C++ programming, Newtons Method.

[Jtenbroek]

Having a lot of trouble the my C++ course, loops especially. This is the assignment giving me trouble

The function you are to implement finds a root of the given function eff(x) using Newton's method. The given version of eff(x) implements f(x) = x2e-x-2 (where e is the base of the natual logarithm) and effPrime(x) implements its derrivative, but your code could be used to find a root of other functions by substituting different implementations of eff and effPrime. Your program should use both of the above techniques to stop iteration (i.e., it should stop when either condition is satisfied).

The function you are to implement is as follows:

double Newton(double x, double tol, int maxIt)
Finds a root of eff using Newton's method starting at x and stoping when successive approximations are within tol of each other or maxIt iterations have occured.



These files were given;
double
eff(double x)
{
return x*x * exp(-x) - 2;
}

double
effPrime(double x)
{
return 2.0 * x * exp(-x) - x * x * exp(-x);
}





This is all I have so far, not even sure how to begin

#include "assign4.h"
#include <cmath>

double Newton(double x, double tol, int maxIt); {
return x_1 = x_o - (f(x_o) / f(x_o));

}

 

[MisterX]

You did not use the return statement properly, instead you would write

return x_o - (f(x_o) / f(x_o));

In other words, you shouldn't be returning x1 = something
just return something

EXCEPT:
I do not see the variable "x_o" defined.

Even if it was defined, this is not the correct equation for Newton's method.

 

[jedishrfu]

First step, can you describe Newton's method of successive approximation?

You can't write a program if you don't know the algorithm.

 

[Mark44]

You did not use the return statement properly, instead you would write

return x_o - (f(x_o) / f(x_o));

In other words, you shouldn't be returning x1 = something
just return something

Actually, you can do it this way. In C and C++, the value of an assignment expression is the value that is stored in the variable on the left side of the assignment. I wouldn't do it this way, but it's not incorrect.

EXCEPT:
I do not see the variable "x_o" defined.

Even if it was defined, this is not the correct equation for Newton's method.

 

[MisterX]

Actually, you can do it this way. In C and C++, the value of an assignment expression is the value that is stored in the variable on the left side of the assignment. I wouldn't do it this way, but it's not incorrect.

Yes, but the OP shouldn't do it this way. The only way it would make any sense would be if one needed to set a (non-local) variable to the return value of a function every time the function was called.

 

[Mark44]

Yes, but the OP shouldn't do it this way. The only way it would make any sense would be if one needed to set a (non-local) variable to the return value of a function every time the function was called.

I agree.

 

[Jtenbroek]

I think this is what they suggested I use in the assignment "y = x - f(x)/f'(x),"

 

[Mark44]

I think this is what they suggested I use in the assignment "y = x - f(x)/f'(x),"

This won't work. The compiler will complain about the symbol ' after f. Your header file defines two functions. Use them.

 

[jedishrfu]

Try solving the problem with pencil and paper and maybe you'll see how to program it.
Do one step at a time like a computer on a separate line.