Euler's method for numerical approximation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around using Euler's method for numerically approximating the solution to the initial value problem defined by the differential equation y' = 3 + t - y with the initial condition y(0) = 1. Participants are exploring the results of applying different step sizes (h = 0.1 and h = 0.05) to this problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants describe their calculations for both step sizes and express confusion regarding discrepancies between their results and those found in a reference book. There is an emphasis on understanding the implications of changing the step size on the number of iterations required.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations and are questioning the accuracy of their results when using a smaller step size. There is acknowledgment of the need to account for the increased number of steps when the step size is reduced, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. The discussion includes a focus on ensuring the correct application of the Euler method formula.

Chandasouk
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y' = 3 + t - y, y(0) = 1

A) Find the approximate values of the solution of the given initial value problem at t = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 using the Euler method with h = 0.1.

B) Repeat part A with h = 0.05. Compare the results found in A.

I did part A correctly, but cannot get the right numbers for part B when I use the step size 0.05.

For part A, I did the following
(t0=0, y0=1)

Y1 = y0+f(t0,y0)*h = 1 + f(0,1)(0.1) = 1.2

Similarly,

Y2=y1+f(t1,y1)*h=1 + f(0.1,1.2)(0.1) = 1.39

Etc, etc.

However when I do part B, where h = 0.05, and try calculating Y1

Y1 = y0+f(t0,y0)*h = 1+f(0,1)(0.05) = 1.1

The answer in my book is 1.1975

What am I doing wrong?
 
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Chandasouk said:
However when I do part B, where h = 0.05, and try calculating Y1

Y1 = y0+f(t0,y0)*h = 1+f(0,1)(0.05) = 1.1

The answer in my book is 1.1975

What am I doing wrong?
Everything seems to be correct in what you have posted so far. Remember, $ y_{n}=y_{n-1}+f(t_{n-1},y_{n-1})*h$ is an approximation of the value of y(t) at t=n*h.
 
The general Euler formula is:
<br /> y_{i+1}=y_{i}+y&#039;(y_{i},t_{i})h<br />
so take h=0.05 to obtain:
<br /> y_{0.05}=1+0.05*(3+0-1)=1.1<br />
Now to calculate y at 0..1:
<br /> y_{0.1}=1.1+0.05*(3+0.05-1.1)=1.1925<br />
 
Oh, thanks. I forgot to account for the step size change, meaning you take more steps to get to 0.1 now.
 
Last edited:

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