> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.csprinciples.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.csprinciples.com/big-idea-3/3.16-simulations.md). # 3.16 Simulations ## Enduring Understanding Programmers break down problems into smaller and more manageable pieces. By creating procedures and leveraging parameters, programmers generalize processes that can be reused. Procedures allow programmers to draw upon existing code that has already been tested, allowing them to write programs more quickly and with more confidence. ## Learning Objective For simulations: a. Explain how computers can be used to represent real-world phenomena or outcomes. b. Compare simulations with real-world contexts. ## Essential Knowledge Simulations are abstractions of more complex objects or phenomena for a specific purpose. A simulation is a representation that uses varying sets of values to reflect the changing state of a phenomenon. Simulations often mimic real-world events with the purpose of drawing inferences, allowing investigation of a phenomenon without the constraints of the real world. The process of developing an abstract simulation involves removing specific details or simplifying functionality. Simulations can contain bias derived from the choices of real-world elements that were included or excluded. Simulations are most useful when real-world events are impractical for experiments (e.g., too big, too small, too fast, too slow, too expensive, or too dangerous). Simulations facilitate the formulation and refinement of hypotheses related to the objects or phenomena under consideration. Random number generators can be used to simulate the variability that exists in the real world. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://www.csprinciples.com/big-idea-3/3.16-simulations.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.