Secant Method Calculator

Enter a function and two initial guesses to find its root using the secant method with step-by-step iteration table.

Secant Method Inputs

Use ^ for powers, Math.sin(x), Math.sqrt(x), etc.

Quick examples

Enter a function and initial guesses, then click Calculate.

The iteration table will appear here.

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Summary

Enter a function and two initial guesses to find its root using the secant method with step-by-step iteration table.

How it works

  1. Enter the function f(x) using standard math notation (e.g. x^3 - x - 2).
  2. Provide two initial guesses x0 and x1 that bracket or are close to the root.
  3. Set the desired tolerance and maximum number of iterations.
  4. Click Calculate to run the secant method step by step.
  5. Review the iteration table showing each xn, f(xn), and the error at every step.
  6. The root is displayed when |f(xn)| or the step size falls below your tolerance.

Use cases

  • Solving nonlinear equations in engineering and physics.
  • Finding equilibrium points in economic and financial models.
  • Computing zeros of polynomials when analytical solutions are unavailable.
  • Numerical analysis coursework and homework verification.
  • Prototyping root-finding routines before implementing in code.
  • Comparing convergence speed against bisection or Newton's method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-10 · Reviewed by Nham Vu