A new approach to find an approximate solution of linear initial value problems

Abstract

This work investigates a new approach to find closed form analytical approximate solution of linear initial value problems. Classical Bernoulli polynomials have been used to derive a finite set of orthonormal polynomials and a finite operational matrix to simplify derivatives of dependent variable. These orthonormal polynomials together with the operational matrix of relevant order provides a good approximation to the solution of a linear initial value problem. Depending upon the nature of a problem, a series form approximation or numerical approximation can be obtained. The technique has been demonstrated through three problems. Approximate solutions have been compared with available exact or other numerical solutions. High degree of accuracy has been noted in numerical values of solutions for considered problems.