# MATLAB Script for Bisection Method

## Homework Statement

Not really for homework, but it is a script I am working on. It involves utilizing the Bisection Method for solving equations in one variable. However, I cannot seem to get it to work properly. It seems to enter the while loop and become stuck their. When I execute it by hand, it appears to work, but obviously there is some sort of code fallacy that I am not seeing.

## The Attempt at a Solution

Code:
function bisection(F, a1, b1, e)
%F represents the function we are analyzing
%F must be passed into the function as a string
%i.e., F='x^2+3*x';
%[a1,b1] represents the interval in which the zero exists
%e represents the desired tolerance

p1=(a1+b1)/2;
p2=0;

x=p1;
f=eval(F);
if f == 0
p1
else
while abs(p1-p2)-e >= 0
p1=(a1+b1)/2;
x=a1;
F1=eval(F);
x=p1;
F2=eval(F);

if F1*F2 < 0
b1=p1;
else
a1=p1;
end
p2=a1+b1/2;

end
p2
end
end

Last edited:

Related Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help News on Phys.org
DrClaude
Mentor
Code:
        p2=a1+b1/2;
That should be
Code:
        p2=(a1+b1)/2;

That should be
Code:
        p2=(a1+b1)/2;
That'll do it! Thanks!