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Finding Roots of Scalar Functions Using in Mathcad

This document discusses using the "roots()" function in MathCad to find roots of nonlinear scalar functions. [1] It explains how to define the nonlinear function, set an initial guess, and use roots() to iteratively determine a root. [2] The initial guess is crucial, as a plot of the function can help identify good starting points. [3] Multiple roots may exist, and the one found depends on the initial guess.

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27 views

Finding Roots of Scalar Functions Using in Mathcad

This document discusses using the "roots()" function in MathCad to find roots of nonlinear scalar functions. [1] It explains how to define the nonlinear function, set an initial guess, and use roots() to iteratively determine a root. [2] The initial guess is crucial, as a plot of the function can help identify good starting points. [3] Multiple roots may exist, and the one found depends on the initial guess.

Uploaded by

partho143
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Finding Roots of Scalar Functions using roots( ) in MathCad (Dr.

Tom Co 9/27/2008)

Introduction. There are several nonlinear scalar problems which are not polynomials. Based on an initial guess, an iterative numerical method can be used to determine one root at a time. MathCad Procudure. 1. Define the nonlinear function. The function could contain other parameters, e.g. , , , 2. Set an initial guess, e.g. 3. Use the root( ) function, e.g. , , , , , , Example:

Remarks: a) The initial guess is crucial to determining the roots. A plot of the nonlinear function is often a good idea, especially for the scalar case (see Figure 1). Also, see handout on Newton method (www.chem.mtu.edu/~tbco/cm3450/NewtonsMethod.pdf) to see why initial guesses matter.

Figure 1. Plot of the nonlinear function. b) The root that is found is not necessarily the closest to the initial guess. c) Units are allowed in this method. d) Sometimes, scaling may be necessary.

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