ERIC Number: EJ769609
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 5
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0730-8639
EISSN: N/A
Revealing Numerical Solutions of a Differential Equation
Glaister, P.
Mathematics and Computer Education, v40 n3 p216-220 Fall 2006
In this article, the author considers a student exercise that involves determining the exact and numerical solutions of a particular differential equation. He shows how a typical student solution is at variance with a numerical solution, suggesting that the numerical solution is incorrect. However, further investigation shows that this numerical solution is the correct one, and leads to an explanation of why the student solution is flawed. He suggests that this problem, or variations of it, can be used as an exercise for students familiar with basic integration techniques and numerical methods for differential equations. In particular, it reinforces to students that exact solutions need to be checked carefully, and how numerical solutions can reveal and highlight features of an exact solution. (Contains 2 figures.)
Descriptors: Calculus, Mathematics Instruction, Learning Strategies, Educational Strategies, Equations (Mathematics), Graphs, Foreign Countries, College Mathematics
MATYC Journal Inc. Mathematics and Computer Education, P.O. Box 158, Old Bethpage, NY 11804. Tel: 516-822-5475; Web site: http://www.macejournal.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A