Methods and systems to reduce the number of factors or variables that need to be considered in generating a function such as a prediction function. The methods and systems may involve receiving a first set of factors and a data set associated with the first set of factors, calculating an importance value of each factor in the first set of factors, and selecting, based on the importance values, a second set of factors. In some embodiments, the methods and systems also include generating the prediction function based on the data set and the second set of factors.
Please help me write a proper abstract based on the patent claims. CLAIM: 1. A method comprising: receiving a first set of factors and a data set associated with the first set of factors; calculating, based on the data set, an importance value of each factor in the first set of factors; ranking the first set of factors based on the importance value of each factor in the first set of factors; selecting, based on the ranking, a second set of factors, the second set of factors having fewer factors than the first set of factors; and generating, using a genetic algorithm, a prediction function based on the data set and the second set of factors.