Comprehensive Reviewer: Solving Roots of Nonlinear
Equations
Introduction
Solving nonlinear equations is a fundamental task in mathematics and engineering. This
reviewer covers key concepts and methods for finding roots of nonlinear equations,
focusing on the Bisection Method, False-Position Method, Secant Method, and
MATLAB's built-in fzero command.
1. Bisection Method
Overview
• Definition: A simple iterative method that finds the root of a function by
repeatedly dividing the interval in half.
• Requirements: The function must change sign over the interval, indicating the
presence of a root.
Algorithm
1. Initialization: Choose an interval where the function changes sign.
2. Iteration: Calculate the midpoint of the interval.
3. Update Interval: Update the interval based on the sign of the function at the
midpoint.
4. Repeat: Continue until the desired precision is achieved.
Example Question
Find the root of f(x)=x2−2f(x)=x2−2 in the interval $$$$ using the Bisection Method.
Solution
1. Initialize the interval $$$$.
2. Calculate the midpoint c=1c=1.
3. Since f(1)=−1f(1)=−1, update the interval to $$$$.
4. Repeat until the desired precision is achieved.
2. False-Position Method
Overview
• Definition: Similar to the Bisection Method but uses a weighted average to
estimate the root.
• Requirements: Same as the Bisection Method.
Algorithm
1. Initialization: Choose an interval where the function changes sign.
2. Iteration: Calculate the next estimate using a weighted average formula.
3. Update Interval: Update the interval based on the sign of the function at the
new estimate.
4. Repeat: Continue until convergence.
Example Question
Find the root of f(x)=x3−2x+2f(x)=x3−2x+2 in the interval [−2,0][−2,0] using the
False-Position Method.
Solution
1. Initialize the interval [−2,0][−2,0] .
2. Calculate the next estimate using the weighted average formula.
3. Update the interval based on the sign of the function at the new estimate.
4. Repeat until convergence.
3. Secant Method
Overview
• Definition: Uses the slope of the line connecting the previous two estimates to
find the next estimate.
• Requirements: Initial guesses are required.
Algorithm
1. Initialization: Choose two initial guesses.
2. Iteration: Calculate the next estimate using the slope formula.
3. Repeat: Continue until convergence.
Example Question
Find the root of f(x)=x2−4f(x)=x2−4 using the Secant Method with initial
guesses x0=0x0=0 and x1=1x1=1.
Solution
1. Calculate the next estimate using the slope formula.
2. Repeat until the desired precision is achieved.
4. MATLAB's fzero Command
Overview
• Definition: A built-in MATLAB function for finding roots of functions.
• Syntax: Used to find roots by specifying a function and an initial guess or
interval.
Example Question
Use MATLAB to find the root of f(x)=x2−2f(x)=x2−2 in the interval $$$$.
Solution
MATLAB's fzero command is used with the function and interval to find the root.
Practice Problems
1. Use the Bisection Method to find the root of f(x)=ex−3xf(x)=ex−3x in the
interval $$$$.
2. Apply the False-Position Method to find the root
of f(x)=x2−x+0.24f(x)=x2−x+0.24 in the interval [0.4,0.6][0.4,0.6] .
3. Use the Secant Method with initial guesses x0=0x0=0 and x1=1x1=1 to find the
root of f(x)=x3−2f(x)=x3−2.
4. Use MATLAB's fzero command to find the roots
of f(x)=x2−x+0.24f(x)=x2−x+0.24.
Commands and Functions
• Bisection Method: Requires manual calculation or implementation.
• False-Position Method: Requires manual calculation or implementation.
• Secant Method: Requires manual calculation or implementation.
• MATLAB's fzero: A built-in command for finding roots.
Tips for Implementation
• Ensure the function changes sign over the interval for bracketing methods.
• Choose appropriate initial guesses for the Secant Method.
• Use MATLAB's built-in functions for efficient computation.
Conclusion
Understanding and applying these methods are crucial for solving nonlinear equations
in various fields. Practice with different functions and intervals will reinforce your grasp
of these techniques.
