NUMERICAL METHODS

REVISION (2020) PREPARED BY T.PONDO

1. Show by means of graphical argument that the equation ln(𝑥 − 1) = 2𝑥 has exactly one real
root. [3]

Show also that the equation may be written in the form 𝑥 − 1 − 𝑒 −2𝑥 = 0 [2]
Taking the integer value of 𝑥 closer to the root as your initial approximation, carry out two iterations
using the Newton Raphson method to obtain an approximation of the root, giving the answer to 3
decimal places. [4]
2. (a) Show, by sketching two appropriate graphs, that the equation 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 − 3 = 0 has only one
real root [2]
(b) Show, by calculation, that the root of the equation in (a) lies between 𝑥 = 0.8 and 𝑥 = 1 [1]
(c.) Obtain approximations to the root of the equation in (a) to 3.s.f
i.) by performing one application of the Newton Raphson procedure using 𝑥 = 0.8 as a first
approximation [2]
3−𝑥𝑛 3
ii.) by performing two iterations, using 𝑥𝑛+1 = 3
and starting with 𝑥 = 0.8 [2]
1 3
3. The relation 𝑥𝑛+1 = 3 (2𝑥𝑛 − 𝑥 ) gives a set of values converging to the root of an equation.
𝑛
Find the equation in its simplest form [2]
Using 𝑥1 = 1, calculate 𝑥2 , 𝑥3 and 𝑥4 correct to 4 decimal places and give the absolute errors in
each case. [6]
4. i. By sketching two appropriate graphs show that the equation (𝑥 − 1)𝑒 𝑥 = 𝑥 has two real
roots [3]
ii. Show by calculation, that one of the roots lies between 𝑥 = 1.2 and 𝑥 = 1.5 [3]
iii. Taking 𝑥1 = 1.2 as a first approximation to the root of the equation, use the Newton Raphson method
twice to obtain the root correct to 4 decimal places [4]
3𝜋
5. (a) Sketch, on the same axes, the graphs of 𝑦 = 2𝑥 and 𝑦 = tan 𝑥, where 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2
[2]

b) Show that the smallest positive root of 2𝑥 − tan 𝑥 = 0 lies between 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑥 = 1.5 [4]
c) Starting with 𝑥0 = 1 use Newton Raphson method to find the smallest positive root of 2𝑥 − tan 𝑥 = 0,
giving your answer correct to 3. 𝑑. 𝑝 [4]
2𝑥𝑛 7
6. The set of values given by the iterative formula 𝑥𝑛+1 = 3
+𝑥 3
𝑛

Taking 𝑥1 = 2 as initial value, converges to 𝛼

a. Using this iterative formula, find 𝛼 correct to 3 decimal places, give the result of each

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iteration to 4 decimal places. [3]
4
b. Write an equation satisfied by 𝛼 and show that 𝑥 = √21 [3]
7. The equation 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 2 has only one real root
a. By evaluating 𝑓(0), 𝑓(1), 𝑓(2) and 𝑓(3), find this root. [2]
3
b. Prove that, if a sequence of values given by the iterative formula 𝑥𝑛+1 = √2𝑥𝑛 2 − 𝑥𝑛 + 2
converges, then it will converge to this root. [3]
8. Show that the equation 𝑒 −𝑥 − 2𝑥 + 3 = 0 has only one root and locate the root. Hence use an
iteration formula 𝑥𝑛+1 = 𝑔(𝑥𝑛 ) to calculate the root to 1 decimal place. [5]
9. Starting with 𝑥1 = 1, use the iterative formula 𝑥𝑛+1 = ln(4 sin 𝑥𝑛 ) to find 𝑥2 , 𝑥3 , 𝑥4 and 𝑥5 .
Give each answer to 4 decimal places.
Then find the root to which this sequence converges, correct to 2 decimal places. [4]

10. Show that the equation 𝑥 4 − 2𝑥 − 3 = 0 has only 2 real roots and hence find the greater root,
correct 2 decimal places. [5]

