Numerical analysis /njuːˈmɛrɪkəl əˈnæləsɪs/ is a field of mathematics that deals with the design, analysis, and implementation of algorithms for solving mathematical problems. The spelling of "numerical" is represented by the IPA phonetic symbols /njuːˈmɛrɪkəl/ where "n" is pronounced as "en", followed by "yoo" which sounds like "u" in "put", and "m" pronounced as "em", then "eh" followed by "r" and "ih" sounds, and finally "k", pronounced as "kay" and "el". The word "analysis" is pronounced as /əˈnæləsɪs/, which is represented by the IPA phonetic symbols for "uh" sound, followed by "
Numerical analysis refers to the branch of mathematics and computer science that deals with the development and application of algorithms and methods for solving mathematical problems approximately using numerical techniques. It entails using numerical approximation and computational methods to study and solve problems that are not feasible or practical to solve exactly using analytical methods.
In numerical analysis, mathematical problems are commonly represented as mathematical models involving equations, which are then solved using computational algorithms. These algorithms take into account discrete values and numerical data to find approximate solutions. The focus of numerical analysis is to develop and implement numerical methods that yield accurate and efficient solutions.
Numerical analysis finds its applications in various scientific and engineering fields, including physics, finance, computer science, and many branches of engineering. It is used to solve problems related to optimization, differential equations, interpolation, numerical integration, and more.
Some fundamental topics in numerical analysis include root finding algorithms, interpolation and curve fitting techniques, numerical differentiation and integration methods, and numerical solutions of differential equations. Researchers in this field are concerned with analyzing the accuracy, stability, and convergence of the numerical methods used.
Overall, numerical analysis provides scientists, engineers, and analysts with vital tools to tackle complex problems by facilitating the approximation of difficult mathematical computations, thus enabling practical solutions that would otherwise be infeasible to obtain.
The word "numerical" is derived from the Latin word "numerus", meaning "number". It is combined with the suffix "-ical", which is used to form adjectives denoting a relationship with or pertaining to a particular thing or field.
The word "analysis" has its roots in the Greek word "analusis", which means "a loosening" or "untying". It is derived from the verb "analyein", meaning "to unloose" or "to break down". Over time, "analysis" has come to mean the process of examining something in detail by breaking it down into its constituent parts.
Therefore, the term "numerical analysis" refers to the field of study and techniques used for solving mathematical problems through numerical methods or computations.