Mathematics 9709 · AS & A Level · Numerical solution of equations

Numerical solution of equations — practice question

(i)[2]

Using suitable sketches, show that the equation $e^{-\frac{1}{2}x} = 4 - x^2$ has one positive root and one negative root.

(ii)[2]

Verify by calculation that the negative root lies between $-1$ and $-1.5$.

(iii)[3]

Apply the iterative formula $x_{n+1} = -\sqrt{4 - e^{-\frac{1}{2}x_n}}$ to find this root correct to 2 decimal places. Write the result of each iteration to 4 decimal places.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 7-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Sketch a suitable graph, for example $y=e^{-\frac12 x}$

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