6. Numerical Differentiation and Integration I

Finite Differences — Quiz

Test your understanding of finite differences with 5 practice questions.

Practice Questions

Question 1

If $y_i=5$ and $y_{i+1}=9$, what is the forward difference $\Delta y_i$?

Question 2

If $y_i=12$ and $y_{i-1}=7$, what is the backward difference $\nabla y_i$?

Question 3

A data table has equally spaced $x$-values and the $y$-values are $2, 5, 8, 11. What is the first finite difference between consecutive $y$-values?

Question 4

The values of a function at equally spaced points are $1, 4, 9, 16. What is the second finite difference?

Question 5

If the equally spaced $x$-values are $1.0$, $1.2$, and $1.4$, what is the step size $h$?