Reader 001
System
Experiment with the Experiment with
real world system amodel of the system
physical tangible Mathematical/visual
scaled in size model model
Analytical solution Simulation
A cyclic process [Mathematical Model] is derived thus to address the primary premise;
Formulate: change problem into a form that allows use of some mathematical analysis
Solve: use mathematical rules to solve the problem that has been set up by transformation
Interpret: convert the mathematical solution back to the original form
formulation
Real Math
World World
interpretation
Central to this process is the representation of real world problem by a mathematical structure such
as a graph, an equation, or an inequality. Such representation is what is meant by a Mathematical
Model.
FUNDAMENTALS
This section deals with some fundamental concepts that will be used during the discussion of this
reader. A good comprehension would guaranty ease of learning in later part of the course.
System: A system is a group of objects that are joined together in some regular interaction or
interdependence towards the accomplishment of some purpose.
System Boundary: System Boundary is a logical limbo line that defines the interaction point between
the system internals and outside externals. Think of it as a demarcation of system scope or in a more
physical sense system contours.
System Environment: A system is affected [observable change in state] by the changes occurring
outside system. These changes are said to reside in system environment. Environment can be
universal or existential depending on the constraints we imply on our model.
System Entity: An entity is an object of interest in the system.
Attribute: An attribute is a property of an entity. All entities have some attributes. These attributes
have a symbolic representation which may reside in a defined set of established knowledge base.
State of Object: The accumulated value (continuous/discrete/qualitative) of all the attributes
(variables) present in entities (objects of interest), represents state of that entity.
State of the System: The collection of variables (values of interest in entities) necessary to describe
the system at a given time stamp, from a particular perspective (objective of investigation on system
under study), is called state of the system at that time.
Activity:An activity is an action (exchange of data within system entities with a definite start and
ending) that takes place over a period of specific and defined length of time and brings an
observable change in the state of system.
Event: An event is an instantaneous occurrence (??) that might change the state of the system
Class Example Test:
Bank
System
Entities Customers, Accounts
Attributes Balance in an account, Interest Rate
Activity Making a deposit
Event Customer arriving at bank
Variables Free tellers, customers in queue, arrival time of a new customer, time spend on
serving one customer
Class Example Test:
System Entities Attributes Activities Events Variables
Railway station
Popcorn
production unit
Network
communication
Your dress
wardrobe
Our galaxy
