Scientific Computing Assignment 1

Introduction to Scientific Computing
Assignment 1
Note: Please use Matlab, or Octave for this assignment. The code must compile on one of the lab
machines with your instructions. Document your code. The aim of the assignment is to give you
familiarity with using Matlab and with the strengths and weaknesses of different kind of polynomial
interpolants. Understanding how to apply the course material here is an important part of this
assignment. Note that the programs need not be long most can be less than 50 lines.
Instructions
1. Write programs to plot the exponential function and the “Hubbard” equation function in the
file hubbard.m on the interval [0,1]. In the Hubbard case use different values of time to show
and describe how the solution evolves in time.
2. Write a simple calling program to use the Matlab routine polyinterp that uses Lagrange
polynomial interpolation ( as described in the text book and given in the Matlab function
polyinterp) based on evenly spaced points to interpolate the Hubbard function on the interval
[0,1]. Use polynomials of degree 28, 36, 44, 52, and 60 and using the L1 L2 and L infinity
norms with 1001 sample points, (as defined in the slides). Comment on how the accuracy
varies in the present case. Change the points used to define the polynomial to the
Chebyshev points of degree N defined on the interval [0,1] denoted by i x where
(1 ) / 2, cos( / ), 0,..., i ii x y y i Ni N =− = = π and comment on the how the accuracy varies in
this case . Use graphs of the errors to illustrate your points and to connect the results back to
the Runge Example used in class.
3. Modify your program that uses the Matlab routine polyinterp that uses Lagrange
polynomial interpolation ( as described in the text book) based on evenly spaced points to
interpolate the GelbTanner function on the interval [-1,1]. Calculate the L2 and Linf (infinity)
error norms and provide a table showing how this error behaves as the polynomial degree is
28, 36, 44,52 and 60 .Again change the points to the Chebyshev points defined on [-1,1] and
comment on the how the accuracy varies in this case . Use graphs of the different solutions
and errors to illustrate your points.
4. Using Matlab’s Cubic Spline Routines . Further modify your codes for both functions to use
the matlab cubic spline routine spline. Compare the performance of the PCHIP interpolant
with the standard spline interpolant both visually and by computing the error norm as
described above what is the accuracy of the two methods and which would you use?
2
For these assignments, we expect both SOURCE CODE(s) and a written REPORT be uploaded
as a zip or tarball file to Canvas.
• Source code for all programs that you write, thoroughly documented.
o Include a README file describing how to compile and run your code.
• Your report should be in PDF format and should stand on its own.
o It should describe the methods used, explain your results and contain figures.
o It should also answer any questions asked above.
o It should cite any sources used for information, including source code and collaborators.
This homework is due on February 2rd 11:59 pm. If you don't understand these directions, please send
questions to the TAs or come see one of the TAs or the instructor during office hours well in advance
of the due date.