Notes on using Trial and Error.xls

 

This worksheet can be used to introduce the topic of solving Equations by Trial and Error, or as practice and revision later on.

The cubic equation and the start of the range of x values can be changed using the values in the bright green cells at the top.

The worksheet will find to 2 decimal places the first root in the range.

The presence of a root in an interval is shown by highlighting where there is a change from A to B (Above or Below the value on the right hand side of the equation.

I use this projected on to a white board when explaining the topic.

It is also useful to quickly allow students to check answers and working for different stages of a problem or indeed for the teacher when setting or correcting questions.