Pathological example for Newton's Method (applet)

Pathological example for Newton's method (applet) Paul Garrett, garrett@math.umn.edu

This example illustrates a pathological possibility for Newton's method. (See non-pathological case to see what should happen in the good situation.)

-> Try various initial points to compare how quickly the true root is approached.
-> Note that the close approach of the graph to the x-axis in the "trough" causes bizarre and unpredicatable "deflections" from the true root...

© 1997, Paul Garrett ... [ garrett@math.umn.edu ] The University of Minnesota explicitly requires that I state that "The views and opinions expressed in this page are strictly those of the page author. The contents of this page have not been reviewed or approved by the University of Minnesota."