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:

    The central paradox of motherhood is that while our children become the absolute center of our lives, they must also push us back out in the world.... But motherhood that can narrow our lives can also broaden them. It can make us focus intensely on the moment and invest heavily in the future.
    Ellen Goodman (20th century)

    The extent to which a parent is able to see a child’s world through that child’s eyes depends very much on the parent’s ability to appreciate the differences between herself and her child and to respect those differences. Your own children need you to accept them for who they are, not who you would like them to be.
    Lawrence Balter (20th century)