Predictive models are mathematical tools used to forecast future outcomes based on historical data. They analyze patterns and trends in existing information to make informed predictions. Common applications include finance, healthcare, and marketing, where businesses aim to anticipate customer behavior or market changes. These models can be built using various techniques, such as regression analysis, decision trees, or machine learning algorithms. By leveraging data from sources like surveys or transaction records, predictive models help organizations make strategic decisions, optimize resources, and improve overall efficiency.