Solving scientific, engineering, and other problems often requires the use of numerical
methods and computers. This course presents various basic numerical methods, discusses their
mathematical properties, and provides practice in computer programming.
my.utexas.edu.
Course Description
We will study primarily Chapters 0-3, 5-6 of the Sauer textbook.
0. Fundamentals (2 classes)
0.1. Evaluating a Polynomial
0.2. Binary Numbers
0.3. Floating Point Representation of Real Numbers
0.4. Loss of Significance
1. Solving Equations (5 classes)
1.1. The Bisection Method
1.2. Fixed-Point Iteration
1.3. Limits of Accuracy
1.4. Newton's Method
1.5. Root-Finding without Derivatives
--- Reality Check 1: Kinematics of the Stewart platform
2. Systems of Equations (5 classes)
2.1. Gaussian Elimination
2.2. The LU Factorization
2.3. Sources of Error
2.4. The PA = LU Factorization
--- Reality Check 2: The Euler-Bernoulli Beam
3. Interpolation (5 classes)
3.1. Data and Interpolating Functions
3.2. Interpolation Error
3.3. Chebyshev Interpolation
3.4. Cubic Splines
3.5. Bezier Curves [if time permits]
--- Reality Check 3: Fonts from Bezier curves
5. Numerical Differentiation and Integration (5 classes)
5.1. Numerical Differentiation
5.2. Newton-Cotes Formulas for Numerical Integration
5.3. Romberg Integration
5.4. Adaptive Quadrature
5.5. Gaussian Quadrature
--- Reality Check 5: Motion Control in Computer-Aided Modeling
6. Ordinary Differential Equations (6 classes)
6.1. Initial Value Problems
6.2. Analysis of IVP Solvers
6.3. Systems of Ordinary Differential Equations
6.4. Runge-Kutta Methods and Applications
--- Reality Check 6: The Tacoma Narrows Bridge
6.5. Variable Step-Size Methods
6.6. Implicit Methods and Stiff Equations
6.7. Multistep Methods
Computer Accounts
An account on the Mathematics network can be obtained in the Undergraduate Computer Lab, RLM 7.122.
A free web-based C++ compiler can be found at http://cpp.sh/.
Homework and Projects
Homework and computer projects will be assigned periodically. It is acceptable for groups of
students to help each other with the homework exercises and projects; however, each student must
write up his or her own work.
Exams
Two exams will be given during the semester on Thursday, February 22 and April 5. A comprehensive
final exam will be given Friday, May 11, 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Final Grade
In determining the final grade on the letter plus/minus scale, the homework/projects will count 25%,
the two midterm exams will count 20% each, and the final exam will count 35%.
Student Honor Code
"As a student of The University of Texas at Austin, I shall abide by
the core values of the University and uphold academic integrity."
Code of Conduct
The core values of The University of Texas at Austin are learning,
discovery, freedom, leadership, individual opportunity, and responsibility. Each member of the
university is expected to uphold these values through integrity, honesty, trust, fairness, and
respect toward peers and community.
Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities may request appropriate academic
accommodations from the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement. Notify your instructor early in the semester if
accomodation is required.
Religious Holidays
Academic accommodation is made for major religious holidays upon
request.
Emergency Classroom Evacuation
Occupants of University of Texas buildings are required to
evacuate when a fire alarm is activated. Alarm activation or announcement requires exiting and
assembling outside. Familiarize yourself with all exit doors of each classroom and building you may
occupy. Remember that the nearest exit door may not be the one you used when entering the building.
Do not re-enter a building unless given instructions by the Austin Fire Department, the University
Police Department, or the Fire Prevention Services office.
Counseling and Mental Health Services
Available at the Counseling and Mental Health
Center, Student Services Building (SSB), 5th floor, M-F 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., phone 512-471-3515,
web site www.cmhc.utexas.edu.