Strategy Find two values of x, that is, a and b, which bracket the root by checking whether f (a)× f (b) < 0.Then successively
divide the interval in half and replace one endpoint with the midpoint so that the root is bracketed again.
Requirements The function f(x) must be continuous in the interval.
There should not be multiple roots in the interval.
Advantages The number of iterations to achieve a specified accuracy is known in advance.
It is the method that is recommended for finding a first approximation to the root.
Convergence Slow because the estimate of the root may be better at an earlier iteration than at later ones.
Order of convergence 1
(b − a)
Error formula e= 2 n
Note This does not mean that each error is smaller than the previous one.
Secant method
Strategy Choose two values of x, that is, x0 and x1 , which are close to the root. Draw a straight line through the points (these
points can either be on the same side or on opposites sides of the root). The intersection of the line with the
x-axis should be close to the root. Repeat the process by always using the last two computed values.
Requirements The function f(x) must be continuous.
The function f(x) must not be far from linear in the vicinity of the root.
Convergence Intermediate because the error is proportional to the product of the previous two errors. It is therefore faster
than a linear method but slower than a quadratic method.
Order of convergence 1.62
Iteration formula xn+1 = xn − f (xn )f−(xfn )(xn−1) (xn − xn−1)
, Error formula en+1 = g′′(ξ21,ξ2 ) (en )(en−1)
Note The order of convergence is =1.62 .
False position (regula falsi) method
Strategy Choose two values of x, that is, x0 and x1 , which bracket the root. Draw a straight line through the points. The
intersection of the line with the x-axis should be close to the root. Repeat the process by always checking
that the root remains bracketed.
Requirement The function f(x) must be continuous in the interval.
Advantage Unlike the interval bisection method, the intersection of the line and the x-axis does not necessarily occur at the
midpoint of the interval.
Convergence Intermediate because, though it is faster than interval bisection, its algorithm is slightly complicated. If
convergence takes place from the end that is farther from the root, it slows down the process.
Order of convergence 1
Iteration formula xn+1 = xn − f (xn )f−(xfn )(xn−1) (xn − xn−1)
Note In most cases, this method converges to the root from one end of the interval.
Newton’s method
Strategy This method is based on a linear approximation of the function but does so by using a tangent to the curve.
Find one starting value that is not too far from the root and move along the tangent to its intersection with
the x-axis so as to obtain the next approximation.
Requirement The function f(x) must be continuous in the interval.
The derivative of the function f(x) must exist.
Convergence This method is rapidly convergent in the neighbourhood of the root. The error of each step approaches a
constant k times the square of the error of the previous step. This means that the number of decimal places
of accuracy nearly doubles at each iteration. However, the method requires two function evaluations per
step.
Order of convergence 2
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through EFT, credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying this summary from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller Diana2024. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy this summary for R45,51. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.