Exercise · ZW-BISECTION-METHOD-001 · ★☆☆ Basic

What sign condition at the endpoints of [a, b] is needed to apply the bisection method?

Choose one option.

Show answer
  • D. \( f(a)\cdot f(b) < 0 \)

Explanation

It is enough that f has opposite signs at the endpoints so the intermediate value theorem guarantees a root. The other choices do not ensure a sign change.

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Review the concept: Bisection method

The bisection method is an iterative algorithm that approximates a root of a continuous function \( f(x) \) on an interval \( [a, b] \) with a sign change, halving the interval at each step.

\[c_n = \frac{a_n + b_n}{2},\quad |c_n - r| \le \frac{b-a}{2^{n+1}}\]

More practice problems: bisection method

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