Computer-Algebraic Approach to First Differential Approximations: Van der Pol Oscillator

First differential approximation has been used to analyze various numerical methods for solving systems of ordinary differential equations. This has made it possible to estimate the stiffness of the ODE system that models the oscillations of the Van der Pol oscillator and the error of the method as well as to propose simple criteria for choosing a calculation step. The presented methods allow one to perform efficient calculations using computer algebra systems.