Newton-Raphson method for y=1/f(x)

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The discussion revolves around the application of the Newton-Raphson method to the equation y=1/f(x). The original poster struggles to derive the correct formulation, initially presenting an incorrect equation and later attempting a revised version that also fails. Participants clarify that the Newton-Raphson method is designed to find solutions for f(x)=0, and that y=1/f(x) does not yield a valid equation for this purpose. Ultimately, the poster acknowledges their confusion and indicates they have found an alternative solution. The thread highlights the importance of understanding the foundational principles of the Newton-Raphson method.
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I need to know the Newton-Raphson equation for y=1/f(x)

I've tried to work it out, but I'm not sure if I'm right

I got this:

x = x + f'(x) / f(x)


EDIT> I've tried what I worked out and realized that it's horribly wrong.
I really need help :P



Another edit>
I don't understand why it's not working :'( I see what was wrong with what I originally got. I just made a simple mistake, but now I've got something which I'm sure is right, but won't work.

y = f(x) = 1 / g(x)

Newton Raphson:

x = x - f(x) / f'(x)
= x - (1/g(x)) / (-g'(x)/g(x)^2)
= x - g(x)^2 / -g'(x) * g(x)
= x - g(x) / -g'(x)
= x + g(x) / g'(x)

I tried this too, and it didn't work.
I'm using this in a computer program, so I need to know if I'm using the wrong equation, or if a different part of the program is messing it up.

Yet another edit> I don't need this any more. I did something different instead. Sorry for the waste of time :P
 
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Peter_F said:
I need to know the Newton-Raphson equation for y=1/f(x)
I don't really understand the formulation of the problem. Newton-Raphson is for finding the solution x of the equation f(x)=0. What do you mean by y=1/f(x)? What is there to solve for?
 
As krab says, the method is for approximating a solutions to f(x) = 0.

1 / f(x) will never equal 0.
 
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