

Topic: Calculus
Level: IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (HL)
File Type: Editable Slides / Lesson Presentation
Overview
This resource introduces Euler’s Method as a numerical approach to solving first-order and coupled differential equations.
Students explore how to approximate solutions when analytical methods are impractical, applying step-by-step iteration to model systems that change over time.
Through guided examples and real-world applications such as predator-prey models (Lotka–Volterra equations), this lesson helps students visualize how differential systems evolve dynamically and understand the trade-off between step size and accuracy.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Use Euler’s Method to approximate solutions of first-order differential equations.
- Apply Euler’s method to coupled systems of differential equations.
- Understand how smaller step sizes increase approximation accuracy.
- Interpret the connection between rate of change and iterative numerical estimation.
- Model population dynamics and other time-based systems numerically.
What’s Included
- Concept introduction linking rate of change to iterative updates in ( y ).
- Worked example approximating ( y(0.5) ) using ( h = 0.1 ) with Euler’s Method.
- Step-by-step breakdown showing how each iteration refines the estimate.
- Introduction to coupled systems and extension of Euler’s method for two dependent variables.
- Practice problems applying the method to both single and coupled systems.* Real-world application problem modeling predator-prey interactions between orcas and sharks, including computed results ((1,730 ) orcas and ( 65 ) sharks at ( t = 2 )).
- Emphasis on computational reasoning, accuracy, and step-size adjustment.
Topics Covered
- Euler’s Method for numerical approximation.
- Step size and accuracy relationships.
- Solving first-order and coupled differential equations numerically.
- Modeling population dynamics (Lotka–Volterra system).
- Numerical versus analytical solution comparison.
Why You’ll Love It
- Builds intuition for how differential equations evolve over discrete steps.
- Bridges the gap between calculus theory and computational modeling.
- Integrates real-world examples that make numerical methods tangible.
- Perfectly aligned with IB Math HL Topic 5: Calculus (Applications and Interpretation HL).
- Fully editable and classroom-ready, ideal for direct instruction or independent learning.
Tags: IB Math HL, Euler’s Method, Numerical Solutions, Differential Equations, Coupled Systems, Predator-Prey Models, Lotka–Volterra, Calculus, IB Curriculum, Lesson Slides
Something went wrong, please try again later.
This resource hasn't been reviewed yet
To ensure quality for our reviews, only customers who have purchased this resource can review it
Report this resourceto let us know if it violates our terms and conditions.
Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch.