Appendix E: A Detailed Look at f 249

Conditions That Could Cause Incorrect Results

Although the f algorithm in the HP-15C is one of the best available, in certain situations it – like nearly all algorithms for numerical integration – might give you an incorrect answer. The possibility of this occurring is extremely remote. The f algorithm has been designed to give accurate results with almost any smooth function. Only for functions that exhibit extremely erratic behavior is there any substantial risk of obtaining an inaccurate answer. Such functions rarely occur in problems related to actual physical situations; when they do, they usually can be recognized and dealt with in a straightforward manner.

As discussed on page 240, the f algorithm samples the function f(x) at various values of x within the interval of integration. By calculating a weighted average of the function's values at the sample points, the algorithm approximates the integral of f(x).

Unfortunately, since all that the algorithm knows about f(x) are its values at the sample points, it cannot distinguish between f(x) and any other function that agrees with f(x) at all the sample points. This situation is depicted in the illustration on the next page, which shows (over a portion of the interval of integration) three of the infinitely many functions whose graphs include the finitely many sample points.