Answer:
take a complex, real-world issue and simplify it down to its essentials.
Step-by-step explanation:
A theory can be defined as a simplified but abstract representation that gives a detailed relationship about the interaction between two or more variables.
Generally, the main purpose of a theory is to take a complex, real-world issue and simplify it down to its essentials. Thus, in economics, a theory gives a detailed explanation and an understanding of issues such as inflation, recession, taxation, etc and any problem associated with them.
In order to test theories, economists usually make use of economical models such as the production possibility frontier (PPF), Mundell-Fleming model, Classical model, Keynesian IS/LM model, Solow growth model, etc.