Initial Value Problems: a Didactic Tool in Evolution

Abstract

Various science and engineering problems, generally time-dependent, are modeled with ordinary differential equations with conditions at the same value of the independent variable, called initial value problems. The use of technological resources during the learning process allows students to execute routine procedures quickly and simply, enabling them to have more time to discuss concepts. The use of these resources helps to generate a learning environment where, through the use of certain mathematical skills, students can achieve meaningful and comprehensive learning. The aim of this work is to show an update of a self-designed tool to approximate the solution of initial value problems that allows comparisons between some one-step methods and multi-step methods and the analysis of the numerical solutions obtained when varying certain parameters. The update of the tool arises to satisfy different requirements discovered after the use of the previous tool.