Using Spreadsheets to Learn Numerical Methods

The common spreadsheet is an excellent tool for students in a first course in numerical methods. It makes it easy to construct illustrative examples, to experiment with them, and to plot results in graphical form. For the students in a class in numerical methods who are majoring in a subject other than computer science (e.g., physics, engineering, or economics, spreadsheets offer an attractive alternative to conventional programming that allows ready experimentation with numerical algorithms. All students, in fact, no matter what their major, seem to appreciate the immediate display of results that spreadsheets allow.