8/13/2017 5. Euler's Method mathlet | 14 Numerical methods | 18.

031x Courseware | edX

MITx: 18.031x Introduction to Dierential Equations Help

Course Unit 5: Due 19 April 14 Numerical methods 5. Euler's Method mathlet

5. Euler's Method mathlet

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EULER'S METHOD + help

y
3
x=
y=
2
F(x,y) =

1 x 0 = 0.00
y 0 = 0.00
0 x y' = F(x,y)

-1

-2

-3
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4

Clear Slope Field

Start
Method and Step F(x,y) = (0.5)y + 1
Zoom
Euler: 1.00
Euler: 0.50
Euler: 0.25
Euler: 0.125
Actual
All Euler

Convex Function Example

1/1 point (graded)
In the Euler's method mathlet above, choose the ODE .

Use the initial point . Construct and compare Euler solutions using step size . Then compare to the actual
solution.

Which is the best approximation?

h=0.125 Answer:

Solution:

The smaller the step size, the smaller the error. Thus the best choice is the smallest step size .

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Error accumulation at each step

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8/13/2017 5. Euler's Method mathlet | 14 Numerical methods | 18.031x Courseware | edX
1/1 point (graded)
With the same ODE and initial point . Compare Euler solutions using step size to the
actual solution.

At each step, is the approximation overshooting or undershooting the actual function?

undershooting Answer: undershooting

Solution:

The smaller the step size, the more accurate the approximation. We see that each approximation is undershooting the actual value of the
function. This makes sense because the solution function is convex, so the solution function curves upwards at every point, away from the
tangent line approximation.

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Concave Function and Error

1/1 point (graded)
Consider the ODE . Make a prediction before using the mathlet. From the initial point , will the Euler
approximation be overshooting or undershooting?

overshooting Answer: overshooting

Solution:

The solution function is concave, and thus is curving downwards, below the tangent line approximation everywhere. The Euler
approximation is everywhere overshooting.

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5. Euler's Method mathlet Show Discussion

Topic: Unit 5: Due 19 April / 5. Euler's Method mathlet

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