This is a way to solve an equation of the form f(x) = 0 when f is a differentiable function.
A step in Newton’s method consists in starting at a point on your curve, moving along the tangent line there to the x-axis, then jumping back to the curve, You repeat such steps until you reach a point at which the curve meets the x-axis.

You can enter your function as usual or use one on the menu. The default function illustrates what can happen. When the function has more than one zero, the one you reach depends on where you start.

The top slider and directional circles move the starting point. Those below change the number of such steps shown.

This tool uses JQWidgets extensively. Please verify their copyright.

Developed by Daniel Kleitman and Jean-Michel Claus.