Modelling assumptions
What Modelling assumptions means in Mathematics A-Level, as defined for AQA, Pearson Edexcel, WJEC.
Definitions of Modelling assumptions
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Reference: Pearson Edexcel
A fixed number of independent trials, two outcomes per trial, and a constant probability of success, which must be recognised as appropriate.
Statements made during simplification and abstraction about what has been removed, neglected or idealised so the problem becomes tractable.
The simplifications you choose so a real situation becomes tractable mathematics, identifying which features you keep and which you ignore.
Simplifications that make a real situation tractable, which you identify, state clearly, and use when building a model.
The explicit bridge between physical reality and mathematical formalisation, each having a mathematical consequence.
Limitations of the model, such as assumptions made, which should be acknowledged where relevant.
Topics that use Modelling assumptions
- OT2: Mathematical problem solving (AQA A-Level)
- OT3: Mathematical modelling (AQA A-Level)
- Overarching theme 2: Mathematical problem solving (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Overarching theme 3: Mathematical modelling (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Statistical distributions (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Overarching themes - Mathematical modelling (WJEC A-Level)
Related terms
- contextual interpretation
- model refinement
- Simplifying assumptions
- Contextual meaning
- Iterative refinement
- Limitations of numerical methods
- Mathematical model
- Mathematical modelling
Using Modelling assumptions in the exam
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