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02 Math Ode Problem Set

This document is a problem set for Mathematics AA HL focused on differential equations, including first-order ODEs, separation of variables, and numerical methods. It consists of short answer and extended response sections, with specific problems for students to solve, such as finding solutions to ODEs and comparing numerical methods. The problems are designed to assess understanding and application of calculus concepts within a 60-minute time frame.

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gabriel.f.steyer
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5 views2 pages

02 Math Ode Problem Set

This document is a problem set for Mathematics AA HL focused on differential equations, including first-order ODEs, separation of variables, and numerical methods. It consists of short answer and extended response sections, with specific problems for students to solve, such as finding solutions to ODEs and comparing numerical methods. The problems are designed to assess understanding and application of calculus concepts within a 60-minute time frame.

Uploaded by

gabriel.f.steyer
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Mathematics AA HL Differential Equations – Problem Set Date: 31 May 2026

4
Student: Gabriel Souza Teacher: Prof. Carvalho Topic 5: Calculus

This problem set covers first-order ODEs, separation of variables, integrating factors, and an introduction
to numerical methods. Time allowed: 60 minutes. Show all working.

Section A – Short Answer [15 marks]


A1 [3] Solve the ODE dy/dx = 3y, given y(0) = 5. State the general and particular solutions.

A2 [4] Use separation of variables to solve dy/dx = (x + 1)/(y - 2), y(0) = 4.

A3 [4] Find the general solution of dy/dx + 2y = 4x using an integrating factor.

A4 [4] A particle moves so that its velocity satisfies dv/dt = 10 - 0.5v. Given v(0) = 0, find v(t) and the
terminal velocity.

Section B – Extended Response [20 marks]


B1 [12] A rocket of initial mass m0 burns fuel at constant rate k (kg s-1). Thrust F is constant and drag is
proportional to velocity: Fdrag = bv.

(a) [3] Write a first-order ODE for v(t), accounting for variable mass, thrust, drag, and gravity.

(b) [4] Using the substitution m(t) = m■ - kt, separate variables and solve for v(t) under the assumption
that drag is negligible. Compare with Tsiolkovsky's rocket equation.

(c) [5] Describe how Euler's method could be applied to solve the full equation (with drag) numerically.
Write out two iteration steps with h = 0.5 s and given initial values.

B2 [8] Compare Euler's method and the Runge-Kutta 4th order (RK4) method for solving dy/dx = xy, y(0) =
1, over [0, 1] with h = 0.25.

(a) [3] Perform two steps of Euler's method and state the approximation for y(0.5).

(b) [3] Outline the four stages of one RK4 step. You do not need to compute numerically.
(c) [2] The exact solution is y = e^(x²/2). Calculate the percentage error of both methods at x = 0.5 and
comment on their relative accuracy.

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