Opuscula Math. 28, no. 3 (2008), 247-277

Opuscula Mathematica

Randomized and quantum algorithms for solving initial-value problems in ordinary differential equations of order k

Maciej Goćwin
Marek Szczęsny

Abstract. The complexity of initial-value problems is well studied for systems of equations of first order. In this paper, we study the $$\varepsilon$$-complexity for initial-value problems for scalar equations of higher order. We consider two models of computation, the randomized model and the quantum model. We construct almost optimal algorithms adjusted to scalar equations of higher order, without passing to systems of first order equations. The analysis of these algorithms allows us to establish upper complexity bounds. We also show (almost) matching lower complexity bounds. The $$\varepsilon$$-complexity in the randomized and quantum setting depends on the regularity of the right-hand side function, but is independent of the order of equation. Comparing the obtained bounds with results known in the deterministic case, we see that randomized algorithms give us a speed-up by $$1/2$$, and quantum algorithms by $$1$$ in the exponent. Hence, the speed-up does not depend on the order of equation, and is the same as for the systems of equations of first order. We also include results of some numerical experiments which confirm theoretical results.

Keywords: $$k$$-th order initial-value problems, randomized computing, quantum computing, optimal algorithms, complexity.

Mathematics Subject Classification: 68Q25, 65L05, 68W20.

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• Maciej Goćwin
• AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Mathematics, al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Cracow, Poland
• Marek Szczęsny
• AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Mathematics, al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Cracow, Poland
• Revised: 2008-03-17.
• Accepted: 2008-04-11.