Solving

Algebraic
equations
An algebraic equation can include:
• Polynomial: x2, x3, x4, …. xn
• Log(x) or ln(x)
• Exponential (ex)
• Trigonometric functions:
– Sin(x), Cos(x), …
– Sinh(x), Cosh(x), …
 The very famous algebraic equation
Second order polynomial algebraic equation:
ax2+bx+c=0
example
2x2+7x+6=0
(2x+3)(x+2)=0
x=-1.5 , x=-2
or
 b  b  4ac
2
x
2a
 More difficult equations
5x4+6x3-x2+x-10=0

Or 2x4-7x2+6e2x=0

Or 2x3+2sin(2x)-cos(3x)=0

Solved by “Trial and error” or “Iterations”

No
Assumed
Assume Substitute in the Satisfies Yes
value is
“x” equation equation?
correct
 As a chemical Engineer
• Equations of state (Van der Waal’s, …)
 a
 P  2 v  b   RT
 v 
• Bernaulli equation
2
P1 4Q P2 4Q f ' L  4Q 
  Z1  hP    Z2   2 
g  .D 2
g  .D 2
2 gD   .D 
• nth order reaction in CSTR
qC A1  qC A2  VkC An2  0
 In Microsoft Excel
The iteration process in Excel is done by one of
two options:
– Goal seek
– Solver

LET’S SEE …