0
Still curious? Ask our experts.
Chat with our AI personalities
Beau
Ross
ViviAdd your answer:
Earn +20 pts
When does it make sense to chose a linear function to model a set of data?
If a linear model accurately reflects the measured data, then the linear model makes it easy to predict what outcomes will occur given any input within the range for which the model is valid. I chose the word valid, because many physical occurences may only be linear within a certain range. Consider applying force to stretch a spring. Within a certain distance, the spring will move a linear distance proportional to the force applied. Outside that range, the relationship is no longer linear, so we restrict our model to the range where it does work.
What is meant by mathematical model in particular linear programming model?
A mathematical model is the representation of a relationship or state or phenomenon in a mathematical form using control variables.
How can you tell whether a linear function can be used to model a real life relationship?
You can create a scatter plot of the two variables. This may tell you if there is a relationship and, if so, whether or not it is linear. If there seems to be a linear relationship, you can carry out a linear regression. Note that the absence of a linear relationship does not mean that there is no relationship. The coordinates of the points on a circle do not show a linear relationship: the correlation coefficient is zero but there is a perfect and simple relationship between the abscissa and the ordinate. Even if there is evidence of a linear relationship, it may be valid only within the range of observations: do not extrapolate. For example, the increase in temperature of a body is linearly related to the amount of heat energy aded. However, for a solid, there will come a stage when the additional heat will not increase the temperature but will be used to melt (or sublimate) the solid. So the linear relationship will be broken.
Which pairs of real-world data offers models of exactly one exponential relationship and one linear relationship?
One example of an exponential relationship is the growth of bacteria in a controlled environment, where the population doubles at regular intervals. In contrast, a linear relationship can be observed in the distance traveled by a car moving at a constant speed over time. In both cases, the exponential model captures rapid growth, while the linear model illustrates steady, uniform change.
Why is slopes and linear function so important?
First of all, many relationships are inherently linear. For example, distance travelled is a linear function of time where the slope is speed. Beyond that, linear functions are extremely simple. Because of this they can be used to model pieces of more complicated functions in a simple way. Thus, you can study the properties of the complicated function by studying a piece of it at a time, in a sense. Many mathematical objects can be said to behave as linear operators. This means that a firm undertstanding of lines, slopes and linear functions transfers to these objects. Linearity is fundamental to a great deal of mathematics.
