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Numerical Methods

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Question 2

In a precision optics experiment, the refractive index μ \mu\,μ of a specific polymer varies with the distance x x\,x from the optical center of a lens according to the model

μ=7+2ex2,x≥0 \mu = \sqrt{7 + 2e^{x^2}}, \quad x \ge 0 μ=7+2ex2​,x≥0
a.

Find dμdx\displaystyle \frac{d\mu}{dx}dxdμ​, giving your answer in its simplest form.

[3]
b.

A light ray intersects the curve at a point P P\,P with xxx-coordinate β\betaβ. It is determined that the tangent to the curve at P P\,P passes through the origin.

Show that x=βx = \betax=β is a root of the equation

(2x2−2)ex2−7=0 (2x^2 - 2)e^{x^2} - 7 = 0 (2x2−2)ex2−7=0
[4]
c.

Hence show that β \beta\,β lies between 1.2 and 1.3.

[3]
d.

Show that the Newton-Raphson formula for the equation in part (b) can be written as

xn+1=4xn4−2xn2+2+7e−xn24xn3 x_{n+1} = \frac{4x_n^4 - 2x_n^2 + 2 + 7e^{-x_n^2}}{4x_n^3} xn+1​=4xn3​4xn4​−2xn2​+2+7e−xn2​​
[4]
e.

Using the Newton-Raphson formula with x1=1.3x_1 = 1.3x1​=1.3, find to 4 decimal places the value of (i) x3x_3x3​ (ii) β\betaβ

[3]

Numerical Methods Questions

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