Modeling Functions.... real life business, money, probability, etc.

In summary: Most undergraduate math books also suffer from this. Yes, there is simple function modeling with costs in some pre-cal books, but that is very easy and basic. Your goal is to become better at modeling real life business, money, probability situations with functions. You are working towards either doing computer programming, operation analyst, or actuarial work, and you want to become better at modeling. Which tehcniques you use and how you go about it depend on the problem, what tools you have available, and often the degree of accuracy needed.In summary, a book or online resource that can help you in learning how to model real life situations into functions would be either difficult or too basic. A book on
  • #1
Solid Snake
26
0
Ok.

I'm now studying economics and applied math, and I'm currently wanting to know what book or online resource could help me in learning how to model real life situations into functions. Most math and econ textbooks are garbage at this.

I'll be more specific. In my study of Microeconomics, they introduce the concept of a production function. They just tell me that it is mostly a function of two variables, and the problems in the book already have the function given. No where do they teach (or give you problems) on how one can create their own production function given a specific situation. That's what I want to know.

Most undergrad math book also suffer from this. Yes, there is simple function modeling with costs in some pre-cal books, but that is very easy and basic.

My goal is to become better at modeling real life business, money, probability situations with functions. I'm working towards either doing computer programming, operation analyst, or actuarial work, and I want to become better at modeling. So which book (that is not too difficult, but not too easy) or online resource can help me?

Thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
In broad modeling like national GDP and interest rates, you can find many macroeconomics model like keyesian model. This offers great simplification to real world situation. But this seems not to be in your interest according to your post. "Quantitative finance" does offer a much more mathematical approach and specifically to finance and market. So any introductory book on quantitative finance will do.
For real life personal business, you will find microeconomics useful but it is more qualitative and theoretical than quantitative and statistical. You found it easy and basic because math is not its stress. It can go really difficult in theory. I think the most complicated one would be actuarial science, which involves a lot of statistical techniques, but it has more to do with insurance and risk management. But actuarial science should be the most challenging one.
 
  • #3
You could look for a cheap used copy of https://www.amazon.com/dp/1118315324/?tag=pfamazon01-20, though you may find some of the content challenging. You could also learn statistical technicques such as regressions and ANOVA.

I'll tell you that those are all tools, and that ultimately the actual modeling work is not easily taught in class. Which tehcniques you use and how you go about it depend on the problem, what tools you have available, and often the degree of accuracy needed.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #4
Thanks for the responses.

I am still personally begging to know how one comes up with a production function for a firm given labor and capital as inputs. Again, the microeconomic textbooks do give good practice problems, but they already give you the function in the problem. I want to practice creating my own production function, and I wish to model other business (or real life) situations into functions. This is where I need help, and I know if there is a resource (like a textbook with problems + solutions), I can do it.
 

1. What is the purpose of modeling functions in real life business?

Modeling functions in real life business allows us to represent and analyze real-world phenomena in a simplified manner. It helps us make predictions, understand patterns and relationships, and make informed decisions.

2. How are modeling functions used in the context of money?

Modeling functions can be used in various financial applications such as budgeting, forecasting, and investment analysis. For example, a company may use a revenue function to predict their future earnings, or an individual may use a budgeting function to keep track of their expenses.

3. What is the role of probability in modeling functions?

Probability is an essential component of modeling functions, especially in the context of risk and uncertainty. It allows us to quantify the likelihood of various outcomes and make more accurate predictions. For instance, a company may use a probability function to estimate the chances of success for a new product launch.

4. How do you choose the right function for a specific real-life scenario?

Choosing the right function for a real-life scenario depends on various factors such as the data available, the type of relationship being modeled, and the desired level of accuracy. It is important to carefully analyze the situation and consider all relevant variables before selecting a function.

5. Can modeling functions be used in fields other than business and finance?

Yes, modeling functions can be applied in various fields such as science, engineering, and social sciences. In science, for example, functions are used to describe natural phenomena and make predictions. In engineering, functions are essential in designing and optimizing systems. In social sciences, functions can be used to analyze human behavior and trends.

Similar threads

  • Programming and Computer Science
Replies
2
Views
717
  • STEM Career Guidance
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
16
Views
716
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
23
Views
844
  • STEM Career Guidance
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
10
Views
951
  • General Discussion
Replies
1
Views
758
  • Calculus
Replies
17
Views
1K
Back
Top