Approximation and Simpson's Rule

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves estimating the value of a definite integral using various numerical methods: the left rule, trapezoidal rule, and Simpson's rule. The exact value of the integral is given as 6, and participants are tasked with estimating the integral using different sample sizes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the concept of error in numerical approximations and how to apply it to estimate values for different sample sizes. There is uncertainty about the application of error formulas and the need for the actual function to be specified. Questions arise regarding the meaning of K2 in the error formula and whether similar formulas exist for the left rule and Simpson's rule.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the error calculations for the trapezoidal rule and have begun to explore how to apply similar reasoning to the left and Simpson's rules. However, there is no explicit consensus on the methods to be used, and several interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note a lack of information regarding the actual function whose integral is being approximated, which raises questions about the validity of their estimates. There is also mention of the need for specific formulas related to the left rule and Simpson's rule, indicating potential gaps in the provided material.

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Homework Statement



Suppose the exact value of a particular definite integral is 6. The following questions refer to estimates of this integral using the left, trapezoid, and Simpson's rules. Use what you know about approximate errors to answer the following questions. Give your answer to 4 decimal places.

(a) Suppose Left(40)=2.3055. Estimate Left(120)


(b) Suppose Trap(40)=2.7250. Estimate Trap(120)


(c) Suppose Simp(40)=3.1680. Estimate Simp(120)



The Attempt at a Solution



I know that Actual- Approximated= Error, but I am not sure how to use this concept
to solve the problem. I've tried to find the ratio of each, but not enough information
was given in order to estimate what it asked for. (In terms of "not enough information",
I mean--- Shouldn't they give us the actual function whose definite integral is 6?)
Please help me with the start and I'll try to figure out he rest!
 
Last edited:
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Anyone know how to do this problem? HELP!
 
Error in trap(40) = 6 - 2.7250 = K2(b-a)^3/(12)(40)^2. Therefore, K2(b-a)^3/12 = 40^2(6-2.7250).
Then trap(120) = 40^2(6-2.7250)*(1/(120)^2
 
What does K2 stand for? I don't quite understand how you did it..
 
\left|E_{T}\right| = \frac{K_{2}(b-a)^{3}}{12n^{2}}

Where K_{2} \geq \left|f''(x)\right| on [a,b]

Since we know the exact value of the integral, we can subtract the approximation given to get a value for the error of T(40). In this case 6 - 2.7250 = 3.275.

3.275 =\frac{K_{2}(b-a)^{3}}{12(40)^{2}}

Multiply both sides by 40^2.

(40^2)(3.275) = \frac{K_{2}(b-a)^{3}}{12}

Now, use this fact to find the error when n = 120.
 
Oh.. Thanks..
But it seems the formula up there is only useful when we find the approximation for
trapezoide. Are there specific formulas for left rule and simpsons's rule as well?
This is new to me so I tried to find the concept in the textbook but I don't think it mentions this :(
 
Last edited:

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