C3 Coursework - different methods of solving equations.
C3 Coursework - Numerical Solutions Decimal Search There a numerous ways to solve a problem and in finding the unknown. Some methods give you the exact and precise answer but usually are harder and more complex. The Decimal search method enables you to get a very close approximate to the real solution but more easily. The way this method works is by looking between two numerical values (for example 1 and 2) and then As a demonstration in applying this method, I will be attempting to solve this equation using the Decimal Search method and going through the method step by step: Below is what this function looks when plotted on a graph: We know that the solution for F(x) = 0 is the point on the X axis where the sign changes from a positive to a negative. So if we zoom in a little bit further, from this graph we can tell where the solution lies, somewhere between 0 and 10 Now that we know the solution is roughly between these two values, I will use excel to solve the problem with firstly taking increments in x, the size of 1. So when I substitute the incremented values of x between -10 and 0 into the equation, I get the following results: x F(x) -1 20 -2 9 -3 0 -4 -13 -5 -56 -6 -125 -7 -226 -8 -365 -9 -548 You can tell that the sign changed between -3 and -4. So I set these as my initial values. The fact that the solution lies between -3 and -4 can
The Gradient Function
The Gradient Function Aim: To find the gradient function of curves of the form y=axn. To begin with, I should investigate how the gradient changes, in relation to the value of x. Following this, I plan to expand my investigation to see how the gradient changes, and as a result how a changes in relation to this. Method: At the very start of the investigation, I shall investigate the gradient at the values of y=xn. To start with, I shall put the results in a table, but later on, as I attempt to find the gradient through advanced methods, a table may be unnecessary. As I plot the values of y=x2, this should allow me to plot a line of best fit and analyze, and otherwise evaluate, the relationship between the gradient and x in this equation. I have begun with n=2. After analyzing this, I shall carry on using a constant value of "a" until further on in the investigation, and keep on increasing n by 1 each time. I shall plot on the graphs the relative x values and determine a gradient between n and the gradients. Perhaps further on in the investigation, I shall modify the value of a, and perhaps make n a fractional or negative power. Method to find the gradient: These methods would perhaps be better if I demonstrated them using an example, so I will illustrate this using y=x2. This is the graph of y=x2. I will find out the gradient of this curve, by using the three methods -