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Numerical methods
solutions
1. Show by means of graphical argument that the equation ln(𝑥 − 1) = 2𝑥 has exactly one real
root. [3]
Show also that the equation may be written in the form 𝑥 − 1 − 𝑒 −2𝑥 = 0 [2]
Taking the integer value of 𝑥 closer to the root as your initial approximation, carry out two iterations
using the Newton Raphson method to obtain an approximation of the root, giving the answer to 3
decimal places. [4]

Solution

0 1 2 x

The point of intersection of the graphs gives the root of ln(𝑥 − 1) = −2𝑥
ln(𝑥 − 1) = −2𝑥

⟹ 𝑒 ln(𝑥−1) = 𝑒 −2𝑥

⟹ 𝑥 − 1 = 𝑒 −2𝑥

⟹ 𝑥 − 1 − 𝑒 −2𝑥 = 0

Let 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 1 − 𝑒 −2𝑥

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 1 + 2𝑒 −2𝑥
Using the Newton Raphson method with 𝑥0 = 1
𝑓(𝑥0 ) 1−1−1−𝑒 −2(1)
𝑥1 = 𝑥0 − =
𝑓′ (𝑥0 ) 1+2𝑒 −2(1)

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⟹ 𝑥1 = 1.1065
𝑥2 = 1.1089
𝑥2 = 1.109 (3.s.f)

2. (a) Show, by sketching two appropriate graphs, that the equation 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 − 3 = 0 has only one
real root [2]
(b) Show, by calculation, that the root of the equation in (a) lies between 𝑥 = 0.8 and 𝑥 = 1 [1]
(c.) Obtain approximations to the root of the equation in (a) to 3.s.f
i.) by performing one application of the Newton Raphson procedure using 𝑥 = 0.8 as a first
approximation [2]
3−𝑥𝑛 3
ii.) by performing two iterations, using 𝑥𝑛+1 = 3
and starting with 𝑥 = 0.8 [2]

solution
(a)
y

0 1 x
𝑦 = 3 − 3𝑥

b) let 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 − 3

𝑓(0.8) = 0.83 + 3(0.8) − 3 = −0.088

𝑓(1) = 13 + 3(1) − 3 = 1
Since there is a sign change, a root lies between 0.8 and 1
c) i.)𝑥1 = 0.8
0.83−3(0.8)−3
𝑥2 = 0.8 − [ 3(0.83 )+3
] = 0.818

3−𝑥𝑛 3
ii) 𝑥𝑛+1 = 3

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 3−(0.8)3
𝑥1 = 3
= 0.82933

3−(0.82933)3
𝑥2 = = 0.818
3

1 3
3. The relation 𝑥𝑛+1 = 3 (2𝑥𝑛 − 𝑥 ) gives a set of values converging to the root of an equation.
𝑛
Find the equation in its simplest form [2]
Using 𝑥1 = 1, calculate 𝑥2 , 𝑥3 and 𝑥4 correct to 4 decimal places and give the absolute errors in each
case. [6]

Solution
1 3 1 3
Replacing 𝑥𝑛+1 and 𝑥𝑛 by 𝑥 in 𝑥𝑛+1 = 3 (2𝑥𝑛 − 𝑥 ) to get 𝑥 = 3 (2𝑥 − 𝑥)
𝑛

3 3
⟹ 3𝑥 = (2𝑥 + 𝑥) ⟹ 3𝑥 − 2𝑥 = 𝑥

⟹ 𝑥2 = 3
1 3
Given 𝑥𝑛+1 = 3 (2𝑥𝑛 − 𝑥 )
𝑛

𝑥1 = 1
1 3 1 3 5
𝑥2 = (2𝑥1 − ) = 𝑥𝑛+1 = (2(1) − ) = = 1.666666667 = 1.6667 (4. 𝑑. 𝑝)
3 𝑥1 3 1 3

1 3 1 5 3
𝑥3 = 3 (2𝑥2 − 𝑥 ) = 𝑥𝑛+1 = 3 (2(3) − 5 ) = 1.7111111111111 = 1.711 (4. 𝑑. 𝑝)
2 ( )
3

