Q UIZ 5

120202: ESM4A - N UMERICAL M ETHODS

Spring 2016

Prof. Dr. Lars Linsen

School of Engineering and Science
Jacobs University

March 14, 2016

Problem Q.5: Non-linear Equations. (3+3+2+3+4=15 points)

Let f be a non-linear equation.
(a) Given a point x0 , derive the equation of a tangent to f at x0 . Explain how you
derive it.
(b) Use the tangent from (a) to derive the Newton method for finding a root of the
non-linear equation f . Explain the derivation steps.
(c) What are sufficient criteria for the Newton method to converge? (No proof requi-
red.)
(d) Let f (x) = x2 − 1. List all suitable starting points x0 of the Newton method, where
suitable starting points are those where the method converges and delivers a
root. Explain your answer.
(e) Apply one step of the Newton method from (b) to f (x) = x2 − 1 with x0 = 2.
Duration: 15 min.