Instructed by Mrs. Burns, Mathematical Modeling is a course that provides a different learning experience for each of its students (who come from backgrounds of Algebra II all the way to AP Calculus BC already being taken). Integrating varying types of challenge problems and learning different approaches to the same problem, we are able to learn how to answer questions in Mathematics that may not have a defined solution. By focusing on the development of one’s mathematical approaches toward problems, the class is constructed to challenge each student in a unique way.
Rishab, Armaan, Erica, Rishi, and I (more commonly known as Seetharaman’s Snakes) are participating in the Modeling The Future Challenge (MTFC) this year. For all of us, MTFC was a new experience because we have never analyzed this specific field of mathematics in the past: Actuarial Science. Through analyzing the potential risks involved in any situation, we not only become better mathematicians, but also better individuals as we learn how to create more informed decisions based on mathematical reasoning. Moreover, these mathematical challenges allow us to learn how to plan our time efficiently, work cooperatively, and distribute work to ensure optimal success; currently, we are in the semifinalist stage.
Attached to the left, I have attached the first ever mathematical project that I completed: the Epsilon School Project! I, alongside Hari and Derek, focused on prioritizing which assumptions we make to ensure that we could get to the most accurate and precise answer per our metrics. For example, there was an interesting discussion between our group early on to determine which classes we had to value over others when determining to add teachers. Aside from just creating assumptions, it was also imperative that we analyzed the different strategies that we could use to get to an effective answer. Despite the problem being handed out to every 15 groups, each group had a unique answer, justification, and application because of the decisions and values of each group, proving the flexibility within this particular field of mathematics!