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Flashcards · 9626 · AS Topic 9

Modelling (AS Level) flashcards

9 cards on AS Topic 9. Pick a subtopic or study them all.

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Topic 9: Modelling

What is a computer model?
A representation of a real system using variables and rules (formulas) to predict how it behaves.
Model vs simulation
The model is the set of rules and data. The simulation is the model being run, often over time or with chance events, to see how the system behaves.
What-if analysis vs goal seek
What-if: you change an input and see how the output changes. Goal seek: you set a target output and the software finds the input that achieves it.
What three things does goal seek need?
The result cell (which must contain a formula), the target value, and the input cell to change (which must contain a value, not a formula).
Give four uses of what-if analysis on the 9626 syllabus
Any four of: financial forecasting, population growth, climate change, weather systems, queue management, traffic flow, construction.
Give four reasons for using computer models
Cheaper than building or testing the real thing; safer, as nobody is in danger; faster, as time can be speeded up; repeatable with one variable changed; can study things that cannot be tested for real.
Give three weaknesses of spreadsheet models
Rules are simplified and not every variable is included; assumptions such as constant rates may not hold; only as accurate as the input data; one formula error spreads; poor at 3D, visual or real-time simulation.
Name four simulations on the 9626 syllabus
Natural disaster planning, pilot training, learning to drive a car, and nuclear science research.
Fixed costs are £1,200 and each ticket makes £8. How many tickets break even?
1200 ÷ 8 = 150 tickets.

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