𝑥4 = 1.725156325 = 1.7252 (4. 𝑑. 𝑝)

Errors

Since 𝑥 2 = 3 ⟹ 𝑥 = √3
Absolute error = | 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 − 𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒 |

Error 1= |√3 − 1.6667| = 0.065350807 = 0.0654 (4. 𝑑. 𝑝)

Error 2 = |√3 − 1.7111| = 0.020950807 = 0.0210 (4. 𝑑 𝑝)

Error 3 = |√3 − 1.7252| = 0.0068500807 = 0.0069 (4. 𝑑. 𝑝)

4. i. By sketching two appropriate graphs show that the equation (𝑥 − 1)𝑒 𝑥 = 𝑥 has two real roots
[3]
ii. Show by calculation, that one of the roots lies between 𝑥 = 1.2 and 𝑥 = 1.5 [3]
iii. Taking 𝑥1 = 1.2 as a first approximation to the root of the equation, use the Newton Raphson
method twice to obtain the root correct to 4 decimal places [4]

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Solution
i. y
𝑦 = 𝑒𝑥
𝑥
𝑦 = 𝑥−1

0 1 x

𝑥
𝑦=
𝑥−1

ii. 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 1)𝑒 𝑥 − 𝑥

𝑓(1.2) = −0.535976615
𝑓(1.5) = 0.740844535
Since there is a sign change, the root lies between 1.2 and 1.5.
iii. 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑥𝑒 𝑥 − 1
(1.2−1)𝑒 1.2 −1.2
𝑥2 = 1.2 − [ 1.2𝑒 1.2 −1
] = 1.379608382

𝑥3 = 1.35088983
∴ 𝑥 = 1.3509

3𝜋
5. (a) Sketch, on the same axes, the graphs of 𝑦 = 2𝑥 and 𝑦 = tan 𝑥, where 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ [2]
2

b) Show that the smallest positive root of 2𝑥 − tan 𝑥 = 0 lies between 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑥 = 1.5 [4]
c) Starting with 𝑥0 = 1 use Newton Raphson method to find the smallest positive root of 2𝑥 −
tan 𝑥 = 0, giving your answer correct to 3. 𝑑. 𝑝 [4]

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solution

a) y

𝜋 3𝜋
0 𝜋 x
2 2

b) 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − tan 𝑥
𝑓(1) = 2(1) − tan(1) = 0.44259
𝑓(1.5) = 2(1.5) − tan(1.5) = −11.10142
Since there is a sign change there is a root between 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑥 = 1.5.

c) 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝑥
𝑓(𝑥𝑛)
𝑥𝑛+1 = 𝑥𝑛 − 𝑓′ (𝑥
𝑛)

2(1)−tan 1
𝑥1 = 1 − [2−𝑡𝑎𝑛2 (1)−1] = 1.3105

𝑥2 = 1.2239
𝑥3 = 1.1761
𝑥4 = 1.1659
𝑥5 = 1.1656
𝑥6 = 1.166 (3. 𝑑. 𝑝)
2𝑥𝑛 7
6. The set of values given by the iterative formula 𝑥𝑛+1 = 3
+𝑥 3
𝑛

Taking 𝑥1 = 2 as initial value, converges to 𝛼

a. Using this iterative formula, find 𝛼 correct to 3 decimal places, give the result of each
iteration to 4 decimal places. [3]
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 4
b. Write an equation satisfied by 𝛼 and show that 𝑥 = √21 [3]

Solution
2𝑥𝑛 7
a. Replacing 𝑥𝑛+1 and 𝑥𝑛 by 𝑥 in 𝑥𝑛+1 = 3
+𝑥 3
𝑛

2𝑥 7
We get 𝑥 = 3
+ 𝑥3

2𝑥 4 +21
= 3𝑥 3

2(24 )+21
When 𝑥0 = 2, 𝑥1 = = 2.2083
3(23 )

