- #1
miniradman
- 196
- 0
Hello everyone
Although I do not have a specific homework question to ask, I do have a question which directly relates to a topic I do indeed have for homework.
One of our topics for the semester are approximating roots using Newton's method, and as I understand the value you one obtains after using this particular method is quite accurate. However, our course bans any use of a calculator whilst doing any of the topics including Newtons method. I've attempted to apply the method to cubic polynomials, and irrational square roots and I cannot seem to get past the first iteration. Once I start involving fractions which are unclean (eg. [itex]\frac{161}{11230}[/itex] ) that I have to cube or root, I find my self taking up one or two whole pages of working out (converting decimals to fractions, squaring fractions, adding/subtracting fractions... all that good stuff) which is a luxury that I won't be getting in my exam.
I know this is a far fetched/slightly silly question, but... are there any easier ways to use Newtons methods without a calculator?
Because if we can use calculator, why take the approximation? When we can get an answer correct to so many decimal places?
My apologies if this is in the wrong forum.
Although I do not have a specific homework question to ask, I do have a question which directly relates to a topic I do indeed have for homework.
One of our topics for the semester are approximating roots using Newton's method, and as I understand the value you one obtains after using this particular method is quite accurate. However, our course bans any use of a calculator whilst doing any of the topics including Newtons method. I've attempted to apply the method to cubic polynomials, and irrational square roots and I cannot seem to get past the first iteration. Once I start involving fractions which are unclean (eg. [itex]\frac{161}{11230}[/itex] ) that I have to cube or root, I find my self taking up one or two whole pages of working out (converting decimals to fractions, squaring fractions, adding/subtracting fractions... all that good stuff) which is a luxury that I won't be getting in my exam.
I know this is a far fetched/slightly silly question, but... are there any easier ways to use Newtons methods without a calculator?
Because if we can use calculator, why take the approximation? When we can get an answer correct to so many decimal places?
My apologies if this is in the wrong forum.