# Variational problems in two variables

• May 17th 2010, 02:33 AM
Showcase_22
Variational problems in two variables
Quote:

Write down the Euler-Lagrane equations for critical points of the functional I of two functions $x(t), \ y(t)$ where:

$I(x,y)=\int_{t_1}^{t_2}(x^2+y^2)\sqrt{1+(x')^2+(y' )^2}$
I'm slowly working my way through this sheet, but I keep encountering things not in the notes. I'm also having trouble understanding what wikipedia has to say: Euler?Lagrange equation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I have a function $f(x,y,y',x')=(x^2+y^2)\sqrt{1+(x')^2+(y')^2}$ so my first equation is:

$\frac{\partial f}{ \partial y}-\frac{\partial}{\partial x} \left( \frac{\partial f}{\frac{\partial y}{\partial x}} \right)- \frac{\partial}{x'} \left( \frac{\partial f}{\frac{\partial y}{\partial x'}} \right)$

The second equation would be the same but with $y'$ instead of $x'$.

• May 17th 2010, 06:10 AM
Jester
Quote:

Originally Posted by Showcase_22
I'm slowly working my way through this sheet, but I keep encountering things not in the notes. I'm also having trouble understanding what wikipedia has to say: Euler?Lagrange equation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I have a function $f(x,y,y',x')=(x^2+y^2)\sqrt{1+(x')^2+(y')^2}$ so my first equation is:

$\frac{\partial f}{ \partial y}-\frac{\partial}{\partial x} \left( \frac{\partial f}{\frac{\partial y}{\partial x}} \right)- \frac{\partial}{x'} \left( \frac{\partial f}{\frac{\partial y}{\partial x'}} \right)$

The second equation would be the same but with $y'$ instead of $x'$.

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