𝑥2 = 2.1222
𝑥3 = 2.1472
𝑥4 = 2.1368
𝑥5 = 2.1414
𝑥6 = 2.1405
𝑥7 = 2.1408
𝑥8 = 2.1407
𝑥9 = 2.1407
∴ 𝑥 = 2.141
2𝑥 7
b. 𝑥 = 3
+ 𝑥3
2𝑥 4 +21
⟹𝑥= 3𝑥 3
⟹ 3𝑥 4 = 2𝑥 4 + 21
⟹ 𝑥 4 = 21
4
∴ 𝑥 = √21
7. The equation 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 2 has only one real root
a. By evaluating 𝑓(0), 𝑓(1), 𝑓(2) and 𝑓(3), find this root. [2]
3
b. Prove that, if a sequence of values given by the iterative formula 𝑥𝑛+1 = √2𝑥𝑛 2 − 𝑥𝑛 + 2
converges, then it will converge to this root. [3]

Solution

Let 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 2
a. 𝑓(0) = 0 − 0 + 0 − 2 = −2
𝑓(1) = 1 − 2 + 1 − 2 = −2
𝑓(2) = 8 − 8 + 2 − 2 = 0
𝑓(3) = 27 − 18 + 3 − 2 = 10
∴𝑥=2
3
b. 𝑥 = √2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 2
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 3 3
When 𝑥 = 1, 𝑓(𝑥) = √2 − 1 + 2 = √3 = 1.4422
When 𝑥 = 1.4422, 𝑓(𝑥) = 1.6772
When 𝑥 = 1.6772, 𝑓(𝑥) = 1.8119
Not convergent
When 𝑥 = 2, 𝑓(𝑥) = 0
∴ 𝑥 = 2 is the only root.

8. Show that the equation 𝑒 −𝑥 − 2𝑥 + 3 = 0 has only one root and locate the root. Hence use an
iteration formula 𝑥𝑛+1 = 𝑔(𝑥𝑛 ) to calculate the root to 1 decimal place. [5]

Solution
y

𝑦 = 2𝑥 − 3
𝑦 = 𝑒 −𝑥
x

The root is greater than zero

𝑒 −𝑥 = 2𝑥 − 3
2𝑥 𝑒 −𝑥 3
2
= 2
+2

𝑒 −𝑥
∴𝑥= 2
+ 1.5

𝑒 −0.5
Taking 𝑥0 = 0.5, 𝑥1 = 2
+ 1.5 = 1.8033

𝑥2 = 1.5824
𝑥3 = 1.6027
𝑥4 = 1.6007
𝑥5 = 1.6009
𝑥6 = 1.6009

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∴ 𝑥 = 1.6

9. Starting with 𝑥1 = 1, use the iterative formula 𝑥𝑛+1 = ln(4 sin 𝑥𝑛 ) to find 𝑥2 , 𝑥3 , 𝑥4 and 𝑥5 .
Give each answer to 4 decimal places.
Then find the root to which this sequence converges, correct to 2 decimal places. [4]

Solution

When 𝑥1 = 1, 𝑥2 = ln(4 sin 1) = 1.2137

𝑥3 = 1.3548
𝑥4 = 1.3838
𝑥5 = 1.3645
𝑥6 = 1.3648
∴ 𝑥 = 1.36 is the root.

10. Show that the equation 𝑥 4 − 2𝑥 − 3 = 0 has only 2 real roots and hence find the greater root,
correct 2 decimal places. [5]

solution

𝑥 4 − 2𝑥 − 3 = 0

𝑥 4 = 2𝑥 + 4

𝑦 = 𝑥4
𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 3
y

𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 3

𝑦 = 𝑥4

The sketch shows that there are only 2 real roots. (shown)
The greater root is greater than 0.
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 4
⟹ 𝑥 4 = 2𝑥 + 3 ⟹ 𝑥 = √2𝑥 + 3
Take 𝑥 = 1.4 as the first approximation
Perform iterations to get 𝑥 = 1.57 as the root.

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