Date of Award
Spring 4-14-2026
Document Type
Honors Project
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Department
Mathematics
Department Chair or Program Director
Esunge, Julius
First Advisor
Lee, Leo
Second Advisor
Sumner, Suzanne
Third Advisor
Hydorn, Debra
Major or Concentration
Mathematics
Abstract
In this thesis, we develop and analyze two nonlinear systems of ordinary differential equations to model Bitcoin price dynamics. Analytical techniques are used to obtain exact or approximate solutions where possible. Then, numerical simulations using a fourth-order Runge–Kutta method are employed to explore system behavior beyond analytically tractable regimes. Finally, model outputs are compared to historical Bitcoin price data using normalized and resampled time series. These results suggest that deterministic models can provide meaningful insight into the structural behavior of Bitcoin markets, while highlighting the need for stochastic or time-dependent extensions for more realistic modeling.
Recommended Citation
Fleenor, Boone M., "Modeling Bitcoin Dynamics Using Differential Equations" (2026). Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects. 687.
https://scholar.umw.edu/student_research/687
Rights
Included in
Dynamical Systems Commons, Finance and Financial Management Commons, Non-linear Dynamics Commons, Numerical Analysis and Computation Commons, Ordinary Differential Equations and Applied Dynamics Commons