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#1 2009-10-27 14:04:42
- MathsIsFun
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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
#2 2009-10-27 21:21:39
- mathsyperson
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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.
#3 2009-10-28 01:33:07
- bobbym
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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.
Probability is the most important concept in modern science, especially as nobody has the slightest notion what it means.
90% of mathematicians do not understand 90% of currently published mathematics.
#4 2009-10-28 04:20:12
- ccmint
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Re: Mathematical Models
The page looks great. I just have one question. How did you figure out the minimum (0.22, 0.17)?
#5 2009-10-28 04:22:17
- bobbym
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Re: Mathematical Models
Hi ccmint;
He eyeballed it from the graph.
In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
Probability is the most important concept in modern science, especially as nobody has the slightest notion what it means.
90% of mathematicians do not understand 90% of currently published mathematics.
#7 2009-10-28 05:13:33
- mathsyperson
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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.
#8 2009-10-28 07:10:43
- MathsIsFun
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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