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Method
for graphing solutions to differential equations
Leonhard Euler used a method of graphing an integral curve in little
straight pieces using the slope field as a guide. Let’s try it.
y x y ; y 0 2
Approximation using Euler’s Method Actual solution
with a step size of 1/2. (integral) curve
1
Approximation using Euler’s
Method with a step size of 1.
1 2 3
Algebraically:
Consider the first rectilinear path.
x0 , y0 y1 y0
m y x0 , y0
x
y1 y0 y1 y0 y x0 , y0 x
x x1 , y1 y1 y0 y x0 , y0 x
Each successive value can be calculated in this iterative process.
y
y2 y1 y x1 , y1 x
yn 1 yn y xn , yn x
y 2
Example: Approximate using Euler’s method with a step size
x 1 2
of .
y x y ; y 0 2
yn 1 yn y xn , yn x
1
y 0, 2 0 2 2 y1 2 2 1
2
Verify
1 1 1 11 3 answer on
y ,1 1 y2 1 TI‐89
2 2 2 22 4
3 3 1 3 11 7
y 1, 1 y3
4 4 4 4 42 8
3 7 3 7 5 7 5 1 19 19
y , y4 y 2
2 8 2 8 8 8 8 2 16 16
y 2
Example: Approximate using Euler’s method with a step size
x 1 2,1 3,1 4,1 5,1 10,1 1000
of .
y x 2 y sin x ; y 0 20
This is an example where a spreadsheet may help ease our pain…
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