Picard's method solution vs exact solution

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on using Picard's method to approximate the solution of the differential equation \(\frac{dy}{dx}=2xy\) with the initial condition y(0)=2. The approximate solution derived through Picard's method is \(2(1+x^2 + \frac{x^4}{2} + \frac{x^6}{6})\), which converges towards \(2e^{x^2}\). The exact solution, obtained by separating variables, is \(y=e^{x^2}+C\) with the constant \(C\) corrected to 1, confirming that both methods yield the same result.

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  • Understanding of differential equations, specifically separable equations.
  • Familiarity with Picard's method for solving initial value problems.
  • Knowledge of Taylor series expansions and their convergence.
  • Basic calculus skills, including integration techniques.
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  • Study the application of Picard's method in more complex differential equations.
  • Learn about the convergence criteria for Picard's method.
  • Explore the use of Taylor series in approximating functions.
  • Investigate other numerical methods for solving ordinary differential equations (ODEs).
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Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying differential equations, as well as researchers interested in numerical methods for solving ODEs.

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Homework Statement



I have to use Picard's method to find an approximate solution to

[itex]\frac{dy}{dx}=2xy[/itex]

and then compare it to the exact solution, given that [itex]y(0)=2[/itex]

Homework Equations



Picard's method:

[itex]y_{n}=y_{0} + ∫^{x}_{x_{0}} f(\phi,y_{n-1}(\phi))d\phi[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



So I go over Picard's method about 3 times and get the result:

[itex]2(1+x^2 + \frac{x^4}{2} + \frac{x^6}{6})[/itex]

which looks like it miiiight be going towards:

[itex]2(\sum ^{\infty}_{n=0} \frac{x^{2n}}{n!}) = 2e^{x^2}[/itex]I then solve the DE exactly by noting that the DE is separable, so I separate and integrate to obtain:

[itex]y= e^{x^2}+C[/itex]

Using my initial condition, I find that C=1. So, my question is, have I done this correctly? I have a feeling that I'm supposed to get the same answer for both.
 
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phosgene said:

Homework Statement



I have to use Picard's method to find an approximate solution to

[itex]\frac{dy}{dx}=2xy[/itex]

and then compare it to the exact solution, given that [itex]y(0)=2[/itex]

Homework Equations



Picard's method:

[itex]y_{n}=y_{0} + ∫^{x}_{x_{0}} f(\phi,y_{n-1}(\phi))d\phi[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



So I go over Picard's method about 3 times and get the result:

[itex]2(1+x^2 + \frac{x^4}{2} + \frac{x^6}{6})[/itex]

which looks like it miiiight be going towards:

[itex]2(\sum ^{\infty}_{n=0} \frac{x^{2n}}{n!}) = 2e^{x^2}[/itex]


I then solve the DE exactly by noting that the DE is separable, so I separate and integrate to obtain:

[itex]y= e^{x^2}+C[/itex]

Using my initial condition, I find that C=1. So, my question is, have I done this correctly? I have a feeling that I'm supposed to get the same answer for both.

e^(x^2)+1 is NOT a solution to the ODE. Try it. You messed up where the constant C belongs.
 
Argh! Silly mistake. Corrected it and now they are equal, thanks :)
 

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