Solving second-order ODE with Runge-Kutta 4

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The discussion centers on solving a second-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) using the Runge-Kutta 4 method. Participants identify potential typographical errors in the equations, specifically regarding the placement of commas in the K2, K3, and K4 calculations. There is confusion about how to correctly compute K2, particularly how to handle the dependencies on t, y, and z. Clarifications emphasize that K2 should use the same values for yn and t as K1, and subsequent calculations for K3 and K4 build upon the values obtained from K1 and K2. The thread highlights the importance of following the defined process for incrementing t and calculating y(n+1) after determining K1 through K4.
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Homework Statement


0l0AByW.jpg

Note: I think there is a typo here but I'm not sure. Is there supposed to be a comma between the delta t/2 and y_n on K2 and K3, and delta t and y_n on K4?

Homework Equations


See above.

The Attempt at a Solution


Substituting dy/t = z gives
\frac{dz}{dt} = 3z - 2ty - cos(t)<br /> <br /> \frac{dy}{dt} = z

I'm not sure where to go from here. I can find K_1, but I'm not sure how to find K_2z as it depends on t, y, and z. What do I choose for z in K2? Do I need to redefine K_2 as

f \left ( t_n + \frac{\Delta t}{2}, y_n + \frac{K_1_y}{2}, z_n + \frac{k_1_z}{2} \right ) Is there some other way I should approach the problem?

Any help is appreciated, thanks.
 
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In K1, there should be a comma between tn and yn.

In K2, K3, and K4, there should be commas between the delta t terms and the yn terms.

Remember z = dy/dt, and you are given dy/dt = 0 at t = 0.
 
SteamKing said:
In K1, there should be a comma between tn and yn.

In K2, K3, and K4, there should be commas between the delta t terms and the yn terms.

Remember z = dy/dt, and you are given dy/dt = 0 at t = 0.

This is aimed towards SteamKing, K1 is found with dy/dt=0, but how is K2 solved when f(0.05,1) is undefined by the question and there is no obvious way to determine the f(0.05,1).

Thanks
 
You are incrementing t between calculating K1 and K2, which is not what is called for in the definition of K1 ... K4. For K2, you use the same values for yn and t as for K1. Once you have calculated K2, you use this value to calculate K3, and you use K3 to calculate K4. Once you have calculated K1 ... K4, then you increment t by delta t and determine y(n+1).
 
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