Chapter 2: Numerical
Approximation
PEDRO FERNANDO QUIROGA
NOVOA
Escuela de Ingeniería de Petróleos
UNIVERSIDAD INDUSTRIAL DE
SANTANDER
Numerical A numerical approximation can be understood as
Approximation a figure X * which represents a number whose
exact value is X. The approximation will be better
in so far as the number X * is closer to the exact
value X. Examples: 3.1416 is a numerical
Significant figures. approximation of π
Accuracy and precision.
Definitions of error. Rounding
errors. Truncation errors. Total
numerical error.
The Taylor series
Definition of Numerical Approximation 1. Significant figures.
It is considered that the significant figures of a
number are those that have real meaning or The zeros to the left of first digit that is not
provide any information. The figures are not zero only serve to set decimal point and are
significant as a result of the calculations and have not significant
no meaning.
Significant figures rules:
In a number with digits to the right of the
All nonzero figures expressing quantities decimal point, zeros to the right of last
equal or greater than the experimental nonzero numbers are significant
uncertainty are significant.
In a number has no decimal point and
ending with one or more zeros, zeros with
which ends the number probably is not
significant if they result from a
All zeros between significant digits are
significant
measurement, if the number has been 3. Definitions of error. Rounding errors.
defined all digits are significant. Truncation errors. Total numerical error.
Definitions of error.
2. Accuracy and precision.
The numerical errors appear when you use
approximations to represent exact mathematical
Accuracy refers to how close is to the true
operations and quantity.
value the measured or calculated value
The errors include truncation errors resulting
Precision refers to how close are from each from the use of approximations instead of exact
other, different values calculated or mathematical procedure, and rounding errors
measured. (right) that appear when numbers are used with a limit
of significant figures to represent exact numbers.
An example of this type of error can be seen on
computers, since they only keep a finite number
of significant figures during a calculation, It
generates a rounding error for example when
only seven significant figures are stored, then the 4. The Taylor series
computer only can store and use π as 3.141592
“Taylor series of a function f (x) infinitely
For both types of errors, the relationship differentiable (real or complex) defined on an
between the exact result and the approximation open interval (a - r, a + r) is defined as the
is given by: following sum:” Wikipedia
∞
f (n ) ( a )
f ( x )= ∑ ( x−a)n
n =0 n!
True value=approximate value ± error
“The Taylor series provides a means to predict
the value of a function at a point in the value of
The total numerical error is the sum of the the function and its derivatives at another point.
rounding and truncation errors introduced in the
The practical value of the Taylor series is the use
calculation.
of a finite number of terms that give a close
While more calculations to be carried out to enough approximation to the true solution for
obtain a result, the rounding error will be practical purposes.” Diego López
increased but the truncation error can be
minimized by including more terms in the Some Taylor series of trigonometric functions are:
equation.
fisica1.fisica.edu.uy/2006/Teorico/Cifras
∞
(−1)n 2 n+1
sin x=∑ x ,∀ x
n=0 (2 n+1)!
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∞
(−1)n
cos x=∑ ¿ ¿ ¿
n=0
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%20errores/Cifras%20significativas.pdf
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Bibliography
