1. Finite Differences
Finite difference methods serve as a foundational tool in numerical analysis, particularly for interpolation and resolving differential equations. The chapter outlines various types of finite differences, including forward, backward, and central differences, and illustrates their applications in constructing interpolation formulas such as Newton's techniques.
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What we have learnt
- Finite differences are discrete representations of derivatives.
- Forward, backward, and central differences facilitate the approximation of function values at non-explicit points.
- Newton's interpolation formulas leverage finite difference tables for calculations.
Key Concepts
- -- Finite Difference
- A mathematical expression that represents the change in the value of a function as its input is incremented by a small amount.
- -- Forward Difference
- A type of finite difference that calculates the change in function values by looking at the increase in input, represented as Δf(x) = f(x + h) - f(x).
- -- Backward Difference
- A finite difference that uses the previous points to calculate change, expressed as ∇f(x) = f(x) - f(x - h).
- -- Central Difference
- A symmetric difference that averages the values of the function at points on either side of x, providing better accuracy for derivatives.
- -- Newton's Interpolation Formula
- A formula used for polynomial interpolation, based on finite differences, that allows for the estimation of function values at given points.
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