18.04 | Fall 1999 | Undergraduate

Complex Variables with Applications

Study Materials

Newton Iterations

Figure 1 illustrates the complicated patterns of convergence that Newton’s method for finding roots can have. Here we have plotted the basins of attraction for the three cubic roots of unity under iterations using Newton’s method. Each color corresponds to a root. Notice how complicated the boundary between the regions is!

In fact, the boundary has a self-similar fractal structure: any piece of it that is blown up will display the whole pattern.

(All images created with MATLAB® software)

Click on picture for more information and an image of higher resolution.

Riemann Surfaces

Course Info

Instructor
Departments
As Taught In
Fall 1999
Learning Resource Types
Exams with Solutions
Problem Sets with Solutions