Forward, Backward, and Central Differences
Only three forms are commonly considered: forward, backward, and central differences.
A forward difference is an expression of the form
Depending on the application, the spacing h may be variable or constant.
A backward difference uses the function values at x and x − h, instead of the values at x + h and x:
Finally, the central difference is given by
Read more about this topic: Finite Difference
Famous quotes containing the words central and/or differences:
“In inner-party politics, these methods lead, as we shall yet see, to this: the party organization substitutes itself for the party, the central committee substitutes itself for the organization, and, finally, a dictator substitutes himself for the central committee.”
—Leon Trotsky (18791940)
“I trust the time is nigh when, with the universal assent of civilized people, all international differences shall be determined without resort to arms by the benignant processes of civilization.”
—Chester A. Arthur (18291886)