If a function f(x) is continuous between a and b, and f(a) and f(b) are of opposite signs, then there exists at least one root between a and b. For definiteness, let f(a) be negative and f(b) be positive. Then the root lies between a and b and let its approximate value be given by x0 = (a+b)/2. If f(x0)=0, we conclude that x0 is a root of the equation f(x) =0. Otherwise, the root lies either between x0 and b, or between x0 and a depending on whether f(x0) is negative or positive.
The method is shown graphically on the below
Example: - Find a real root of the equation f(x) = x3 – x – 1 = 0.
Soln: -
Given, f(x) = x3 – x – 1
And f(1) = -1
f(2) = 5
Since f(1) is negative and f(2) is positive, a root lies between 1 and 2,
Step-1:
Here, a = 1 and b = 2
So, xo =(1+2)/2=1.5
f(xo) = 0.875
xo =1.5 |
Step-2:
a = 1 , b = 1.5
x1 = (1+1.5)/2 = 1.25
f (x1) = -0.296875
x1 = 1.25 |
Step-3:
a = 1.25 , b = 1.5
x2 = 1.375
f(x2) = 0.2246
x2 =1.375 |
The procedure is repeated and the successive approximations are
x3 = 1.3125, x4 = 1.34375, x5 = 1.328125, etc.
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