A problem-based learning proposal to teach numerical and analytical nonlinear root searching methods.

Nonlinear equations are usually solved numerically. However, approximated analytical solutions of nonlinear equations are useful as an initial iteration point for numerical methods. Furthermore, these analytical approximations are sometimes quite close to the actual root. In order to teach at undergraduate level how to perform this kind of approximation, we propose problem-based learning with some nonlinear equations extracted from Applied Sciences. We also present a simple method to analytically solve nonlinear equations which are not solvable by standard computer algebra solvers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]