The zeroes of a function and optimization
Initial Publication Date: October 12, 2023
Summary
Students will determine the zeros of a function using bisection, Newton's, secant, and inverse quadratic interpolation methods. Replace zero with other values and solve a similar problem. Use the methods to solve an optimization problem.
CollapseLearning Goals
Students will learn to solve inverse and optimization problems.
The problems can only be solved numerically and thus involves MATLAB programming.
Solving optimization problems will require higher order thinking.
Students will develop report writing skills.
The problems can only be solved numerically and thus involves MATLAB programming.
Solving optimization problems will require higher order thinking.
Students will develop report writing skills.
Context for Use
Educational level is first- or second-year college.
Class size of about 50.
Institution type is 2-year or 4-year college.
A longer activity of about 60 minutes.
Technical skills are loops, conditional, and functions.
The activity comes after students have been introduced to interpolation and calculus I
Class size of about 50.
Institution type is 2-year or 4-year college.
A longer activity of about 60 minutes.
Technical skills are loops, conditional, and functions.
The activity comes after students have been introduced to interpolation and calculus I
Description and Teaching Materials
The information can be found in 'Numerical Computing with MATLAB REVISED REPRINT' by Cleve B. Moler.
Teaching Notes and Tips
Solving general inverse and optimization problems may be confusing to some students.
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Assessment
Students should be able to determine the zeros of a given function.
Students should be able to solve optimization problems in one variable.
Students should be able to solve optimization problems in one variable.
References and Resources
'Numerical Computing with MATLAB REVISED REPRINT' by Cleve B. Moler.
This teaching activity was created as a part of the Teaching Computation with MATLAB Workshop held in 2023 at Carleton College.