# Picard's method solution vs exact solution

1. Mar 19, 2013

### phosgene

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

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

$\frac{dy}{dx}=2xy$

and then compare it to the exact solution, given that $y(0)=2$

2. Relevant equations

Picard's method:

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

3. The attempt at a solution

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

$2(1+x^2 + \frac{x^4}{2} + \frac{x^6}{6})$

which looks like it miiiight be going towards:

$2(\sum ^{\infty}_{n=0} \frac{x^{2n}}{n!}) = 2e^{x^2}$

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

$y= e^{x^2}+C$

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.

2. Mar 19, 2013

### Dick

e^(x^2)+1 is NOT a solution to the ODE. Try it. You messed up where the constant C belongs.

3. Mar 19, 2013

### phosgene

Argh! Silly mistake. Corrected it and now they are equal, thanks :)