Sammy's question at Yahoo Answers regarding approximate integration

In summary, approximate integration is a method used to estimate the value of a definite integral by dividing the interval into subintervals and using numerical methods. The accuracy of the approximation depends on the method and number of subintervals, and it is best used for complex or non-analytical functions. However, it may not be suitable for all types of functions and has some limitations, such as requiring knowledge of numerical methods and being less accurate than analytical integration for simple functions.
  • #1
MarkFL
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MHB
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Here is the question:

Trapezoidal rule and Simpson's rule question help :'(?

Note: any letter beside "T" and "S" is a subscript.
Three estimates of int[f(x)*dx] are as follows: Tn is obtained by using trapezoidal rule with (n+1) ordinates while T2n is obtained with (2n+1) ordinates, and Sn is obtained by using Simpson's rule with (2n+1) ordinates.

(a) Show that 4T2n - Tn =3Sn
(b) Evaluate T1, T2, S1 and S2 for the integral int{sqrt[2-(sin x)^2]*dx} (between 0 and pi/4)

I have posted a link there to this topic so the OP can see my work.
 
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  • #2
Hello again sammy,

We will need the following:

Trapezoidal Rule:

\(\displaystyle T_n=\frac{b-a}{2n}\left(f\left(x_0 \right)+2f\left(x_1 \right)+\cdots+2f\left(x_{n-1} \right)+f\left(x_n \right) \right)\)

Simpson's Rule:

\(\displaystyle S_n=\frac{b-a}{3n}\left(f\left(x_0 \right)+4f\left(x_1 \right)+2f\left(x_2 \right)+\cdots+2f\left(x_{n-2} \right)+4f\left(x_{n-1} \right)+f\left(x_n \right) \right)\)

(a) Using these definitions, we may write:

\(\displaystyle 4T_{2n}=\frac{b-a}{2n}\left(2f\left(x_0 \right)+4f\left(x_1 \right)+\cdots+4f\left(x_{2n-1} \right)+2f\left(x_{2n} \right) \right)\)

\(\displaystyle T_n=\frac{b-a}{2n}\left(f\left(x_0 \right)+2f\left(x_2 \right)+\cdots+2f\left(x_{2(n-1)} \right)+f\left(x_{2n} \right) \right)\)

Subtracting, we find:

\(\displaystyle 4T_{2n}-T_{n}=\frac{b-a}{2n}\left(f\left(x_0 \right)+4f\left(x_1 \right)+2f\left(x_2 \right)+\cdots+2f\left(x_{2n-2} \right)+4f\left(x_{2n-1} \right)+f\left(x_{2n} \right) \right)\)

Hence:

\(\displaystyle 4T_{2n}-T_{n}=\frac{b-a}{n}\left(f\left(x_0 \right)+4f\left(x_1 \right)+2f\left(x_2 \right)+\cdots+2f\left(x_{n-2} \right)+4f\left(x_{n-1} \right)+f\left(x_{n} \right) \right)\)

\(\displaystyle 4T_{2n}-T_{n}=3S_{n}\)

(b) We are given to approximate:

\(\displaystyle \int_0^{\frac{\pi}{4}}\sqrt{2-\sin^2(x)}\,dx\)

For comparison, W|A returns:

\(\displaystyle \int_0^{\frac{\pi}{4}}\sqrt{2-\sin^2(x)}\,dx\approx1.058095501392563\)

\(\displaystyle T_1=\frac{\frac{\pi}{4}-0}{2\cdot1}\left(f\left(0 \right)+f\left(\frac{\pi}{4} \right) \right)=\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{\pi}{8}\left(\sqrt{2-\sin^2(0)}+\sqrt{2-\sin^2\left(\frac{\pi}{4} \right)} \right)=\frac{\pi}{8}\left(\sqrt{2}+\sqrt{\frac{3}{2}} \right)\approx1.0363165535804948\)

\(\displaystyle T_2=\frac{\frac{\pi}{4}-0}{2\cdot2}\left(f\left(0 \right)+2f\left(\frac{\pi}{8} \right)+f\left(\frac{\pi}{4} \right) \right)=\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{\pi}{16}\left(\sqrt{2-\sin^2(0)}+2\sqrt{2-\sin^2\left(\frac{\pi}{8} \right)}+\sqrt{2-\sin^2\left(\frac{\pi}{4} \right)} \right)\approx1.0527994926632949\)

\(\displaystyle S_1=\frac{\frac{\pi}{4}-0}{3\cdot2}\left(f\left(0 \right)+4f\left(\frac{\pi}{8} \right)+f\left(\frac{\pi}{4} \right) \right)=\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{\pi}{24}\left(\sqrt{2-\sin^2(0)}+4\sqrt{2-\sin^2\left(\frac{\pi}{8} \right)}+\sqrt{2-\sin^2\left(\frac{\pi}{4} \right)} \right)\approx1.0582938056908950\)

\(\displaystyle S_2=\frac{\frac{\pi}{4}-0}{3\cdot4}\left(f\left(0 \right)+4f\left(\frac{\pi}{16} \right)+2f\left(\frac{\pi}{8} \right)+4f\left(\frac{3\pi}{16} \right)+f\left(\frac{\pi}{4} \right) \right)=\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{\pi}{48}\left(\sqrt{2-\sin^2(0)}+4\sqrt{2-\sin^2\left(\frac{\pi}{16} \right)}+2\sqrt{2-\sin^2\left(\frac{\pi}{8} \right)}+4\sqrt{2-\sin^2\left(\frac{3\pi}{16} \right)}+\sqrt{2-\sin^2\left(\frac{\pi}{4} \right)} \right)\approx\)

\(\displaystyle 1.0581079075268218\)

In summary:

\(\displaystyle T_1\approx1.0363165535804948\)

\(\displaystyle T_2\approx1.0527994926632949\)

\(\displaystyle S_1\approx1.0582938056908950\)

\(\displaystyle S_2\approx1.0581079075268218\)
 

1. What is approximate integration?

Approximate integration is a method used in mathematics and physics to estimate the value of a definite integral. It involves dividing the interval of integration into smaller subintervals and using a numerical method, such as the trapezoid rule or Simpson's rule, to approximate the integral.

2. How accurate is approximate integration?

The accuracy of approximate integration depends on the method used and the number of subintervals used. Generally, the more subintervals used, the more accurate the approximation will be. However, there may still be some error involved due to the nature of numerical methods.

3. When should I use approximate integration?

Approximate integration is useful when the integrand cannot be easily integrated analytically. It is also helpful for functions that are too complex or time-consuming to integrate using traditional methods.

4. Can approximate integration be used for any type of function?

No, approximate integration may not be suitable for all types of functions. It is most effective for smooth functions with continuous derivatives. Functions with discontinuities or sharp peaks may require special techniques for more accurate approximations.

5. Are there any limitations to approximate integration?

Yes, there are some limitations to approximate integration. It may not be as accurate as analytical integration for simple functions. It also requires a certain level of understanding and knowledge of numerical methods. Additionally, the accuracy of the approximation can be affected by the choice of subintervals and the method used.

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