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Model vs. Representation
publish date: 2026/06/09 19:47:8.749509 UTC
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Which statement correctly distinguishes a model of a system from a representation of a system?
Correct Answer
A model deliberately simplifies and picks out only the most salient characteristics; a representation maintains all information about the entity being represented
Explanation
A model is an abstraction that deliberately simplifies a system design and picks out the most salient characteristics, intentionally ignoring some detail. A representation maintains all information - for example, translating a book from English to Italian is a representation because all information is preserved. Translating a system into slides is a model because detail is intentionally omitted.
Reference
Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 10th edition