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Root Finding and Iteration

The document discusses root finding methods, particularly focusing on iteration and the Newton-Raphson method. It explains how to demonstrate the existence of roots between two points using sign changes and provides examples and questions related to finding intersections of functions. Additionally, it covers the process of using iterative formulas to approximate roots and highlights the importance of derivatives in the Newton-Raphson approach.

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adegbuyijoluwasolamipe
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14 views24 pages

Root Finding and Iteration

The document discusses root finding methods, particularly focusing on iteration and the Newton-Raphson method. It explains how to demonstrate the existence of roots between two points using sign changes and provides examples and questions related to finding intersections of functions. Additionally, it covers the process of using iterative formulas to approximate roots and highlights the importance of derivatives in the Newton-Raphson approach.

Uploaded by

adegbuyijoluwasolamipe
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Root Finding, Iteration & Newton Raphson

Iteration

Showing a root or point of intersection is between two values

To show a root lies between two points, sub in each point into the function and there
should be a sign change. Make sure, between those points that there are no
asymptotes otherwise you can’t use the method. I.e. the function is continuous for
the defined region.

We show there is a root between two points when the equation can’t be solved by
hand (when it does not have an analytical solution)

To show a there is a point of intersection between two points of two functions, we put
the functions equal to each other. Then make one side zero. This is called the
governing equation. The roots of the governing equation represent the point of
intersection of the two functions. We then apply the sign change test, as above.
Question 1)
Show that 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 + 2 has a root, 𝛼, between 0 and 1.
Question 2)
𝑓(𝑥) = 4 − 𝑥, 𝑥 ∈ ℝ
𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥𝑒 𝑥 , 𝑥 ∈ ℝ
Show that 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥) have a point of intersection, 𝑥 = 𝛼, where
𝛼 ∈ (1,2)
Question 3)
The curve 𝑦 = 3𝑥 intersects the curve 𝑦 = 10 − 𝑥 3 at the point where
𝑥 = 𝛼. Show that 𝛼 lies between 1 and 2.
Question 4)
Given the function 𝑓(𝑥) defined by

1
𝑓(𝑥) = ,𝑥 ≠ 4
𝑥−4

Using a suitable sketch, explain why you cannot verify a root lies in the interval (3,5)
using the sign change test
Iteration… Determining a good approximation for the root

We can use an recursive formula to estimate the root or point of intersection by a


process called iteration. All we do is make the equations equal to each other. Re-
arrange for “one of the 𝑥′𝑠”. Get the equation looking like

𝑥 = 𝑓(𝑥)

Then let the LHS be 𝑥𝑛+1 and the RHS be 𝑓(𝑥𝑛 ). We are given a starting value. We
substitute this into the iterative formula. We can sketch the iteration. Provided it
converges to the root or point of intersection, we will see a staircase or cobweb
diagram.

To draw this out, we sketch 𝑦 = 𝐿𝐻𝑆 i.e. 𝑦 = 𝑥 and sketch 𝑦 = 𝑅𝐻𝑆 i.e. 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥).
Find the point of intersection on the calculator so we know where to put everything.
Then to show the iteration visually we draw a vertical line from our starting point, 𝑥0
or 𝑥1 depending on how the question is worded… And we go up to the curve, across
to the line… Label 𝑥2 . Then again, up to the curve and across to the line 𝑥3 .. etc until
we get to the point of intersection which represents the root of original function or the
intersection point of the original two functions.

Often times we are either told two functions intersect, or consider the root of a
function. These are easy as we put the functions equal to each other and then re-
arrange for one of the 𝑥’s or put the function equal to zero, for the root, and re-
arrange for one of the 𝑥′𝑠.

Other times we are given a shape and have to derive the equation that we are going
to solve iteratively. Remember, we use iteration to solve equations that we can’t
solve by hand (analytically). Iteration is an approximation method to solve equations.
Question 5)

a) Show that 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 − 5 = 0 can be rearranged into the form


3
𝑥 = √3𝑥 + 5

b) Using the iterative formula 𝑥𝑛+1 = 3√3𝑥𝑛 + 5 , find a solution of


𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 − 5 = 0, correct to 3dp

c) Draw the convergence taking place


Question 6)
a) Show that 𝑥 3 − 81𝑥 − 135 = 0 can be re-arranged to give
3
𝑥 = √81𝑥 + 135

b) Starting with 𝑥1 = 2 find an approximation for 𝑥3

c) Draw the convergence taking place

x
Question 7)
a) Find out whether this sequence will converge from a starting point of 𝑥1 = 4

b) Find out whether this sequence will converge from a starting point of 𝑥1 = 0.5

x
Question 8)
Question 9)
Question 10)
Newton Raphson (a “differentiation” way to find roots)

This is another approach to find the solution of an equation by a recursive formula


but involves using the derivative.

You can’t use this method if the starting point is close to or on the stationary point, as
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0 which will make the entire thing undefined.

𝑓(𝑥𝑛 )
𝑥𝑛+1 = 𝑥𝑛 −
𝑓′(𝑥𝑛 )

We can use this for finding the root of a function. Put function equal to zero… Define
this as 𝑓(𝑥).

We can also use Newton-Raphson for finding the intersection of two functions. Put
them equal to each other. Make one side zero. The side where all the algebra is…
Define this as your 𝑓(𝑥). Remember the roots of the governing equation gives the
point(s) of intersection of the original two functions.

Question 11)
Question 12)
Question 13) Use the newton Raphson method to find 𝑥2 where 𝑥1 = 1.5 to find to
three significant figures the point of intersection between
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 ln(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 − 4
Question 14)
Question 15)
Question 16)
Question 17)
Question 18)
Question 19)
Question 20)

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