Non‑Linearity

📄 42 — Non‑Linearity

Definition

A system where outputs are not proportional to inputs — small changes can produce huge effects, or vice versa.

When to Use

• Forecasting • Risk analysis • System design • Policy decisions

How It Improves Reasoning

It prevents linear assumptions in systems that behave exponentially, logarithmically, or chaotically.

Steps

1. Identify relationships between variables.
2. Check for thresholds or tipping points.
3. Model non‑linear responses.
4. Adjust decisions accordingly.

Example

Doubling advertising spend does not necessarily double sales.

Prompts

• “Identify non‑linear relationships in this scenario.” • “Where might small changes produce large effects?”