Solve Euler Method in C++ for Beginners

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The discussion revolves around implementing the Euler method in C++ for solving differential equations, specifically targeting beginners in programming. A user seeks guidance on creating a version that utilizes void and float functions to calculate results based on user input. An example is provided, demonstrating a function for the differential equation dy/dx = 2x, with a starting point of (1, 1). Key corrections include properly using the slope variable and adjusting the for loop to accurately compute the next y-value. The conversation emphasizes the simplicity and limitations of the Euler method, noting its lower accuracy compared to other numerical methods.
Demjan
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Summary: Problem with Euler Method in C++

Hello, I have a very difficult problem for me (a beginner in programming) how to make the version of the euler method presented in c ++ with the void, float functions, so that the program will calculate from the data that I enter during the program.
Code:
#include<iostream>
#include <string>
using namespace std;

double f(double x, double y) { return x + y; }

int main()
{
 double x0, y0, xn, h, yn, slope;
 int i, n;

 cout<<"Warunki początkowe: "<< endl;
 cout<<"x0 = ";
 cin>> x0;
 cout<<"y0 = ";
 cin >> y0;
 cout<<"Enter calculation point: xn = ";
 cin>>xn;
 cout<<"Enter number of steps: ";
 cin>> n; h = (xn-x0)/n;

 cout<<"\nx0\ty0\tslope\tyn\n";
 cout<<"------------------------------\n";

 for(i=0; i < n; i++)
 {
  nachyl = f(x0, y0);
  yn = y0 + h * slope;
  cout<<  x0 <<"\t"<<  y0 <<"\t"<<  slope <<"\t"<<  yn << endl;
  y0 = yn;
  x0 = x0+h;
 } cout<<"\nValue of y at x = "<< xn<< " is " << yn;

 return 0;
}
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Demjan said:
Summary: Problem with Euler Method in C++

Hello, I have a very difficult problem for me (a beginner in programming) how to make the version of the euler method presented in c ++ with the void, float functions, so that the program will calculate from the data that I enter during the program.
Code:
#include<iostream>
#include <string>

using namespace std;

double f(double x, double y) { return x + y; }

int main()
{
 double x0, y0, xn, h, yn, slope;
 int i, n;

 cout<<"Warunki początkowe: "<< endl;
 cout<<"x0 = ";
 cin>> x0;
 cout<<"y0 = ";
 cin >> y0;
 cout<<"Enter calculation point: xn = ";
 cin>>xn;
 cout<<"Enter number of steps: ";
 cin>> n;

 h = (xn-x0)/n;

 cout<<"\nx0\ty0\tslope\tyn\n";
 cout<<"------------------------------\n";

 for(i=0; i < n; i++)
 {
  nachyl = f(x0, y0);
  yn = y0 + h * slope;
  cout<<  x0 <<"\t"<<  y0 <<"\t"<<  slope <<"\t"<<  yn << endl;
  y0 = yn;
  x0 = x0+h;
 }

 cout<<"\nValue of y at x = "<< xn<< " is " << yn;

 return 0;
}
What is your question? You said "how to make the version of the euler method presented in c ++ with the void, float functions" -- what do you mean by that?

In the Euler method, you are given a differential equation of the form dy/dx = f(x, y), with initial condition ##y(x_0) = y_0##.

Try your code out on this differential equation: ##dy/dx = 2x##, with initial condition y(1) = 1. Here the function to use is ##f(x, y) = 2x + 0y##.
 
Last edited:
With a minor change in the for loop in your code I was able to get it to work.

You have a variable named slope that you didn't use. Your function f is the slope. The example differential equation I'm solving is dy/dx = 2x + 0y, so f(x, y) = 2x + 0y, or f(x, 0).
Here is my definition for f:
Code:
double f(double x, double y) { return 2 * x ; }
Since y doesn't appear in the return value, this function is called using f(x, 0).

Here is my for loop:
Code:
for (i = 0; i < n; i++)
{
    slope = f(x0, 0);         
    yn = y0 + h * slope;
    cout << x0 << "\t" << y0 << "\t" << slope << "\t" << yn << endl;
    y0 = yn;
    x0 = x0 + h;
}

Using dy/dx = 2x and a starting point of (1, 1), and an ending x-value of 1.1 and 10 steps, I get a y-value of 1.209, which is pretty close to the exact value of 1.21.
Euler's method is probably the least accurate of methods for solving differential equations, so my result isn't so far off.
 
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