The Newton-Raphson method example showing possible failures
The diagram shows how the Newton-Raphson method can be used to find an approximate solution to the equation
f(x) = 0.
Move the point A to your chosen starting value. The spreadsheet on the right shows successive approximations to the root in column A.
You can use the toolbar to zoom in or out, or move the drawing pad to look at different parts of the graph. You will need to click on the "Move" tool before moving point A.
Trying starting with x=2. What happens
Try starting with x = somewhere between 0 and 2. What happens?