How do write a while loop for a function m file that takes the input of a function handle?

I have to create a function me file called myfirstzero(f,a) which takes two inputs:

f: A function handle which you may assume will represent a polynomial.

a: A real number.

Does: Uses a while loop to find the smallest n such f^(n)(a) = 0. Note that this means the nth derivative at x = a and note that n = 0 is fair game, where the 0th derivative of a function is just the function itself.

Returns: This value of n.

All I need is for somebody to help get me started writing this code. All I was able to write so far is:

function x=myfirstzero(f,a);

I just don't know what the while loop conditions are that need to be met to start the while loop. Or statements needed inside the while loop.

Answer 1

[Star Strider]

You and Sea must be in the same class! How do I fix this error with function handle?

[Bri]

Thank you for directing me this post. However, I do not really understand your code, specifically I don't get why you chose to make the conditions the while loop must meet to be (d > 0) && (n < 6). If you could please explain your code to me that would be great.

[Star Strider]

According to Sea’s description of the problem, the loop has to run while (d > 0) and not compute higher than the 6th derivative. The n counter counts the degree of the derivative.