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Topic: Trial and Improvement (Higher - Unit 3)

Specification References: N5.8 N5.8 Use systematic trial and improvement to find approximate solutions of equations where there is no simple analytical method of solving them.

Candidates should be able to:

• use a calculator to identify integer values immediately above and below the solution, progressing to identifying values to 1 d.p. above and immediately above and  below the solution  

Notes

Answers will be expected to 1 d.p. Candidates will be expected to test the mid-value of the
1 d.p. interval to establish which 1 d.p. value is nearest to the solution.

Examples

1. Use trial and improvement to solve x³ – x = 900.
   Give your answer correct to one decimal place.

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