Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Numerical Analysis and Introduction to Scientific Computing.......................2
1.1 Numerical Analysis: Its Objectives, Role, and Features..................................2
1.2 Errors in Numerical Computation.....................................................................2
Chapter 1: Numerical Analysis and Introduction to Scientific Computing
1.1 Numerical Analysis: Its Objectives, Role, and Features
1.1.1 Mathematical Science and Numerical Analysis
What is Numerical Analysis?
Numerical analysis is like solving puzzles using numbers! It focuses on creating
methods to find approximate solutions to mathematical problems that can’t easily
be solved exactly. Think of it as finding "close enough" answers when exact ones
are impossible.
Why is it Useful?
Imagine trying to predict the weather or simulate how oil flows underground.
These involve huge calculations where exact answers are impractical. Numerical
analysis helps us get useful results quickly.
1.1.2 Computational Mathematics and Scientific Computing
Scientific Computing:
Scientific computing is like a super-smart calculator that scientists use to solve
problems. It combines math, numerical analysis, and computer programming to
study things like how airplanes fly or how heat flows in pipelines.
Computational Mathematics:
Computational mathematics is about teaching computers how to solve math
problems. We create step-by-step instructions (called algorithms) for computers to
follow.
1.1.3 Computational Methods and Computers
Computational Methods:
These are the rules and formulas we use to solve problems. For example, if we’re
dividing a pizza among friends, the "method" is dividing the pizza into equal
parts. Similarly, computational methods divide big problems into smaller,
solvable steps.
How Computers Help:
Computers do millions of calculations in seconds, following the steps of our
computational methods.
1.1.4 Solving Numerical Problems
1. Steps for Solving Problems:
o Break the problem into small pieces.
o Use a method or formula to find a solution.
o Double-check the result to see if it makes sense.
2. Example:
Imagine measuring the area of an irregular shape. Numerical analysis uses small
rectangles to approximate the shape’s area.
1.2 Errors in Numerical Computation
1.2.1 Sources and Classification of Errors
Errors occur when we calculate something and the result isn’t perfect. They come from
different sources:
1. Round-off Errors:
o Computers store numbers with limited precision. For example, instead of
3.141592, a computer might only store 3.14. This small change can create
errors in calculations.
o Example: When dividing 10 by 3, the exact result is 3.3333... forever. A
computer might round it to 3.33.
2. Truncation Errors:
o This happens when we stop a calculation too soon. Imagine you’re adding
an infinite series but only include the first few terms.
o Example: When calculating sin(x)\sin(x)sin(x), we use a series of terms.
Stopping after two terms gives an approximation, not the full answer.
3. Data Errors:
o Mistakes in measurements or input data also cause errors.
o Example: Measuring oil pressure might give 10.2 MPa, but the true value
could be 10.25 MPa.
1.2.2 Errors and Significant Figures
What are Significant Figures?
Significant figures are the digits that carry meaning in a number. They show how
precise a measurement or result is.
Example:
o 12.34 has 4 significant figures.
o 0.0056 has 2 significant figures (only the 5 and 6 count).
Why Does Precision Matter?
Using too few significant figures can make results inaccurate, while using too
many wastes time and computer resources.
1.2.3 Error Estimation in Numerical Operations
To avoid big mistakes, we estimate errors while calculating:
1. Absolute Error (EaE_aEa):
o The difference between the true value (xtx_txt) and the approximate value
(xax_axa):
Ea=∣xt−xa∣E_a = |x_t - x_a|Ea=∣xt−xa∣
absolute error is ∣100−98∣=2°C|100 - 98| = 2°C∣100−98∣=2°C.
o Example: If the true temperature is 100°C but you measure 98°C, the
2. Relative Error (ErE_rEr):
o A comparison of the absolute error to the true value:
Er=Ea∣xt∣E_r = \frac{E_a}{|x_t|}Er=∣xt∣Ea
o Example: For the same temperature, the relative error is 2100=0.02\
frac{2}{100} = 0.021002=0.02 or 2%.
