Finite Difference - Forward, Backward, and Central Differences

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 xh, 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:

    Sweet weight,
    in celebration of the woman I am
    and of the soul of the woman I am
    and of the central creature and its delight
    I sing for you. I dare to live.
    Anne Sexton (1928–1974)

    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 (1829–1886)