Nonlinear Algebraic Equations

Abstract

The solution of a system of nonlinear algebraic or transcendental equations is probably one of the most difficult problems in numerical analysis. In general, it is almost impossible to find the solution, unless an approximate value is already known. Linear equations occur more frequently in numerical calculations, simply because it is difficult and sometimes impossible to solve the corresponding nonlinear problem. Most of the equations governing the physical world are nonlinear, but very often for simplicity and tractability linear models are considered. Solution of boundary value problems for differential equations also lead to a nonlinear equation or a system of nonlinear equations. Solution of a system of nonlinear equations also arises in numerical analysis, while deriving certain formulae. As we have seen in Chapter 6, the Gaussian quadrature formulae can be obtained by solving a system of nonlinear equations.