PLEASE HELP: Numerical Differentiation on a Polynomial Fuction using Backwards, Forward and Centre methods.

Hi everyone

I really need help with the following problem I was given to work on. It may be simple for someone who is good with MatLab, but I dont even know where to start.

If I have a polynomial function like 3*x^2-2*x+5

the MatLab script I need to write has to do the following:

• Find Backwards Difference
• Find Forwards Difference
• Find Centre Difference
• Allow to set limits
• Allow to set number of strips
• Include a parameter which will differentiate the given polynomial function
• Function Must contain a loop (and be done with mostly basic commands as we are doing entry level MatLab)

I have been given some notes, but I don't really understand them, also in what ways limits and strips apply? When The notes only show that the calculations are concerned with one location of x.

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated.

The actual question and the notes I was given can be seen below:

Answer 1

[Daniel Licksman]

Give up Lickman, it is not possible to solve this...

Answer 2

[Daniel Licksman]

Just kidding, here is the explained solution for part a & b:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxLJX2ZnLW4

Answer 3

[Daniel Licksman]

and this one for part c:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9Sd8YgxlBw