Menu
Home
People
Places
Arts
History
Plants & Animals
Science
Life & Culture
Technology
Reference.org
Mathematical model
open-in-new
<p> A mathematical model is an <a href="/facts/Abstract_and_concrete/uNshak6S">abstract</a> description of a concrete <a href="/facts/System/hmqQ4ASX">system</a> using <a href="/facts/Mathematics/pxTouaz4">mathematical</a> concepts and <a href="/facts/Language_of_mathematics/lrmnY5wk">language</a>. The process of developing a mathematical <a href="/facts/Model/Hj8KMwdD">model</a> is termed <i>mathematical modeling</i>. Mathematical models are used in <a href="/facts/Applied_mathematics/qyqklXXm">applied mathematics</a> and in the <a href="/facts/Natural_science/8hg81Q2p">natural sciences</a> (such as <a href="/facts/Physics/a7aH2y08">physics</a>, <a href="/facts/Biology/1M1ee3pB">biology</a>, <a href="/facts/Earth_science/rQsXCSbM">earth science</a>, <a href="/facts/Chemistry/SrNqkGVm">chemistry</a>) and <a href="/facts/Engineering/RFVg8H3I">engineering</a> disciplines (such as <a href="/facts/Computer_science/lN3pEyPz">computer science</a>, <a href="/facts/Electrical_engineering/YYXW1KLW">electrical engineering</a>), as well as in non-physical systems such as the <a href="/facts/Social_science/hAbm1xtD">social sciences</a> (such as <a href="/facts/Economics/HYctA2Dn">economics</a>, <a href="/facts/Psychology/duoqW7Sz">psychology</a>, <a href="/facts/Sociology/d2Fd0N87">sociology</a>, <a href="/facts/Political_science/Gqy5EoRX">political science</a>). It can also be taught as a subject in its own right. </p><p>The use of mathematical models to solve problems in business or military operations is a large part of the field of <a href="/facts/Operations_research/H5yJkV5n">operations research</a>. Mathematical models are also used in <a href="/facts/Music/hDVP0xsQ">music</a>, <a href="/facts/Linguistics/oQuamvf2">linguistics</a>, and <a href="/facts/Philosophy/zAH5PVD6">philosophy</a> (for example, intensively in <a href="/facts/Analytic_philosophy/ALSWKaQa">analytic philosophy</a>). A model may help to explain a system and to study the effects of different components, and to make predictions about behavior. </p>