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

Numerical solution of equations — practice question

(i)[4]

Given that $2\tan 2x + 5\tan^2 x = 0$, let $\tan x=t$ and form an equation in $t$; hence show that either $t = 0$ or $t = \sqrt[3]{(t + 0.8)}$.

(ii)[2]

It is stated that exactly one real value of $t$ satisfies $t = \sqrt[3]{(t + 0.8)}$. By calculation, verify that this root is between $1.2$ and $1.3$.

(iii)[3]

Apply the iterative rule $t_{n+1} = \sqrt[3]{(t_n + 0.8)}$ to determine $t$ correct to 3 decimal places, writing each iterate to 5 decimal places.

(iv)[3]

Using the $t$-values found in earlier parts, solve $2\tan 2x + 5\tan^2 x = 0$ for $-\pi \le x \le \pi$.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 12-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Apply the correct identity for $\tan2x$ and arrive at $a t^4+b t^3+c t^2+d t=0$

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