Euler method
Input the sequences Find the result asked

Input the sequences

Consider the differential equation:

\[ \frac{dy}{dx} = x - y^2 \]

With the initial condition \( y(1.3) = 2.35 \), we approximate \( y(2.2) \) rounded to four significant figures, using step size \( h = 0.1 \).

We want to iterate over the x′s and the y′s. The Euler method tells us to choose the sequences defined by:

\[ x_{n+1} = x_n + 0.1, \quad y_{n+1} = y_n + 0.1 \cdot (x_n - y_n^2) \]

The initial conditions are \( x_1 = 1.3 \) and \( y_1 = 2.35 \).

Warning Icon

In the TI-Nspire, sequences are represented as \( u(n) \) for \( x_n \) and \( v(n) \) for \( y_n \). For example, \( u(2) = x_2 = 1.4 \) and \( v(2) = y_2 \).

  1. Create a new document, press Doc Icon, and select Add Calculator.
  2. Press Menu Icon and select Actions > Define.
  3. Define \( u(n) \): Enter the initialization on the first line and the recursive expression on the second line.
  4. Define \( v(n) \): Similarly, input the initialization and recursive formula for \( v(n) \).

    Euler Example

Find the result asked

To compute \( y(2.2) \), recall that \( u(10) = x_{10} = 2.2 \). Therefore, \( v(10) = y_{10} \approx y(2.2) \).

  1. Enter \( u(10) \) to confirm \( x_{10} = 2.2 \).
  2. Enter \( v(10) \). The result should be \( v(10) = 1.42 \), giving: \[ y(2.2) \approx 1.42 \]

    Euler Example