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11.1: Introduction

  • Page ID
    143420
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    This chapter introduces iteration of linear functions, an interesting topic in its own right, and a prelude to other labs in which iteration is explored in greater depth. The computer provides an especially appropriate tool for the study of iteration since it is so adroit at doing repetitive operations. Sequences of numbers arise from the iteration process. In some cases, the sequences will converge, while in others they will diverge in a variety of ways. In this chapter you will

    • Learn what iteration and iteration sequences are;
    • See examples of iteration sequences that converge and diverge;
    • Look for examples of linear functions producing convergent and divergent iteration sequences; and
    • Determine general conditions on linear functions predicting whether their iteration sequences converge or diverge.

    11.1: Introduction is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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