When mathematicians use logical rules to work with representations of
things, the results may or may not be valid for the things themselves.
Using mathematics to solve a problem requires choosing what mathematics
to use; probably making some simplifying assumptions, estimates, or approximations;
doing computations; and then checking to see whether the answer makes sense.
If an answer does not seem to make enough sense for its intended purpose,
then any of these steps might have been inappropriate.
| NSES Content Standard A
Science as Inquiry: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry Grades 5-8, page 148 Use mathematics in all aspects of scientific inquiry. Mathematics is essential to asking and answering questions about the natural world. Mathematics can be used to ask questions, to gather, organize and present data, and to structure convincing explanations. |