Head to www.savemyexams.
com for more awesome resources
Cambridge (CIE) AS Maths: Pure Your notes
1
Modelling with Functions
Contents
Modelling with Functions
Page 1 of 8
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
Head to www.savemyexams.com for more awesome resources
Modelling with Functions
Your notes
Modelling with Functions
What is a mathematical model?
A mathematical model simplifies a real-world situation so it can be described using mathematics
which can then be used to make predictions
The path a stone will take if thrown from the top of a cliff
The number of toys a factory can produce in a day
Assumptions about the situation are made in order to simplify the mathematics
Air resistance on the stone can be ignored
The machines/people at the factory produce toys at a constant rate
Models can be refined (improved) if further information is available or the model is compared to real-
world data
The mass of the stone needs to be considered
30-minutes downtime per day is allowed for machine repairs/maintenance
How do I solve modelling problems?
There will be no one-size-fits-all step-by-step guide to solving modelling questions
A combination of skills and problem-solving skills will be needed
Page 2 of 8
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
Head to www.savemyexams.com for more awesome resources
Your notes
Page 3 of 8
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
Head to www.savemyexams.com for more awesome resources
Your notes
Page 4 of 8
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
Head to www.savemyexams.com for more awesome resources
Your notes
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Reciprocal graphs generally have two parts/curves
Only one – usually the positive – may be relevant to the model
Think about why x/t/θ can only take positive values?
Worked Example
Page 5 of 8
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
Head to www.savemyexams.com for more awesome resources
Your notes
Page 6 of 8
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
Head to www.savemyexams.com for more awesome resources
Your notes
Page 7 of 8
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers
Head to www.savemyexams.com for more awesome resources
Your notes
Page 8 of 8
© 2015-2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers