Number and Algebra

9
Solving equations by iterative methods

It can be seen from these results that the value of f (x)

9.1 Introduction to iterative methods changes from −4 at f (2) to +6 at f (4), indicating
that a root lies between 2 and 4. This is shown more
Many equations can only be solved graphically or clearly in Fig. 9.1.
by methods of successive approximations to the
roots, called iterative methods. Three methods of
successive approximations are (i) bisection method, 9.2 The bisection method
introduced in Section 9.2, (ii) an algebraic method,
introduction in Section 9.3, and (iii) by using the As shown above, by using functional notation it is
Newton-Raphson formula, given in Section 9.4. possible to determine the vicinity of a root of an
Each successive approximation method relies on equation by the occurrence of a change of sign,
a reasonably good first estimate of the value of i.e. if x1 and x2 are such that f (x1 ) and f (x2 ) have
a root being made. One way of determining this opposite signs, there is at least one root of the
is to sketch a graph of the function, say y = f (x), equation f (x) = 0 in the interval between x1 and
and determine the approximate values of roots from x2 (provided f (x) is a continuous function). In the
the points where the graph cuts the x-axis. Another method of bisection the mid-point of the inter-
way is by using a functional notation method. This x1 + x2
val, i.e. x3 = , is taken, and from the sign
method uses the property that the value of the graph 2
of f (x) = 0 changes sign for values of x just before of f (x3 ) it can be deduced whether a root lies in the
and just after the value of a root. For example, one half interval to the left or right of x3 . Whichever half
root of the equation x 2 − x − 6 = 0 is x = 3. Using interval is indicated, its mid-point is then taken and
functional notation: the procedure repeated. The method often requires
many iterations and is therefore slow, but never fails
f (x) = x 2 − x − 6 to eventually produce the root. The procedure stops
when two successive value of x are equal—to the
f (2) = 22 − 2 − 6 = −4 required degree of accuracy.
f (4) = 42 − 4 − 6 = +6 The method of bisection is demonstrated in Prob-
lems 1 to 3 following.

Problem 1. Use the method of bisection to find

f (x)
the positive root of the equation
5x 2 + 11x − 17 = 0 correct to 3 significant
8 figures.
2
f (x) = x −x−6
4
Let f (x) = 5x 2 + 11x − 17
then, using functional notation:
−2 0 2 4 x f (0) = −17
f (1) = 5(1)2 + 11(1) − 17 = −1
−4
−6 f (2) = 5(2)2 + 11(2) − 17 = +25
Since there is a change of sign from negative
to positive there must be a root of the equation
between x = 1 and x = 2. This is shown graphically
Figure 9.1 in Fig. 9.2.
 SOLVING EQUATIONS BY ITERATIVE METHODS 77

f (x) Hence
f (1.0625) = 5(1.0625)2 + 11(1.0625) − 17
A
20
= +0.33203125
2
f (x) = 5x +11x−17
Since f (1) is negative and f (1.0625) is positive, a
10 root lies between x = 1 and x = 1.0625.
1 + 1.0625
Bisecting this interval gives i.e.
−3 −2 −1 0 1 2 2
1.03125.
−10
Hence
−17
−20 f (1.03125) = 5(1.03125)2 + 11(1.03125) − 17
= −0.338867 . . .
Since f (1.03125) is negative and f (1.0625) is posi-
Figure 9.2 tive, a root lies between x = 1.03125 and x = 1.0625.
Bisecting this interval gives
The method of bisection suggests that the root is
1+2 1.03125 + 1.0625
at = 1.5, i.e. the interval between 1 and 2 has i.e. 1.046875
2 2
been bisected.
Hence
Hence
f (1.046875) = 5(1.046875)2 + 11(1.046875) − 17
f (1.5) = 5(1.5)2 + 11(1.5) − 17
= −0.0046386 . . .
= +10.75
Since f (1.046875) is negative and f (1.0625) is
Since f (1) is negative, f (1.5) is positive, and f (2) is positive, a root lies between x = 1.046875 and
also positive, a root of the equation must lie between x = 1.0625.
x = 1 and x = 1.5, since a sign change has occurred
Bisecting this interval gives
between f (1) and f (1.5).
1 + 1.5 1.046875 + 1.0625
Bisecting this interval gives i.e. 1.25 as the i.e. 1.0546875
2 2
next root.
The last three values obtained for the root are
Hence 1.03125, 1.046875 and 1.0546875. The last two val-
f (1.25) = 5(1.25)2 + 11x − 17 ues are both 1.05, correct to 3 significant figure. We
therefore stop the iterations here.
= +4.5625
Thus, correct to 3 significant figures, the positive
Since f (1) is negative and f (1.25) is positive, a root root of 5x2 + 11x − 17 = 0 is 1.05
lies between x = 1 and x = 1.25.
1 + 1.25
Bisecting this interval gives i.e. 1.125 Problem 2. Use the bisection method to deter-
2
Hence mine the positive root of the equation x + 3 = ex ,
correct to 3 decimal places.
f (1.125) = 5(1.125)2 + 11(1.125) − 17
= +1.703125 Let f (x) = x + 3 − ex
Since f (1) is negative and f (1.125) is positive, a root then, using functional notation:
lies between x = 1 and x = 1.125. f (0) = 0 + 3 − e0 = +2
1 + 1.125 f (1) = 1 + 3 − e1 = +1.2817 . . .
Bisecting this interval gives i.e. 1.0625.
2 f (2) = 2 + 3 − e2 = −2.3890 . . .
78 NUMBER AND ALGEBRA

Since f (1) is positive and f (2) is negative, a root Hence

lies between x = 1 and x = 2. A sketch of f (x) =
x + 3 − ex , i.e. x + 3 = ex is shown in Fig. 9.3. f (1.5625) = 1.5625 + 3 − e1.5625
= −0.20823 . . .
f (x) Since f (1.5625) is negative and f (1.5) is positive, a
root lies between x = 1.5625 and x = 1.5.
f (x) = x + 3
4 Bisecting this interval gives

3
1.5625 + 1.5
f(x) = e x i.e. 1.53125
2
2
Hence
1
f (1.53125) = 1.53125 + 3 − e1.53125
−2 −1 0 1 2 x
= −0.09270 . . .
Since f (1.53125) is negative and f (1.5) is positive,
a root lies between x = 1.53125 and x = 1.5.
Bisecting this interval gives
Figure 9.3
1.53125 + 1.5
i.e. 1.515625
2
Bisecting the interval between x = 1 and x = 2 gives
1+2 Hence
i.e. 1.5.
2 f (1.515625) = 1.515625 + 3 − e1.515625
Hence
= −0.03664 . . .
f (1.5) = 1.5 + 3 − e1.5 Since f (1.515625) is negative and f (1.5) is positive,
= +0.01831 . . . a root lies between x = 1.515625 and x = 1.5.
Bisecting this interval gives
Since f (1.5) is positive and f (2) is negative, a root
lies between x = 1.5 and x = 2. 1.515625 + 1.5
1.5 + 2 i.e. 1.5078125
Bisecting this interval gives i.e. 1.75. 2
2
Hence Hence
f (1.5078125) = 1.5078125 + 3 − e1.5078125
f (1.75) = 1.75 + 3 − e1.75
= −0.009026 . . .
= −1.00460 . . .
Since f (1.5078125) is negative and f (1.5) is positive,
Since f (1.75) is negative and f (1.5) is positive, a root a root lies between x = 1.5078125 and x = 1.5.
lies between x = 1.75 and x = 1.5.
1.75 + 1.5 Bisecting this interval gives
Bisecting this interval gives i.e. 1.625.
2 1.5078125 + 1.5
Hence i.e. 1.50390625
2
f (1.625) = 1.625 + 3 − e1.625 Hence
= −0.45341 . . .
f (1.50390625) = 1.50390625 + 3 − e1.50390625
Since f (1.625) is negative and f (1.5) is positive, a = +0.004676 . . .
root lies between x = 1.625 and x = 1.5.
Since f (1.50390625) is positive and f (1.5078125)
1.625 + 1.5 is negative, a root lies between x = 1.50390625 and
Bisecting this interval gives i.e. 1.5625.
2 x = 1.5078125.
 SOLVING EQUATIONS BY ITERATIVE METHODS 79

Bisecting this interval gives x1 + x2

x1 x2 x3 = f (x3 )
2
1.50390625 + 1.5078125 0 +2 A
i.e. 1.505859375
2 1 +1.2817. . .
Hence 2 −2.3890. . .
1 2 1.5 +0.0183. . .
f (1.505859375) = 1.505859375 + 3 − e 1.505859375

= −0.0021666 . . . 1.5 2 1.75 −1.0046. . .

1.5 1.75 1.625 −0.4534. . .
Since f (1.50589375) is negative and f (1.50390625)
1.5 1.625 1.5625 −0.2082. . .
is positive, a root lies between x = 1.50589375 and
x = 1.50390625. 1.5 1.5625 1.53125 −0.0927. . .
Bisecting this interval gives 1.5 1.53125 1.515625 −0.0366. . .
1.5 1.515625 1.5078125 −0.0090. . .
1.505859375 + 1.50390625 1.5 1.5078125 1.50390625 +0.0046. . .
i.e. 1.504882813
2 1.50390625 1.5078125 1.505859375 −0.0021. . .
1.50390625 1.505859375 1.504882813 +0.0012. . .
Hence
1.504882813 1.505859375 1.505388282
f (1.504882813) = 1.504882813 + 3 − e1.504882813
= +0.001256 . . .
f (1) = 2 ln 1 + 1 − 2 = −1
Since f (1.504882813) is positive and
f (2) = 2 ln 2 + 2 − 2 = +1.3862 . . .
f (1.505859375) is negative,
a root lies between x = 1.504882813 and x = A change of sign indicates a root lies between x = 1
1.505859375. and x = 2.
Bisecting this interval gives Since 2 ln x + x = 2 then 2 ln x = −x + 2; sketches
of 2 ln x and −x + 2 are shown in Fig. 9.4.
1.504882813 + 1.50589375
i.e. 1.505388282
2

The last two values of x are 1.504882813 and f (x)

1.505388282, i.e. both are equal to 1.505, correct
to 3 decimal places. f (x) = −x + 2
Hence the root of x + 3 = e is x = 1.505, correct
x
to 3 decimal places. 2
f (x) = 2 ln x
The above is a lengthy procedure and it is proba-
bly easier to present the data in a table as shown in
the table.

Problem 3. Solve, correct to 2 decimal places, 0 1 2 x

the equation 2 ln x + x = 2 using the method of
bisection.

−2
Let f (x) = 2 ln x + x − 2
f (0.1) = 2 ln (0.1) + 0.1 − 2 = −6.5051 . . .
(Note that ln 0 is infinite that
is why x = 0 was not chosen) Figure 9.4
80 NUMBER AND ALGEBRA

As shown in Problem 2, a table of values is

produced to reduce space. 9.3 An algebraic method of successive
approximations
x1 + x2
x1 x2 x3 = f (x3 ) This method can be used to solve equations of the
2 form:
0.1 −6.6051 . . .
a + bx + cx 2 + dx 3 + · · · = 0,
1 −1
2 +1.3862 . . . where a, b, c, d, . . . are constants.
1 2 1.5 +0.3109 . . . Procedure:
1 1.5 1.25 −0.3037 . . . First approximation
1.25 1.5 1.375 +0.0119 . . . (a) Using a graphical or the functional notation
1.25 1.375 1.3125 −0.1436 . . . method (see Section 9.1) determine an approxi-
1.3125 1.375 1.34375 −0.0653 . . . mate value of the root required, say x1 .
1.34375 1.375 1.359375 −0.0265 . . . Second approximation
1.359375 1.375 1.3671875 −0.0073 . . .
(b) Let the true value of the root be (x1 + δ1 ).
1.3671875 1.375 1.37109375 +0.0023 . . .
(c) Determine x2 the approximate value of (x1 + δ1 )
by determining the value of f (x1 + δ1 ) = 0, but
The last two values of x3 are both equal to 1.37 when neglecting terms containing products of δ1 .
expressed to 2 decimal places. We therefore stop the
iterations. Third approximation

Hence, the solution of 2 ln x + x = 2 is x = 1.37, (d) Let the true value of the root be (x2 + δ2 ).
correct to 2 decimal places. (e) Determine x3 , the approximate value of (x2 + δ2 )
by determining the value of f (x2 + δ2 ) = 0, but
Now try the following exercise. neglecting terms containing products of δ2 .
(f) The fourth and higher approximations are
Exercise 39 Further problems on the obtained in a similar way.
bisection method
Using the techniques given in paragraphs (b) to (f),
Use the method of bisection to solve the follow- it is possible to continue getting values nearer and
ing equations to the accuracy stated. nearer to the required root. The procedure is repeated
until the value of the required root does not change
1. Find the positive root of the equation on two consecutive approximations, when expressed
x 2 + 3x − 5 = 0, correct to 3 significant fig- to the required degree of accuracy.
ures, using the method of bisection. [1.19]
2. Using the bisection method solve ex − x = 2, Problem 4. Use an algebraic method of suc-
correct to 4 significant figures. [1.146] cessive approximations to determine the value
of the negative root of the quadratic equation:
3. Determine the positive root of x 2 = 4 cos x, 4x 2 − 6x − 7 = 0 correct to 3 significant figures.
correct to 2 decimal places using the method Check the value of the root by using the quadratic
of bisection. [1.20] formula.
4. Solve x − 2 − ln x = 0 for the root near to 3,
correct to 3 decimal places using the bisection A first estimate of the values of the roots is made by
method. [3.146] using the functional notation method
5. Solve, correct to 4 significant figures, f (x) = 4x 2 − 6x − 7
x − 2 sin2 x = 0 using the bisection method. f (0) = 4(0)2 − 6(0) − 7 = −7
[1.849]
f (−1) = 4(−1)2 − 6(−1) − 7 = 3
 SOLVING EQUATIONS BY ITERATIVE METHODS 81

These results show that the negative root lies between Neglecting terms containing products of δ2
0 and −1, since the value of f (x) changes sign gives:
between f (0) and f (−1) (see Section 9.1). The pro- 2.3864 − 6.1792 δ2 + 4.6344 − 6 δ2 − 7 ≈ 0 A
cedure given above for the root lying between 0 and
−1 is followed. −2.3864 − 4.6344 + 7
i.e. δ2 ≈
−6.1792 − 6
First approximation
−0.0208
(a) Let a first approximation be such that it divides ≈
−12.1792
the interval 0 to −1 in the ratio of −7 to 3, i.e.
let x1 = −0.7. ≈ +0.001708
Thus x3 , the third approximation to the root is
Second approximation (−0.7724 + 0.001708),
(b) Let the true value of the root, x2 , be (x1 + δ1 ). i.e. x3 = −0.7707, correct to 4 significant figures
(or −0.771 correct to 3 significant figures).
(c) Let f (x1 + δ1 ) = 0, then, since x1 = −0.7,
4(−0.7 + δ1 )2 − 6(−0.7 + δ1 ) − 7 = 0
Fourth approximation
Hence, 4[(−0.7)2 + (2)(−0.7)(δ1 ) + δ21 ]
− (6)(−0.7) − 6 δ1 − 7 = 0 (f) The procedure given for the second and third
approximations is now repeated for
Neglecting terms containing products of δ1
gives: x3 = −0.7707
Let the true value of the root, x4 , be (x3 + δ3 ).
1.96 − 5.6 δ1 + 4.2 − 6 δ1 − 7 ≈ 0
Let f (x3 + δ3 ) = 0, then since x3 = −0.7707,
i.e. −5.6 δ1 − 6 δ1 = −1.96 − 4.2 + 7
4(−0.7707 + δ3 )2 − 6(−0.7707
−1.96 − 4.2 + 7
i.e. δ1 ≈ + δ3 ) − 7 = 0
−5.6 − 6
0.84 4[(−0.7707)2 + (2)(−0.7707) δ3 + δ23 ]
≈
−11.6 − 6(−0.7707) − 6 δ3 − 7 = 0
≈ −0.0724 Neglecting terms containing products of δ3
Thus, x2 , a second approximation to the root is gives:
[−0.7 + (−0.0724)], 2.3759 − 6.1656 δ3 + 4.6242 − 6 δ3 − 7 ≈ 0
i.e. x2 = −0.7724, correct to 4 significant fig-
−2.3759 − 4.6242 + 7
ures. (Since the question asked for 3 significant i.e. δ3 ≈
figure accuracy, it is usual to work to one figure −6.1656 − 6
greater than this). −0.0001
≈
The procedure given in (b) and (c) is now −12.156
repeated for x2 = −0.7724.
≈ +0.00000822
Third approximation Thus, x4 , the fourth approximation to the root is
(−0.7707 + 0.00000822), i.e. x4 = −0.7707,
(d) Let the true value of the root, x3 , be (x2 + δ2 ). correct to 4 significant figures, and −0.771,
correct to 3 significant figures.
(e) Let f (x2 + δ2 ) = 0, then, since x2 = −0.7724,
Since the values of the roots are the same on two
4(−0.7724 + δ2 )2 − 6(−0.7724 + δ2 ) − 7 = 0 consecutive approximations, when stated to the
required degree of accuracy, then the negative
4[(−0.7724)2 + (2)(−0.7724)(δ2 ) + δ22 ]
root of 4x 2 − 6x − 7 = 0 is −0.771, correct to 3
− (6)(−0.7724) − 6 δ2 − 7 = 0 significant figures.
82 NUMBER AND ALGEBRA

[Checking, using the quadratic formula: Neglecting terms containing products of δ1 and
 using the binomial series gives:
−(−6) ± [(−6)2 − (4)(4)(−7)]
x= 3[1.83 + 3(1.8)2 δ1 ] − 10[1.82 + (2)(1.8) δ1 ]
(2)(4)
+ 4(1.8 + δ1 ) + 7 ≈ 0
6 ± 12.166
= = −0.771 and 2.27, 3(5.832 + 9.720 δ1 ) − 32.4 − 36 δ1
8
correct to 3 significant figures] + 7.2 + 4 δ1 + 7 ≈ 0
17.496 + 29.16 δ1 − 32.4 − 36 δ1
[Note on accuracy and errors. Depending on the + 7.2 + 4 δ1 + 7 ≈ 0
accuracy of evaluating the f (x + δ) terms, one or two
iterations (i.e. successive approximations) might be −17.496 + 32.4 − 7.2 − 7
δ1 ≈
saved. However, it is not usual to work to more than 29.16 − 36 + 4
about 4 significant figures accuracy in this type of
calculation. If a small error is made in calculations, 0.704
≈− ≈ −0.2479
the only likely effect is to increase the number of 2.84
iterations.]
Thus x2 ≈ 1.8 − 0.2479 = 1.5521

Problem 5. Determine the value of the Third approximation

smallest positive root of the equation (d) Let the true value of the root, x3 , be (x2 + δ2 ).
3x 3 − 10x 2 + 4x + 7 = 0, correct to 3 significant
figures, using an algebraic method of successive (e) Let f (x2 + δ2 ) = 0, then since x2 = 1.5521,
approximations. 3(1.5521 + δ2 )3 − 10(1.5521 + δ2 )2
+ 4(1.5521 + δ2 ) + 7 = 0
The functional notation method is used to find the Neglecting terms containing products of δ2
value of the first approximation. gives:
11.217 + 21.681 δ2 − 24.090 − 31.042 δ2
f (x) = 3x 3 − 10x 2 + 4x + 7
+ 6.2084 + 4 δ2 + 7 ≈ 0
f (0) = 3(0)3 − 10(0)2 + 4(0) + 7 = 7
−11.217 + 24.090 − 6.2084 − 7
δ2 ≈
f (1) = 3(1) − 10(1) + 4(1) + 7 = 4
3 2 21.681 − 31.042 + 4
−0.3354
f (2) = 3(2)3 − 10(2)2 + 4(2) + 7 = −1 ≈
−5.361
Following the above procedure: ≈ 0.06256
Thus x3 ≈ 1.5521 + 0.06256 ≈ 1.6147
First approximation (f) Values of x4 and x5 are found in a similar way.
(a) Let the first approximation be such that it divides
the interval 1 to 2 in the ratio of 4 to −1, i.e. let f (x3 + δ3 ) = 3(1.6147 + δ3 )3 − 10(1.6147
x1 be 1.8. + δ3 )2 + 4(1.6147 + δ3 ) + 7 = 0
giving δ3 ≈ 0.003175 and x4 ≈ 1.618, i.e. 1.62
Second approximation correct to 3 significant figures
(b) Let the true value of the root, x2 , be (x1 + δ1 ). f (x4 + δ4 ) = 3(1.618 + δ4 )3 − 10(1.618
(c) Let f (x1 + δ1 ) = 0, then since x1 = 1.8, + δ4 )2 + 4(1.618 + δ4 ) + 7 = 0
3(1.8 + δ1 ) − 10(1.8 + δ1 )
3 2
giving δ4 ≈ 0.0000417, and x5 ≈ 1.62, correct
+ 4(1.8 + δ1 ) + 7 = 0 to 3 significant figures.
 SOLVING EQUATIONS BY ITERATIVE METHODS 83

Since x4 and x5 are the same when expressed The functional notation method is used to determine
to the required degree of accuracy, then the the first approximation to the root.
required root is 1.62, correct to 3 significant A
figures. f (x) = 5x 2 + 11x − 17
Now try the following exercise. f (0) = 5(0)2 + 11(0) − 17 = −17

Exercise 40 Further problems on solving f (1) = 5(1)2 + 11(1) − 17 = −1

equations by an algebraic method of succes-
sive approximations f (2) = 5(2)2 + 11(2) − 17 = 25

Use an algebraic method of successive approx- This shows that the value of the root is close to x = 1.
imation to solve the following equations to the
accuracy stated. Let the first approximation to the root, r1 , be 1.
Newton’s formula states that a closer approximation,
1. 3x 2 + 5x − 17 = 0, correct to 3 significant
f (r1 )
figures. [−3.36, 1.69] r2 = r1 −
f (r1 )
2. x 3 − 2x + 14 = 0, correct to 3 decimal places. f (x) = 5x + 11x − 17,
2
[−2.686]
3. x 4 − 3x 3 + 7x − 5.5 = 0, correct to 3 signifi- thus, f (r1 ) = 5(r1 )2 + 11(r1 ) − 17
cant figures. [−1.53, 1.68]
= 5(1)2 + 11(1) − 17 = −1
4. x 4 + 12x 3 − 13 = 0, correct to 4 significant f (x) is the differential coefficient of f (x),
figures. [−12.01, 1.000]
i.e. f (x) = 10x + 11.
Thus f (r1 ) = 10(r1 ) + 11
9.4 The Newton-Raphson method = 10(1) + 11 = 21
The Newton-Raphson formula, often just referred to By Newton’s formula, a better approximation to the
as Newton’s method, may be stated as follows: root is:
−1
If r1 is the approximate value of a real root of the r2 = 1 − = 1 − (−0.048) = 1.05,
equation f (x) = 0, then a closer approximation 21
to the root r2 is given by: correct to 3 significant figures.
f (r1 )
r2 = r1 − A still better approximation to the root, r3 , is
f (r1 ) given by:

The advantages of Newton’s method over the alge- f (r2 )

braic method of successive approximations is that it r 3 = r2 −
f (r2 )
can be used for any type of mathematical equation
(i.e. ones containing trigonometric, exponential, log- [5(1.05)2 + 11(1.05) − 17]
arithmic, hyperbolic and algebraic functions), and it = 1.05 −
[10(1.05) + 11]
is usually easier to apply than the algebraic method.
0.0625
= 1.05 −
Problem 6. Use Newton’s method to deter- 21.5
mine the positive root of the quadratic equa- = 1.05 − 0.003 = 1.047,
tion 5x 2 + 11x − 17 = 0, correct to 3 significant
figures. i.e. 1.05, correct to 3 significant figures.
Check the value of the root by using the quadratic
formula. Since the values of r2 and r3 are the same when
expressed to the required degree of accuracy, the
84 NUMBER AND ALGEBRA

required root is 1.05, correct to 3 significant figures. [(2.005)2 − 3 sin 2.005 + 2 ln 3.005 − 3.5]
Checking, using the quadratic equation formula, = 2.005 −  
2
√ 2(2.005) − 3 cos 2.005 +
−11 ± [121 − 4(5)(−17)] 2.005 + 1
x=
(2)(5) (−0.00104)
= 2.005 − = 2.005 + 0.000175
−11 ± 21.47 5.9376
=
10 i.e. r3 = 2.01, correct to 3 significant figures.
The positive root is 1.047, i.e. 1.05, correct to 3 Since the values of r2 and r3 are the same when
significant figures (This root was determined in expressed to the required degree of accuracy, then the
Problem 1 using the bisection method; Newton’s required root is 2.01, correct to 3 significant figures.
method is clearly quicker).

