This is an example of an iterative method for solving an equation. It is called the bisection method because at each stage the region within which the solution lies is halved.
To run the demo:
- the bisection method works by continually halving the region within which the solutions lies
- at any stage the required root is known to the accuracy given by the width of the region
To run the demo:
- Choose a function.
- Press the Step button to single-step the algorithm.
- Press the Run button to animate the algorithm.
Software/Applets used on this page
This applet forms part of "Java Number Cruncher: The Java Programmer's Guide to Numerical Computation", Prentice-Hall, by Ronald Mak, and is provided for MathsNetAlevel-plus by that author - see
Apropos-logic
Apropos-logic
Glossary
algorithm
A set of precise instructions which, if followed, will solve a problem.
equation
A statement that two mathematical expressions are equal.
function
A rule that connects one value in one set with one and only one value in another set.
solution
the answer to a problem.
This question appears in the following syllabi:
| Syllabus | Module | Section | Topic | Exam Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AQA A-Level (UK - Pre-2017) | FP1 | Numerical Methods | Interval bisection | - |
| AQA A2 Further Maths 2017 | Pure Maths | Numerical Methods | Interval Bisection - Extra | - |
| AQA AS/A2 Further Maths 2017 | Pure Maths | Numerical Methods | Interval Bisection - Extra | - |
| CCEA A-Level (NI) | C3 | Numerical Methods | Interval bisection | - |
| Edexcel A-Level (UK - Pre-2017) | FP1 | Numerical Methods | Interval bisection | - |
| Edexcel AS Further Maths 2017 | Further Pure 1 | Numerical Methods | Interval Bisection | - |
| Edexcel AS/A2 Further Maths 2017 | Further Pure 1 | Numerical Methods | Interval Bisection | - |
| OCR A-Level (UK - Pre-2017) | FP2 | Numerical Methods | Interval bisection | - |
| OCR AS Further Maths 2017 | Pure Core | Numerical Methods - Extra | Interval Bisection | - |
| OCR MEI AS Further Maths 2017 | Numerical Methods | Solution of Equations | Interval Bisection | - |
| OCR-MEI A-Level (UK - Pre-2017) | NM | Numerical Methods | Interval bisection | - |
| Scottish (Highers + Advanced) | HM2 | Numerical Methods | Interval bisection | - |
| Scottish Highers | M2 | Numerical Methods | Interval bisection | - |
| Universal (all site questions) | N | Numerical Methods | Interval bisection | - |
| WJEC A-Level (Wales) | FP3 | Numerical Methods | Interval bisection | - |