Modelling

Computer model: a series of mathematical equations that can be used to simulate a real situation, such as the stopping distance of a car driven at different speeds in different road conditions

Components of a simple model:

• Input values: usually entered by the user, values are not present within the model
• Variables: those items of data that we are likely to change in the model
• Constants: those values in a model that do not change in the short term or you want to keep the same
• Constraints: a limit that is imposed on a model
• Rules (i.e. calculations and other operators): calculations and operations used when making a model

Benefits of being able to answer 'what if' questions:

• can see the effect of changing values