This site contains an online calculator that finds analytic solution of the initial value problem with a given elementary ordinary differential equation of several types. The user enters an equation and initial conditions.
Type of Material:
Simulation
Recommended Uses:
This material can be used for in-class activities, homework, projects, individual or group work, etc. Learners can use this material to confirm manual calculations that are part of a differential equations class.
Technical Requirements:
Any browser.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The purpose of this site is to provide users with a differential equation calculator or simulator. to find the solution of the given ordinary differential equation, including first-order, second-order, nth order, separable, linear, exact, Bernoulli, homogeneous, or inhomogeneous equations. Initial conditions are also supported.
Target Student Population:
Students in a Differential Equations class and other related classes.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Students should have foundational courses in calculus and linear algebra, and be in a differential equations class or a class that includes differential equations.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
This site provides users with online calculator to analytically solve an initial value problem with a basic ordinary differential equation. A user needs to enter a differential equation and optionally the set of initial conditions and the tool generates the analytic solution. The calculator can handle most, but not all ordinary differential equations that are encountered in the standard differential equations course.
The instructions are clear and straightforward. The approach is appropriate for this level of learning.
Concerns:
Some equations that should be easily solvable result in an error message saying that calculations take too much time to complete. Also, when a second or higher derivative such as y''' is entered, the calculator wrongly turns it into y' under the "Your input: solve" area.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Both instructor and student can use this site in Introductory Differential Equations course as an aid to check solutions or two quickly solve and IVP during a lecture. Learners would be able to quickly see the solution given the original equation. Students can ask the owner of the site their questions on one of the topics in the site. There is a (lecture notes) section, but it is under construction at this time.
Concerns:
A visualization of differential equations, that is a slope field, would be helpful to see the solution pictorially.
The calculator does not work for some equations.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
Students and instructors can access and start using this site with ease. A set of clear and accurate instructions on how to enter equations is helpful.
Concerns:
Navigating was a bit challenging. The ads are very distracting and could cause the student to move away from the task at hand if they accidentally click on the large ads.
Creative Commons:
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