3/13/25, 11:16 AM Bisection Method Roots
Determining Roots of Equations Using the Bisection Method
Introduction
The Bisection Method is a numerical approach to find the root of a continuous function within a given interval
[a, b]. The method relies on the Intermediate Value Theorem, which states that if a continuous function changes
sign over an interval, there must be at least one root within that interval.
Step-by-Step Procedure
1. Choose the interval [a, b]: Ensure that the function f(x) changes sign over the interval, i.e., f(a) * f(b) < 0.
2. Compute the midpoint: Calculate the midpoint c = (a + b) / 2.
3. Evaluate f(c):
If f(c) = 0, then c is the root.
If f(c) has the same sign as f(a), set a = c.
If f(c) has the same sign as f(b), set b = c.
4. Repeat the process: Continue the iteration until the desired accuracy is achieved.
Example Problems
Example 1: Solve the equation x^2 - 4 = 0
f(x) = x^2 - 4
Interval: [1, 3]
f(1) = 1^2 - 4 = -3 (negative), f(3) = 3^2 - 4 = 5 (positive)
Step 1: c = (1 + 3) / 2 = 2
f(2) = 2^2 - 4 = 0
Since f(c) = 0, the root is x = 2.
Example 2: Solve the equation x^3 - x - 1 = 0
f(x) = x^3 - x - 1
Interval: [1, 2]
f(1) = 1^3 - 1 - 1 = -1 (negative), f(2) = 2^3 - 2 - 1 = 5 (positive)
Step 1: c = (1 + 2) / 2 = 1.5
f(1.5) = (1.5)^3 - 1.5 - 1 = 3.375 - 1.5 - 1 = 0.875 (positive)
Step 2: Update the interval to [1, 1.5]
c = (1 + 1.5) / 2 = 1.25
f(1.25) = (1.25)^3 - 1.25 - 1 = 1.953 - 1.25 - 1 = -0.297 (negative)
Step 3: Update the interval to [1.25, 1.5]
c = (1.25 + 1.5) / 2 = 1.375
f(1.375) = (1.375)^3 - 1.375 - 1 ≈ 0.423
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3/13/25, 11:16 AM Bisection Method Roots
Repeat the process until the root is found with the desired accuracy.
Conclusion
The Bisection Method is a robust and reliable technique for finding roots of continuous functions, especially
when the function changes sign over an interval.
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3/13/25, 11:24 AM Bisection Method Roots
Determining Roots of an Equation Using Newton-Raphson
Method
Question 1: Conceptual Understanding
(a) Explain the Newton-Raphson Method for finding the root of a given function. Derive the formula
used in this method.
(b) What are the advantages and limitations of the Newton-Raphson Method?
Question 2: Solved Example
Use the Newton-Raphson Method to find a root of the equation f(x) = x³ - 4x - 9 = 0, taking the
initial guess x0 = 2. Perform three iterations and show all steps.
Solution Approach:
1. The Newton-Raphson formula is:
f (xn )
xn+1 = xn −
f ′ (xn )
2. Compute the derivative f ′ (x).
3. Use the given initial guess and perform three iterations.
Question 3: Numerical Computation
Find the root of the equation f(x) = x² - 3 = 0 using the Newton-Raphson Method, starting with the
initial guess x0 = 1.5, and perform four iterations. Show the step-by-step calculations.
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3/13/25, 11:26 AM Bisection Method Roots
Using Newton-Raphson Method to Find the Root of
f (x) = x3 − 4x − 9 = 0
Step 1: Write the Newton-Raphson Formula
f (xn )
xn+1 = xn −
f ′ (xn )
Step 2: Find the Derivative
f ′ (x) = 3x2 − 4
Step 3: Initial Guess
Given x0 =2
Step 4: Perform Iterations
Iteration 1:
(23 − 4(2) − 9)
x1 = 2 −
3(22 ) − 4
(8 − 8 − 9)
=2−
12 − 4
−9
=2−
8
= 2 + 1.125
x1 = 3.125
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3/13/25, 11:26 AM Bisection Method Roots
Iteration 2:
(3.1253 − 4(3.125) − 9)
x2 = 3.125 −
3(3.1252 ) − 4
Compute step-by-step:
(30.52 − 12.5 − 9)
= 3.125 −
3(9.77) − 4
(30.52 − 21.5)
= 3.125 −
29.31 − 4
9.02
= 3.125 −
25.31
= 3.125 − 0.356
x2 = 2.769
Iteration 3:
(2.7693 − 4(2.769) − 9)
x3 = 2.769 −
3(2.7692 ) − 4
(21.25 − 11.08 − 9)
= 2.769 −
3(7.67) − 4
1.17
= 2.769 −
23.01
= 2.769 − 0.051
x3 = 2.718
✅ Final Answer:
The root of the equation is approximately x = 2.718 after 3 iterations.
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