Models and Modelling: The Fine Balance between Mathematics, Practice, and Research

Abstract

The word “modeling” is key (in developing mathematical concepts in the contexts in which they are actually used). Real problems do not come at the end of chapters. Real problems do not look like mathematical problems. Real problems are messy. Real problems ask questions such as: How do we create computer animation? How do we effectively control an animal population? What is the best location of a fire station? What do we mean by “best”? (From Solomon Garfunkel’s introduction to Mathematics Modeling Our World (COMAP, 1998) as cited in Niss and Blum, pp. 184–5).