Lesson Overview

This week, we will learn how to do some calculus using a computer! Perhaps more importantly, you will how certain numerical schemes are developed so that you will be able to develop your own! Additionally, we will talk about the syntax behind reading data into python using some basic functions.

Specifically, you will learn about:

1. python input and output
2. numerical differentiation
3. numerical integration

Learning Goals

After this week you should be able to:

• use a Taylor series to develop a numerical differentiation scheme.
• understand the consequences of truncation error.
• understand the difference between first and second order numerical schemes.
• implement a numerical differentiation scheme.
• implement a numerical integration scheme.
• read from and write to a file from within python.