Before you read I just need help with what to make up to even get started. If anyone can give me ideas or scenarios I can do the assignment myself. I'm just not creative.

Uses of Data Activity Instructions

In this activity, you will use the following steps to solve a problem using a mathematical model. First, you will determine a problem to solve. An example is provided at the bottom of the instructions. Do NOT use this example for your activity. It is important to formulate your own question. The goal is to use a mathematical model to solve a problem that you have come up with or answer a question that you are curious about. Use your imagination!

Use a Word document to show all of your work. Be prepared to upload this document on the next course page. Be sure to include as much information as possible for each step. Explaining your methods is an important part of creating math models and using them to solve problems.

Sample Example

(Do not use this example in your activity.)

Real-World Issue/Problem

Suppose you recently started a business selling handmade jewelry. Business has been steadily increasing. You need to decide whether to hire some help or continue working alone. Start by determining how many pieces of jewelry you need to make over the next month. Then look at how many pieces of jewelry youve made per month over the last several months to build a model and answer your question.

In this case, you have two questions to answer. How many pieces of jewelry need to be made for next month? Can you make that much jewelry by yourself, or will you need to hire help?

Step 1: Define the Problem and Identify the Parameters

Using your imagination, develop and describe a real-world problem and identify the issues.

Ask questions about the problem and identify what things you already know and what things you want to understand. Concentrate only on questions that are relevant to the problem.

Step 2: Simplify the Problem Statement

Describe the simplified problem statement.

Make the problem as simple as possible before moving to the next step. Try to focus the problem into a single question or statement.

Step 3: Determine the Data Needed to Answer the Question

Describe the information or variables that influence the answer to your question/problem. For now, try to stick with quantitative data in only two variables.

Step 4: Gather the Appropriate Data

Describe the data you are using in your math model. Be sure to collect all relevant data. As a general rule, it is better to collect too much data than not enough.

Step 5: Analyze the Data

If relevant, create a data table and scatterplot graph to represent the data you gathered. Insert them here. Be sure to describe your methods. In other words, explain the strategy youve chosen to analyze the data.

Data analysis will allow you to build a mathematical model to solve the problem. Building a model includes tasks such as solving equations, regression analysis, creating graphs, extrapolating trends, and performing simulations.

Step 6: Draw Reasonable Conclusions

What question or problem statement are you trying to answer? Use data from the previous steps to write a conclusion that answers the original problem statement or question you created. Your conclusion should present a definite answer. If the answer is not definite, explain why.

Step 7: Interpret and Revise the Model

Write a summary for this step. Compare the information in step 6 with the information in step 4. Evaluate the mathematical results from the model to see how closely they relate to the original problem statement. Check that the results make sense. Does the data seem to fit? If it does not fit, you don't have to start over again at step 1. Just revise the model to better extract the information you need.