REGULA FALSI OR FALSE POSITION METHOD

This method is similar to the bisection method in the sense that it uses two initial guesses for the roots
of the given equation. These estimates are determined using sign-change condition. But instead of using
midpoint formula of the interval as the first estimate for the root, we apply the concept of slope
formula.

EXAMPLE:

Use Regula Falsi Method to find the root of f(x) = x – 2 +ln(x).

SOLUTION:

Find a value of x (by trial and error method) that will evaluate f(x) as positive and another value of x to
evaluate f(x) as negative. Assign these values as a and b respectively.

FORMULA:
( )
x=b- ( ) ( )
(x is the estimated root)

By sign change condition, we can use a = 1 and b = 2 because the root is possibly in between a and b.

a x b fa fx fb

1 1.5906161091 2 -1 0.054738 0.693147181

1 1.5599650022 1.590616 -1 0.004628 0.05473754

1 1.5573852068 1.559965 -1 0.000393 0.004628389

1 1.5599650022 1.590616 -1 0.004628 0.05473754

1 1.5573852068 1.559965 -1 0.000393 0.004628389

1 1.5571659774 1.557385 -1 3.35E-05 0.000393472

1 1.5571473323 1.557166 -1 2.85E-06 3.34654E-05

1 1.5571457464 1.557147 -1 2.42E-07 2.84639E-06

1 1.5571456115 1.557146 -1 2.06E-08 2.421E-07

Estimated Root