The equation for the bending moment of a beam is given by M(x) = x^3 + 3x^2 + 4.
The beam is 4m long and the design team suspects there is a problem if the bending moment is zero in the range between 3-4m. You have been asked to:
a) Plot the bending moment at 0.5m intervals for the range 0-4m and determine if the bending moment is zero in the range 3-4m.
b) Use the graph to estimate where the bending moment is zero.
c) Use the bisection method to numerically estimate the exact location where the bending moment is zero.
d) Use the Newton-Raphson method to obtain the required location.
e) Compare the results of the above methods to determine which gives the best solution.