Chapter 14

Introduction to Numerical Methods

Abstract

A major scientific use of computers is in finding numerical solutions to mathematical problems which have no analytical solutions (i.e., solutions which may be written down in terms of polynomials and standard mathematical functions). In this chapter we look briefly at some areas where numerical methods have been highly developed, e.g., solving non-linear equations, evaluating integrals, and solving differential equations. The objectives of this chapter are to introduce numerical methods for solving equations, evaluating definite integrals, solving systems of ordinary differential equations and solving a parabolic partial differential equation.

Keywords

Linear and non-linear equations; ...

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