Calculus of Variation: Chain Rule and Formulation Proof

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the calculus of variation, specifically seeking proofs related to the chain rule and the formulation involving variations of functionals. Participants explore the notation and definitions involved in these concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests a proof for the chain rule in the context of calculus of variation, specifically stating that \(\delta S = \frac{dS}{dx} \delta x\) and \(\delta S = p \delta x\) imply \(\frac{dS}{dx} = p\).
  • Another participant expresses confusion regarding the notation and asks about the conditions under which the derivative notation applies.
  • A different participant clarifies that the delta notation refers to the Gâteaux derivative of a functional.
  • Further clarification is provided regarding the relationship between the variations and the functional, with an example involving \(S(x) = p \cdot x\) and the expression for \(\delta S(x)\).
  • One participant suggests that the proofs for the chain rule and the formulation are interconnected.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple viewpoints and some confusion regarding notation and definitions. Participants do not reach a consensus on the proofs or the clarity of the notation used.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the specific definitions and conditions under which the derivatives are applied, as well as the assumptions behind the notation used in the discussion.

Gavroy
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I have a question about calculus of variation.

does anybody here know a proof for the chain rule:
[tex]\delta S= \frac{dS}{dx} \delta x[/tex]

and for the formulation:

[tex]\delta S= p \delta x[/tex]
=> [tex]\frac{dS}{dx}= p[/tex]

it would be totally sufficient, if anyone here knows(e.g. a weblink) where one could see this proof.
 
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I find your notation confusing. Are you asking the conditions under which dy/dx = [partial]y/[partial]x ?
 
No, it is about calculus of variation and the delta should be the gateaux derivative
 
Ok, if the delta S in the LHS is the [itex]\mbox{G}\hat{\mbox{a}}\mbox{teaux}[/itex] derivative of a functional S, then what are the things in the RHS ?
 
sorry that my notation confused you.

if I say [tex]S(x)=p \cdot x[/tex]
then the variation says:
[tex]\delta S(x)=p \frac{d(x+\epsilon h)}{d \epsilon}|_{\varepsilon=0}[/tex]
or in the other notation:
[tex]\delta S(x)=p \cdot \delta x[/tex]

and now I wanted to see the proof of the chain rule:

[tex]\delta S(x)=\frac{\partial S}{\partial x} \cdot \delta x[/tex]

and that:[tex]\frac{\partial S}{\partial x}=p[/tex]

but I guess both proofs go hand in hand
 

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