The Runge-Kutta methods are a family of iterative techniques used to approximate solutions to ordinary differential equations (ODEs). These methods are particularly valuable when an analytical solution is difficult or impossible to obtain. The most common variant, known as the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method, achieves a good balance between accuracy and computational efficiency. It works by estimating the slope of the solution at multiple points within each time step and then combining these estimates to produce a more accurate result. This is mathematically expressed as:
where and are calculated based on the ODE and the current state . The method is widely used in various fields such as physics, engineering, and computer science for simulating dynamic systems.
Start your personalized study experience with acemate today. Sign up for free and find summaries and mock exams for your university.