False Position Method

Roots of Equation

Asifur Rahman

CEN 205 Numerical Methods Asifur Rahman January 14, 2018 1/4
False Position Method False Position Method

From the similar triangles (shaded in figure)

f(a) f(b)
=
c−a b−c

Solving for c, we find,

f(b)(b − a)
c=b−
f(b) − f(a)

Steps
1. Find two estimates of root, x = a to the left and x = b to the right of root.
2. Then determine c using the derived formula earlier.
3. If, f(a) f(c) < 0, set b = c and follow step 2.
If, f(b) f(c) < 0, set a = c and follow step 2.

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Example 1 False Position Method

Ques. Solve the following equation using Iteration 1

bisection method. Approximate error should a = 1, b=2
be less than 1 percent.
2 (1)
2 x f(a) = 3(1) + 2e − 12 = −3.5634
y = 3x + 2e − 12
2 (2)
f(b) = 3(2) + 2e − 12 = +14.7781
Solution.
14.7781(2 − 1)
c=2− = 1.1943
14.7781 − (−3.5634)
2 (1.1943)
f(c) = 3(1.1943) + 2e − 12 = −1.1187

Iteration 2
a = 1.1943, b = 2, f(a) = −1.1187, f(b) = 14.7781
14.7781(2 − 1.1943)
c=2− = 1.2510
14.7781 − (−1.1187)
2 (1.2510)
f(c) = 3(1.2510) + 2e − 12 = −0.3176
 1.2510 − 1.1943 
 
a =   = 4.53%
1.2510


False Position Method

f(b)(b − a) i a b c f(a) f(b) f(c) a
c=b−
f(b) − f(a) 1 1.0000 2.0000 1.1943 −3.5634 14.7781 −1.1187 -
2 1.1943 2.0000 1.2510 −1.1187 14.7781 −0.3176 4.5325
3 1.2510 2.0000 1.2667 −0.3176 14.7781 −0.0876 1.2440
4 1.2667 2.0000 1.2711 −0.0876 14.7781 −0.0240 0.3399

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Example 2 False Position Method

Ques. Determine the location of zero shear Solution.

in the following beam. Approximate error MB = 0 +
P
RA ×12 − (0.5×12×150)×4 = 0
should be less that 1 percent.
RA = 300 lb
Taking section at distance x from support A.
y 150
= ; y = 12.5x
x 12
Now,
Fy = 0 ↑ +
P
RA − 0.5(x)(12.5x) − V = 0

2
V = 300 − 6.25x

Iteration 1
a = 6, b=7
2
f(a) = 300 − 6.25×6 = 75
2
f(b) = 300 − 6.25×7 = −6.25
−6.25(7 − 6)
c=7− = 6.9231
− 6.25 − 75
2
f(c) = 300 − 6.25(6.9231) = 0.4438

False Position Method

i a b c f(a) f(b) f(c) a
1 6.0000 7.0000 6.9231 75.0000 −6.2500 0.4438 -
2 6.9231 7.0000 6.9282 0.4438 −6.2500 0.0023 0.0736

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