Roots of Trigonometric polynomials?

[wk1989]

I remember learning an iterative method that gives the answer to trigonometric polynomials such as

sin(x)-0.7-0.611cosx = 0

where x is the angle in degrees.

The person who I learned this method from called it the method for solving transcendentals. Now I can't seem to find any information on this method, could anyone please enlighten me by providing the information?

 

[Mute]

Sounds like you're thinking of Newton's Method:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newton's_method

 

[wk1989]

The approach is similar, but I don't remember taking any derivatives when using the method I was taught, and I think it involved multiplying the result of iteration rather then subtracting (as with Newton's method).

 

[DuncanM]

The person who I learned this method from called it the method for solving transcendentals.

I don't know if there is one method known as the method for solving transcendentals; however, there are several iterative methods for solving equations such as the one you posted. For example, the most basic numerical root-finding method, the bisection method, could be used. And it doesn't use derivatives.

There is also the secant method.

And others.