1. Numerical methods are techniques that allow mathematical problems to be solved using arithmetic operations. They have become increasingly important for engineering problem solving. 2. A mathematical model expresses the key features of a physical system using variables and equations. It defines dependent and independent variables as well as parameters and forcing functions. 3. Sources of error in numerical solutions include truncation from approximations and round-off from limited significant figures. Relative and absolute errors are used to quantify the accuracy of solutions versus the true or analytical values.