Sharp EL-9900 - Manual (Page 206)

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Chapter 12: The SOLVER Feature
Newton’s method is a technique of finding approximate solutions
to a math problem via calculus, when conventional algebraic
techniques just cannot work. If the Equation method fails, the
calculator will automatically switch to Newton’s method.
Example
Solve “X 2 + 4X – 2 = 0”.
1. Enter SOLVER by pressing @ '. If you have items left
on the screen, clear the entries by pressing the C key
several times.
2. Enter “X 2 + 4X – 2”. When
the expression is entered as
a non-equation format, then
“=0” is automatically as-
sumed at the end. When
done, press E.
3. The next screen indicates
the variable “X” and its
previously set value. This
value will be assumed as the
starting point of the calcula-
tion segments, and the
Newton SOLVER will find the closest approximation to the
starting point. Enter “0”, and press E.
4. Now, press @ h to
execute the SOLVER. Since
this cannot be solved using
the Equation method, the
calculator automatically
switches analysis to
Newton’s method.
5. The next window confirms
the starting point of the
analysis (set to “X = 0” from
step #3), and the size of
each step (default is set to
“0.001”). Press @ h.
Newton’s
method