Aaron Daylo

MATHEMATICAL INVESTIGATION AND MODELING

A mathematical investigation is typically defined as an investigation that involves a collection of

mathematical and problem solving based issues. Such issues generally have multiple uses and purposes.
They are typically open-ended in their content. There are generally more than one possible solution, and
use more than one method in solving the issue at hand. Mathematical investigations may also consist of
statistical data.

Mathematical investigations are furthermore centered on some sort of theme or central issue /
hypothesis.

Mathematical investigation refers to the sustained exploration of a mathematical situation.

Mathematical investigation is more of a divergent activity. In mathematical investigations, students

are expected to pose their own problems after initial exploration of the mathematical situation. Ronda said
that the exploration of the situation, the formulation of problems and its solution give opportunity for the
development of independent mathematical thinking and engaging in mathematical processes such as
organizing and recording data, pattern searching, conjecturing, inferring, justifying and explaining
conjectures and generalizations.

Mathematical investigation refers to the sustained exploration of a mathematical situation. It

distinguishes itself from problem solving because it is open-ended. Problem solving is a convergent activity.
It has definite goal, the solution of the problem. Mathematical investigation on the other hand is more of a
divergent activity. In mathematical investigations, students are expected to pose their own problems after
initial exploration of the mathematical situation. The exploration of the situation, the formulation of problems
and its solution give opportunity for the development of independent mathematical thinking and engaging in
mathematical processes such as organizing and recording data, pattern searching, conjecturing, inferring,
justifying and explaining conjectures and generalizations. Teaching anchored on mathematical investigation
allows for students to learn about mathematics esp. the nature of the mathematical activity and thinking.

The “open-endedness” of many investigations also means that students may not completely cover
the entire situation. What is essential is that the students will experience the following mathematical
processes which are the emphasis of mathematical investigation:

 Systematical exploration of the given situation

 Formulating problems and conjectures
 Attempting to provide mathematical justifications for the conjectures.
 Mathematical Modeling

It is generally understood as the process of applying mathematics to a real world problem with a
view of understanding the latter. The modeling process may or may not result to solving the problem
entirely but it will shed light to the situation under investigation.

Mathematical modeling broad approaches:

 Empirical models Integrated in teaching in teaching High School mathematics.

 Simulation models
 Deterministic models
 Stochastic models need a little stretching.

Empirical modeling

 Involves examining data related to the problem with a view of formulating or constructing a
mathematical relationship between the variables in the problem using the available data.

Simulation modeling

 Involves the use of computer program or some technological tool to generate a scenario based on
a set of rules. These rules arise from an interpretation of how a certain process is supposed to
evolve or progress.

Deterministic modeling

 In general involves the use of equation or set of equations to model or predicts the outcome of an
event or the value of quantity.

Stochastic modeling

 Takes deterministic modeling one further step. In stochastic models, randomness and probabilities
of events happening are taken into account when the equations are formulated. The reason behind
this is the fact that events take place with some probability rather than with certainty. This kind of
modeling is very popular in business and marketing.