MODULE 3: ROOTS OF EQUATIONS

GRAPHICAL METHOD
PREPARED BY:
ENGR. MARY ABEGAIL P. CADANG
 GRAPHICAL METHOD
 A simple method for obtaining an estimate of the root of the equation f(x) = 0 is to
make a plot of the function and observe where it crosses the x-axis. This point, which
represents the x value for which f(x)=0, provides a rough approximation of root.
Single solution Double solution Multiple solution
graph graph graph
3 3 3
2.5
2
2 2
1.5 1
1
1 0
0.5 0 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
-1
0 0 0.5 1 1.5 2
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 -1 -2
 EXAMPLE # 1
 Problem Statement. Use Graphical Method to determine the mass of the bungee jumper with a drag coefficient of
𝑔(𝑚) 𝑔𝑐𝑑
0.25 kg/m to have a velocity of 36 m/s after 4 sec. of free fall if 𝑣 = tanh 𝑡 Note, acceleration of
𝐶𝑑 𝑚
m f(m)
gravity is 9.81 m/ sq. sec. Step 3. Draw your x and y coordinate system and assign 50 -4.5794
SOLUTION: your x to find your f(x). Let m be your x and f(m) be
your f(x).Tabulate your values. 100 -1.1974
Step 1. Set the equation to function
Use the attached video to calculate m and f(m) in an
150 0.1420
𝑔(𝑚) 𝑔𝑐𝑑 easier way. (CAL-Tech)
𝑣=
𝐶𝑑
tanh
𝑚
𝑡 f(m) 200 0.8603
2
Step 4. Graph your values and find
𝑔(𝑚) 𝑔𝑐𝑑 the point where f(x) is exactly 0 1
0= tanh 𝑡 − 𝑣
𝐶𝑑 𝑚 (within the x-axis) 0
0 50 100 150 200
m
250
s𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑓 𝑥
Step 5. Conclude the value of m. -1
= 0 , 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑘𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑏𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑓𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛
-2
𝑔(𝑚) 𝑔𝑐𝑑 m(root)=142.something
𝑓(𝑚) = tanh 𝑡 − 𝑣
𝐶𝑑 𝑚 Hint: Check the value of m and see -3
where its f(m) change sign. -4
Step 2. Assume your trial limits (min, max) for the value of m
Line space: (50,200) -5
 EXAMPLE # 2
 Find root(s) of 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 3 by using graphical method.

SOLUTION: 25
A. Assume your trial limits. C. Find the roots. In this situation,
Line Space (0,10)
20 we have two roots.
Root 1 = 0.37
B. Solve for your x and f(x). 15
Root 2 = 7.66
Tabulate
x f(x) 10

0 3 5

2 -9 0
4 -13 0 2 4 6 8 10 12
-5
6 -9
-10
8 3
10 23 -15