The second one is a PDF file so you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read it.

[gimak]

Homework Statement

y=[(1+y^2)^1.5]/[2(y+sqrt 3)^2]; solve for y

Homework Equations

see above

The Attempt at a Solution

I tried to use algebra to solve it, but I can't. The textbook says it can be solved numerically or by iteration. By numberically I think it means algebraically. But I don't know how to do it that way. I don't know what it means by iteration. Can you guys give me an idea of how to do it both ways?

 

[RUber]

Numerically means using a computer or graphing method to find the answer. Bring the y to the right side so you have f(y)=0. Then plot it to see where f(y) crosses the axis.
Iteration to me also implies a numerical solving method that starts with a guess and moves closer to the zero until you are as close as you need to be.

 

[Raghav Gupta]

Take the denominator to L.H.S and square both sides. Can you see a pattern?

 

[Ray Vickson]

Homework Statement

y=[(1+y^2)^1.5]/[2(y+sqrt 3)^2]; solve for y

Homework Equations

see above

The Attempt at a Solution

I tried to use algebra to solve it, but I can't. The textbook says it can be solved numerically or by iteration. By numberically I think it means algebraically. But I don't know how to do it that way. I don't know what it means by iteration. Can you guys give me an idea of how to do it both ways?

Numerically is NOT algebraically. Rather than trying to explain it I will just give a link to explanations that others have already written out. See
http://mathforum.org/library/drmath/view/61677.html or
http://cfd.mace.manchester.ac.uk/twiki/pub/Main/TimCraftNotes_All_Access/cfd1-numanal.pdf