Spreadsheets in Education (Jul 2013)

A Richardson’s Extrapolation Spreadsheet Calculator for Numerical Differentiation

  • Kim Gaik Tay,
  • Sie Long Kek,
  • Rosmila Abdul-Kahar,
  • Mohd Azwir Azlan,
  • Ming Foong Lee

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6, no. 2

Abstract

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Even though approximating the definite differentiation by Richardson’s extrapolation method is straight forward, but its repetitive calculations are quite boring. Hence, there is a need to develop a suitable tool in teaching and learning for this method. Here, we developed a Richardson’s extrapolation Excel spreadsheet calculator to approximate the numerical differentiation that can be used by students and educators who need its full solution. With an appropriate function entered by users using 3-point central formula and a starting step size h, the full solution of Richardson’s extrapolation table up to level 4 can be obtained quickly and easily. In this spreadsheet calculator, users can extend the level to any desired level by themselves.

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