In laymans terms, what are iterations in maths

Iteration

Iteration is a way of solving equations. You would usually use iteration when you cannot solve the equation any other way.

An iteration formula might look like the following:

x n+1 = 2 + 1

xn.

You are usually given a starting value, which is called x0. If x0 = 3, for example, you would substitute 3 into the original equation where it says xn. This will give you x1. (This is because if n = 0, x1 = 2 + 1/x0 and x0 = 3).

x1 = 2 + 1/3 = 2.333 333 (by substituting in 3).

To find x2, substitute the value you found for x1.

x2 = 2 + 1 / (2.333 333) = 2.428 571

Repeat this until you get an answer to a suitable degree of accuracy. This may be about the 5th value for an answer correct to 3s. f. In this example, x5 = 2.414 ...

Example

a) Show that x = 1 + 11 x - 3

is a rearrangement of the equation x² - 4x - 8 = 0.

b) Use the iterative formula X n+1 = 1 + 11

x n - 3

together with a starting value of x1 = - 2 to obtain a root of the equation x² - 4x - 8 = 0 accurate to one decimal place.

a) multiply everything by (x - 3):

x (x - 3) = 1 (x - 3) + 11

so x² - 3x = x + 8

so x² - 4x - 8 = 0

b) x1 = - 2

x2 = 1 + 11 (substitute - 2 into the iteration formula)

-2 - 3

= - 1.2

x3 = 1 + 11 (substitute - 1.2 into the above formula)

-1.2 - 3

= - 1.619

x4 = - 1.381

x5 = - 1.511

x6 = - 1.439

x7 = - 1.478

therefore, to one decimal place, x = 1.5.