Sharp EL9900C EL-9900C - Page 206

Chapter 12: The SOLVER Feature Newton's method Newton's method is a technique of finding approximate solutions to a math problem via calculus, when conventional algebraic techniques just cannot work. If the Equation method fails, the calculator will automatically switch to Newton's method. Example Solve "X2 + 4X - 2 = 0". 1. Enter SOLVER by pressing @ '. If you have items left on the screen, clear the entries by pressing the C key several times. 2. Enter "X2 + 4X - 2". When the expression is entered as a non-equation format, then "=0" is automatically assumed at the end. When done, press E. 3. The next screen indicates the variable "X" and its previously set value. This value will be assumed as the starting point of the calculation segments, and the Newton SOLVER will find the closest approximation to the starting point. Enter "0", and press E. 4. Now, press @ h to execute the SOLVER. Since this cannot be solved using the Equation method, the calculator automatically switches analysis to Newton's method. 5. The next window confirms the starting point of the analysis (set to "X = 0" from step #3), and the size of each step (default is set to "0.001"). Press @ h. 196