55617212
Use one Newton's method step for \(f(x)=x^2-2\) starting from \(x_0=1.5\).
Find \(x_1\), and state the tangent-line meaning of this update.
Hints
- Write the Newton update using the starting value, the function, and its derivative.
- Evaluate the function and derivative at the same starting input.
- Think about where the tangent line through the current graph point meets the x-axis.
Solution
1. Differentiate: \(f'(x)=2x\).
2. Newton's update is \(x_1=x_0-\frac{f(x_0)}{f'(x_0)}\).
3. Since \(f(1.5)=0.25\) and \(f'(1.5)=3\), \(x_1=1.5-\frac{0.25}{3}=\frac{17}{12}\approx1.4167\).
4. Geometrically, \(x_1\) is the x-intercept of the tangent line to \(y=f(x)\) at \(x=x_0\).
Answer
\(x_1=\frac{17}{12}\approx1.4167\). It is the x-intercept of the tangent line at \(x_0=1.5\).
