Core 3 Numerical Methods

1.) Finding the roots of equations:

- Use of a sign change to show a root exists.
- Iteration to find an approximate a root correct
to a given degree of accuracy.
2.) Use of Simpsons Rule to approximate the
area under a curve.
 Core 3
Numerical Methods
- Lesson 1 -

Key Learning Objective/Vocabulary:

1.) Using a test of sign change to show a root
exists.
2.) Using iteration to approximate a root.
Graph of f(x) = x3 x + 3 i.) Use a sign change
to show that
x3 x + 3 = 0 has a
root between 1.7
and 1.6
ii.) Use the iteration
below to find the
root correct to 2
decimal places.
1
3
xn + 1 = (xn 3)
Graph of f(x) = 1 + 2x + x3 i.) Use a sign change
to show that
1 + 2x + x3 = 0 has a
root between 0.5
and 0.4
ii.) Use the iteration
below to find the
root correct to 2
decimal places.
1
3
xn + 1 = (-1 2xn)
Graph of f(x) = 1 + 2x + x3 iii.) does not work,
so try something
different

1
xn + 1 = 2
(xn) + 2
Practice
1.) Sign change Page 140, Exercise
8A, Questions 1 and 2.
2.) Iterations Page 140, Exercise 8B,
Questions 4, 5 and 6.
 Core 3
Numerical Methods
- Lesson 2 -

Key Learning Objective/Vocabulary:

Using Simpsons Rule to approximate
integrals.
Example Question:
Approximate the area under the curve
y = xex between x = 1 and x = 3 using
Simpsons Rule with four strips.
Give your answer correct to 4 significant
figures.
 x values y values

x0 y0

x1 y1

x2 y2

x3 y3

x4 y4
 /3
Practice
1.) sin x dx ( 6) Answers:
Questions: 0
1.) 0.5000
Use Simpons
Rule to /2 2.) 1.187
approximate the 2.) cos x dx (6)
0
3.) 0.4142
following
integrals using the
/2
number of strips 1
3.) dx (4)
/ 4 1 sin x
indicated in the
brackets giving
answers correct to
4 significant
figures.
 Core 3
Numerical Methods
- Lesson 3 -

Key Learning Objective/Vocabulary:

Exam Practice.
 Core 3
Numerical Methods
- Revision Lesson -

Key Revision Points:

Sign change.
Iteration.
Simpsons Rule.
Short Review Questions:
1.) Consider the curve x3 + x + 3 = 0.
i.) Use a sign change to show that the
equation has a root between x = -1 and x = -2.
ii.) Re-arrange the equation to derive the
iteration xn+1= (-3 x)1/3.
iii.) Starting with x0 = -1, find the root correct to
3sf.
2.) Use Simpsons rule with four intervals to
approximate the integral: / 2

0
sin( x) dx
Short Review Questions:
3.) Use a sign change to show that the equation
2x3 + 4x 10 = 0 has a root such that
1 < < 2.
4.) Use Simpsons rule with two intervals to
approximate the integral below: 1

2
x dx
0

5.) Prove the following two trigonometric

identities:
i.) cos (3x) 4 cos3 (x) 3 cos (x)
ii.) sin (3x) 3 sin(x) 4 sin3 (x)
Practice:

Mixed exam questions on Sign Change,

Iteration and Simpsons Rule.