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Approximate Solutions

Find the approximate solution to x³ - 3x + 1 = 0:

Sub in a trial solution x = 1

Sub in a trial solution x = 1

  • This is just an educated guess, we could use any number but we think
    x = 1 will be roughly right.
Approximation of x

Approximation of x

  • x = 1 gives a result below 0
  • x = 2 gives a result above 0
  • Therefore the x value which gives exactly 0 must be in between 1 and 2.
Function notation

Function notation

  • f(x) = x3 - 3x + 1 so we can write the solution like this.
Jump to other topics
1

Proof

2

Algebra & Functions

2.1

Powers & Roots

2.2

Quadratic Equations

2.3

Inequalities

2.4

Polynomials

2.5

Graphs

2.6

Functions

2.7

Transformation of Graphs

2.8

Partial Fractions (A2 Only)

3

Coordinate Geometry

4

Sequences & Series

5

Trigonometry

6

Exponentials & Logarithms

7

Differentiation

8

Integration

9

Numerical Methods

10

Vectors

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