← Applications of Mathematics syllabus

ScotlandApplications of Mathematics

Mathematical Modelling

3 dot points across 3 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do you turn a real situation into a formula or graph, and use that model to predict and explain?

Modelling real-life situations with variables, formulae and graphs, including linear, piecewise linear and exponential growth and decay models, and using the model to make predictions.
A focused answer to the SQA Higher Applications of Mathematics modelling content, covering how to define variables, build linear, piecewise and exponential models, read them off graphs, and use them to predict and explain a real situation.
9 min answer →

How do you build a model in a spreadsheet using formulae, cell references and functions to calculate and explore?

Using a spreadsheet to support modelling: entering formulae with relative and absolute cell references, filling down a recurrence, using built-in functions, and using goal seek to find an input for a target output.
A focused answer to the SQA Higher Applications of Mathematics use-of-technology content, covering spreadsheet formulae, relative and absolute cell references, filling a recurrence down a column, built-in functions, and goal seek for a target output.
9 min answer →

How do you keep units consistent and report a result with the right accuracy and tolerance?

Working with units and dimensional consistency, converting between units, rounding appropriately, and using tolerance, absolute error and percentage error to judge whether a result is acceptable.
A focused answer to the SQA Higher Applications of Mathematics content on units and accuracy, covering unit conversion and consistency, rounding to a stated accuracy, and absolute, percentage and tolerance error in a real context.
9 min answer →