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An example of numerical nonconvergence of a variable-metric method

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Abstract

An example is given where truncation error, caused by finite computer arithmetic, leads to the BFGS variable-metric method becoming stuck, despite the approximated Hessian matrix, the gradient vector, and the search vector satisfying analytical conditions for convergence. A restart criterion to eliminate the problem is suggested.

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Shanno, D.F. An example of numerical nonconvergence of a variable-metric method. J Optim Theory Appl 46, 87–94 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00938762

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