Interval Bisection: General Formula?

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In summary, the interval bisection method involves dividing a given interval into two equal parts and checking for a root of the function. It is not guaranteed to find a root, but has advantages such as simplicity and convergence if certain conditions are met. However, it can be slow and requires the function to be continuous.
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Is there any general formula for interval bisection, rather than consider two similar triangles each time?

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I must be misunderstanding what you mean by "interval bisection". The point bisecting the interval from [itex](x_0,y_0,z_0)[/itex] to [itex](x_1, y_1, z_1)[/itex], in 3 dimensions, is [itex]((x_0+ x_1)/2, (y_0+ y_1)/2, (z_0+ z_1)/2)[/itex], "averaging" the coordinates. That can be derived by using 'similar triangles' but you surely don't have to rederive it for each application.
 
  • #3
Thanks for the reply. Sorry, I meant linear interpolation, not interval bisection - is there a general formula for this?

Thanks
 

FAQ: Interval Bisection: General Formula?

What is the general formula for interval bisection?

The general formula for interval bisection is:
xn+1 = (xn-1 + xn) / 2,
where xn is the nth approximation of the root or midpoint of the interval.

How is the interval bisection method used to find roots of a function?

The interval bisection method involves dividing a given interval into two equal parts and then checking which part contains a root of the function. This process is repeated until the interval becomes small enough to approximate the root with a desired level of accuracy.

Is the interval bisection method guaranteed to find the root of a function?

No, the interval bisection method is not guaranteed to find the root of a function. It can only find a root if the function is continuous and changes sign within the given interval. If these conditions are not met, the method may fail to converge or may converge to a wrong root.

What are the advantages of using interval bisection compared to other root-finding methods?

Interval bisection is a relatively simple and straightforward method, making it easy to implement and understand. It is also guaranteed to converge if the conditions are met. Additionally, it does not require the function to be differentiable, making it suitable for a wider range of functions.

Are there any limitations or drawbacks of using the interval bisection method?

One limitation of the interval bisection method is that it can be slow to converge, especially if the initial interval is large or if the root is located near the endpoints of the interval. It also requires the function to be continuous, which may not always be the case. In these situations, other root-finding methods may be more efficient.

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