain quantity.

Mathematical models are descriptions of a system with mathematical language, which can be one or many equations or inequalities.  This is more of a functional tool than it is a precision tool.  They are used to solve real world problems, where the entire system doesn't have to be precisely defined mathematically, but the problem area is mathematically approximated to high enough of a precision to be solvable in all cases.

An example of mathematical modeling is the population of a species in response to what is called "forcing factors", factors which force the behavior of a species population.  This is also called "population dynamics".  This may seem like a relatively heartless application of mathematical models, but there are many times where one needs to use these models to do the greatest good in the world.  For instance, there are people who are working on population dynamics models as applied to humans to try to locate problems with our growth to try to fix those problems.  I hope these problems can be located soon enough, for everyone's sake.

And as always, don't forget to be awesome.
Take that as you will, 
-K. “Alan” Eister Î”αβ
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Location: Paradise, NV, USA

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