Ever wonder how different your favorite stories might be if the characters had the power of mathematical modeling on their side? Let’s dive into some classics and imagine what could’ve happened if math models had been part of the plot. Spoiler: things might’ve gone a whole lot smoother!

Frodo and the Ring

Instead of wandering all over Middle-earth with nothing but vague directions, Frodo could have used a shortest path model to map out the safest and quickest route to Mount Doom. A graph theory-based model could’ve weighed the risk of running into Orcs or whether avoiding those nightmare spider forests was really worth the extra detour. Sure, it might’ve made the journey less dramatic, but Frodo probably would’ve saved a lot of time—and maybe a finger.

Titanic’s Lifeboat Problem

What if the Titanic crew had access to a linear programming model to calculate the optimal use of lifeboats? Using a model to maximize capacity and prioritize survival could’ve made the evacuation more efficient. Even a transportation model could’ve helped distribute passengers more effectively, saving lives and sparing us all a tragic love story.

Hogwarts’ Yearly Chaos

Let’s be honest: Hogwarts is basically a safety nightmare. What if the professors had used a risk assessment model to predict the likelihood of basilisk attacks or Voldemort making yet another comeback? With tools like event probability models, they could’ve analyzed past data (i.e.,  cursed Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers) to improve safety protocols and reduce the yearly count of petrified students.

Katniss in The Hunger Games

Katniss is already a master strategist, but with a game theory model, she could’ve taken things to the next level. Or, a model for competitive strategy and decision-making could’ve helped her predict how her opponents would act, decide when to form alliances, and plan her moves. Let’s be real—she’d still win, but maybe with fewer close calls.

So Why Math Modeling?

This is all just for fun and only loosely suggestive, but it highlights something important: Math modeling really does change outcomes. From allocation and optimization models to risk and strategy models, all of these math models show how math can tackle even the most complex problems.

Next time you’re watching a movie or reading a book, think about how math modeling could have altered the story. When it comes to problem-solving, math modeling can be the ultimate plot twist.