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

Numerical solution of equations — practice question

(a)[2]

Using a suitable pair of sketches, show that the equation $\sqrt{x} = e^x - 3$ has just one root.

(b)[2]

Show by calculation that this root lies between $1$ and $2$.

(c)[1]

Show that, if a sequence generated by the iterative formula $x_{n+1} = \ln(3 + \sqrt{x_n})$ converges, then it converges to the root of the equation in (a).

(d)[3]

Use the iterative method to calculate the root correct to 2 decimal places. Give each iteration value to 4 decimal places.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Sketch a suitable graph, for example $y=e^x-3$

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