3. Numerical Differentiation and Integration
Numerical differentiation and integration are essential computational techniques for approximating derivatives and integrals of functions that are difficult to solve analytically. These methods, including finite difference techniques, Newton-Cotes formulas, and Gaussian quadrature, are widely adopted in various fields such as engineering and economics. This chapter covers the main numerical approaches, their accuracy, and their associated computational complexities, providing insights into when each method is appropriate.
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What we have learnt
- Numerical differentiation approximates the derivative of a function based on discrete data points.
- Finite difference methods include forward, backward, and central differences, each with its pros and cons.
- Numerical integration techniques such as the trapezoidal rule and Simpson's rule improve accuracy with varying step sizes and computational complexities.
- Gaussian quadrature is a highly accurate method that optimizes point selection to minimize error.
Key Concepts
- -- Numerical Differentiation
- The process of approximating the derivative of a function using discrete data points.
- -- Finite Difference Methods
- A technique used to approximate derivatives by evaluating the function at discrete points, categorized into forward, backward, and central differences.
- -- NewtonCotes Formulas
- A family of methods for numerical integration that interpolate the integrand using polynomials, including methods like the trapezoidal rule and Simpson’s rule.
- -- Gaussian Quadrature
- An advanced integration method that utilizes strategically chosen points to provide high accuracy with fewer evaluations.
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