Two-step methods for ordinary differential equations (Q1059989)

The author proposes a class of two-step methods which use r new derivative evaluations per step \((r=2,3,4)\). Pairs of explicit formulas of orders \(r+1\) and \(r+2\), and of implicit formulas of orders \(r+2\) and \(r+3\) are stated. The standard condition for zero stability is identified to indicate which methods are useful. The order conditions are not stated. The author assumes that approximations to all derivatives have order 3 at least, and this assumption may preclude some methods of the family considered. There is little motivation for actual derivation, and even less discussion of how they should be utilized. In particular two starting values are needed, whenever a step-size change is made.