D-6 More about Solving
Values of f(x) may be approaching infinity at the location where the graph
changes sign (see figure b, below). This situation is called a pole. Since the
SOLVE operation determines that there is a sign change between two
neighboring values of x, it returns the possible root. However, the value for
f(x) will be relatively large. If the pole occurs at a value of x that is exactly
represented with 12 digits, then that value would cause the calculation to halt
with an error message.
Example: A Discontinuous Function.
Find the root of the equation:
IP(x) = 1.5
Enter the equation:
Keys: Display: Description:
Selects Equation mode.
()
XÕ
Enter the equation.
Checksum and length.
Cancels Equation mode.
f (x)
x
a
f (x)
x
b
Special Case: A Discontinuity and a Pole