Numerical Analysis II
A backward difference is a finite difference approximation used to estimate the derivative of a function based on its values at previous points. This method utilizes the value of the function at a point and the value at a previous point to provide an approximation, which is particularly useful for numerical differentiation when analyzing functions at discrete intervals. By focusing on prior values, backward differences can help maintain accuracy in approximating derivatives, especially in time-stepping or iterative methods.
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