Problem 8. Use Newton’s method to find the

Problem 7. Taking the first approximation positive root of:
as 2, determine the root of the equation x
x 2 − 3 sin x + 2 ln(x + 1) = 3.5, correct to 3 sig- (x + 4)3 − e1.92x + 5 cos = 9,
3
nificant figures, by using Newton’s method.
correct to 3 significant figures.

f (r1 )
Newton’s formula states that r2 = r1 − , where The functional notational method is used to deter-
f (r1 )
r1 is a first approximation to the root and r2 is a better mine the approximate value of the root.
approximation to the root. x
f (x) = (x + 4)3 − e1.92x + 5 cos − 9
Since f (x) = x 2 − 3 sin x + 2 ln(x + 1) − 3.5 3
f (0) = (0 + 4) − e + 5 cos 0 − 9 = 59
3 0
f (r1 ) = f (2) = 22 − 3 sin 2 + 2 ln 3 − 3.5,
1
where sin2 means the sine of 2 radians f (1) = 53 − e1.92 + 5 cos − 9 ≈ 114
3
= 4 − 2.7279 + 2.1972 − 3.5 2
f (2) = 63 − e3.84 + 5 cos − 9 ≈ 164
= −0.0307 3
2 f (3) = 73 − e5.76 + 5 cos 1 − 9 ≈ 19
f (x) = 2x − 3 cos x +
x+1 4
2 f (4) = 83 − e7.68 + 5 cos − 9 ≈ −1660
f (r1 ) = f (2) = 2(2) − 3 cos 2 + 3
3 From these results, let a first approximation to the
= 4 + 1.2484 + 0.6667 root be r1 = 3.
Newton’s formula states that a better approximation
= 5.9151 to the root,
f (r1 )
Hence, r2 = r1 − f (r1 )
f (r1 ) r 2 = r1 −
f (r1 )
−0.0307
=2−
5.9151 f (r1 ) = f (3) = 73 − e5.76 + 5 cos 1 − 9
= 2.005 or 2.01, correct to = 19.35
3 significant figures. 5 x
f (x) = 3(x + 4)2 − 1.92e1.92x − sin
A still better approximation to the root, r3 , is 3 3
given by: 5
f (r2 ) f (r1 ) = f (3) = 3(7)2 − 1.92e5.76 − sin 1
r3 = r2 − 3
f (r2 ) = −463.7
 SOLVING EQUATIONS BY ITERATIVE METHODS 85

19.35 5. 3 ln x + 4x = 5, correct to 3 decimal places.

Thus, r2 = 3 − = 3 + 0.042
−463.7 [1.147]
= 3.042 = 3.04, 6. x 3 = 5 cos 2x, correct to 3 significant fig-
A
correct to 3 significant figure ures. [−1.693, −0.846, 0.744]
θ
Similarly, r3 = 3.042 −
f (3.042) 7. 300e−2θ + = 6, correct to 3 significant
f (3.042) 2
figures. [2.05]
(−1.146)
= 3.042 − 8. Solve the equations in Problems 1 to 5,
(−513.1) Exercise 39, page 80 and Problems 1 to
= 3.042 − 0.0022 = 3.0398 = 3.04, 4, Exercise 40, page 83 using Newton’s
method.
correct to 3 significant figure.
9. A Fourier analysis of the instantaneous
Since r2 and r3 are the same when expressed to the value of a waveform can be represented by:
required degree of accuracy, then the required root
π 1
is 3.04, correct to 3 significant figures. y= t+ + sin t + sin 3t
4 8
Use Newton’s method to determine the
Now try the following exercise.
value of t near to 0.04, correct to 4 decimal
places, when the amplitude, y, is 0.880.
Exercise 41 Further problems on Newton’s [0.0399]
method
10. A damped oscillation of a system is given
In Problems 1 to 7, use Newton’s method to by the equation:
solve the equations given to the accuracy stated.
y = −7.4e0.5t sin 3t.
1. x 2 − 2x − 13 = 0, correct to 3 decimal Determine the value of t near to 4.2, correct
places. [−2.742, 4.742] to 3 significant figures, when the magnitude
y of the oscillation is zero. [4.19]
2. 3x 3 − 10x = 14, correct to 4 significant
figures. [2.313] 11. The critical speeds of oscillation, λ, of a
loaded beam are given by the equation:
3. x 4 − 3x 3 + 7x = 12, correct to 3 decimal λ3 − 3.250λ2 + λ − 0.063 = 0
places. [−1.721, 2.648]
Determine the value of λ which is approx-
imately equal to 3.0 by Newton’s method,
4. 3x 4 − 4x 3 + 7x − 12 = 0, correct to 3 deci- correct to 4 decimal places. [2.9143]
mal places. [−1.386, 1.491]