Part One Modeling, Computers, and Error Analysis

Numerical Methods Techniques by which mathematical problems are formulated so that they can be
solved with arithmetic operations.
Non-computer methods of Problem Solving
1. Problems derived using analytical, or exact, methods.
a. Limited class of problems such as those that have simple geometry and low
dimensionality.
2. Graphical solutions used to characterize behavior of systems. (plots or nomographs)
a. Results are often imprecise and implementation is tedious and awkward. Also, graphical
techniques are often limited to problems that can be described in three or less
dimensions.
3. Calculators and slide rules used to implement numerical methods manually
a. Slow and tedious inconsistent results due to simple blunders