Clifford A. Pickover
Computer Graphics Forum
Among the methods available for the characterization of complicated mathematical and physical phenomena, computers with graphics are emerging as an important tool. In this article, I present computational and graphical results on Halley's method for one-parameter functions of the form ζ(ζα - 1) = 0 and sin(ζ) = 0 in order to gain insight as to where the method can be relied upon and where it behaves strangely. The resulting plots reveal a visually striking and intricate class of patterns indicating behavior ranging from stable attractive and repulsive points to chaos. Iterative approximation methods such a Halley's method occur frequently in science and engineering. © 1989.