Fixed-point iteration for numerical solutions to equations in physics: Comment on “Solving introductory physics problems recursively using iterated maps” [Am. J. Phys., <b>93</b> , 336–343 (2025)]

English et al. recently described a method for “Solving an introductory physics problem using an iterative map” [Am. J. Phys. 93, 336–343 (2025)]; however, because their map is only conditionally stable, its domain of validity is restricted to a subset of possible system parameters. Here, we address this limitation by presenting an alternative solution based on an iterative map that is unconditionally stable, and which therefore converges for any choice of system parameters. Our approach illustrates the importance of experimenting with a range of iteration schemes when using the fixed-point method to solve non-linear equations in physics.

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Publication Details

Journal
American Journal of Physics
Published
2026-02-19
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0274265
Primary Topic
Matrix Theory and Algorithms
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Fixed-point iteration for numerical solutions to equations in physics: Comment on “Solving introductory physics problems recursively using iterated maps” [Am. J. Phys., 93 , 336–343 (2025)]

J. J. Bissell
American Journal of Physics
Matrix Theory and Algorithms
article

Fixed-point iteration for numerical solutions to equations in physics: Comment on “Solving introductory physics problems recursively using iterated maps” [Am. J. Phys., 93 , 336–343 (2025)]

J. J. Bissell
article en

Abstract

English et al. recently described a method for “Solving an introductory physics problem using an iterative map” [Am. J. Phys. 93, 336–343 (2025)]; however, because their map is only conditionally stable, its domain of validity is restricted to a subset of possible system parameters. Here, we address this limitation by presenting an alternative solution based on an iterative map that is unconditionally stable, and which therefore converges for any choice of system parameters. Our approach illustrates the importance of experimenting with a range of iteration schemes when using the fixed-point method to solve non-linear equations in physics.

American Journal of PhysicsVol. 94(3)
York University (CA), University of York (GB)
Openalex Percentile: Top 48%
Matrix Theory and Algorithms
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