How this calculation works
Estimate curvature from a centred sequence of three samples.
THE FORMULA
f″(x) ≈ [f(x+h)−2f(x)+f(x−h)]/h²A worked example
For x² sampled at 2, 3 and 4, the second difference is 16−18+4=2.
Good to know
A tiny step can amplify measurement or rounding errors.
Reference: OpenStax Algebra and Trigonometry (opens in a new tab) ↗
Read the result
Estimate curvature from a centred sequence of three samples.
The primary result is labeled “Second derivative estimate”. Keep the input definitions in view when comparing this result with another method.
Try a related calculation
A tiny step can amplify measurement or rounding errors.
For a related exercise, try the quadratic equation solver.
A few questions, answered
How can I check the default inputs by hand?
For x² sampled at 2, 3 and 4, the second difference is 16−18+4=2.
Which rule does this calculator apply?
f″(x) ≈ [f(x+h)−2f(x)+f(x−h)]/h²