Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - MACM 316 D100

Numerical Analysis I (3)

Class Number: 5231

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MATH 152 or 155 or 158, and MATH 232 or 240, and computing experience.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A presentation of the problems commonly arising in numerical analysis and scientific computing and the basic methods for their solutions. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Number systems and errors [1.5 weeks] 

  • Representation of numbers; error propagation and error estimation.

Solution of nonlinear equations [2 weeks]
  • Bisection, secant method, Newton's method; fixed-point iteration and acceleration.

Systems of linear equations [3 weeks]
  • Elimination method - factorization, pivoting, inverse calculation; iterative methods.
Interpolation and Approximation [2 weeks]
  • Interpolating polynomial, Lagrange form, error formula; spline interpolation; Bezier curves.

Differentiation and Integration [1.5 weeks]
  • Numerical integration - Newton-Cotes formulas, composite rules, Gaussian quadrature.

Initial Value Problems [2 weeks]
  • Euler's method, Taylor and Runge-Kutta methods.

Grading

  • Computing Assignments 25%
  • Midterm 25%
  • Final 50%

NOTES:

*There will be optional computational office hours scheduled weekly in WMC 2820 (Math West), Mondays and Fridays from 2:30-5:20 pm. 

THE INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE ANY OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION.
Students should be aware that they have certain rights to confidentiality concerning the return of course papers and the posting of marks. 
Please pay careful attention to the options discussed in class at the beginning of the semester.

REQUIREMENTS:

Passing grade requires passing exams and computing requirements.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Numerical Analysis
10/E
Burden and Faires
Nelson Canada
ISBN: 9781305253667

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The following are default policies in the School of Computing Science. Please check your course syllabus whether the instructor has chosen a different policy for your class, otherwise the following policies apply.
 
  • Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to get a C- or higher.
  • All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes, or no later than one week after a student adds a course. After considering a request, an instructor may provide a concession or may decline to do so. Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability can contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca).

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.