Euler-Lagrange equation first integral question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the Euler-Lagrange equation to a specific integral problem involving boundary conditions. Participants explore the implications of the first integral derived from the Euler-Lagrange equation and its relation to the functional's stationary values.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express uncertainty about the correctness of their application of the first integral, questioning whether it leads to meaningful conclusions given the boundary conditions.
  • It is noted that the integral $$\int_0^1 yy' dx$$ evaluates to zero for every function satisfying the boundary conditions $$y(0) = 0$$ and $$y(1) = 0$$, suggesting a lack of unique solutions.
  • Participants discuss the implications of the first integral, with some stating that it provides no information about the function $$y$$ in this context.
  • There is a suggestion that the problem may have been posed to provoke thought rather than to yield a straightforward solution.
  • One participant revises their earlier statement to clarify the evaluation of the integral, emphasizing that both boundary conditions lead to the same conclusion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the integral evaluates to zero under the given boundary conditions, but there is no consensus on the implications of this result or the utility of the first integral in this case. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the significance of the findings.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the specific boundary conditions and the unresolved nature of whether the first integral can provide useful insights in this scenario.

Dustinsfl
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\[
\int_0^1yy'dx
\]
where \(y(0) = 0\) and \(y(1) = 0\).
The first integral is
\[
f - y'\frac{\partial f}{\partial y'} = c.
\]
Using this, I get \(yy' - y'y = 0 = c\) so ofcourse \(y(0)\) and \(y(1)\) equal \(0\) then but is this correct?

It just seems odd.
 
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Re: E-L eq first integral question

dwsmith said:
\[
\int_0^1yy'dx
\]
where \(y(0) = 0\) and \(y(1) = 0\).
The first integral is
\[
f - y'\frac{\partial f}{\partial y'} = c.
\]
Using this, I get \(yy' - y'y = 0 = c\) so ofcourse \(y(0)\) and \(y(1)\) equal \(0\) then but is this correct?

It just seems odd.

Big edit: I'm not sure...

(edited again, as mentioned in post 10)

$$\int_0^1 (yy')dx=\frac{1}{2}\int_0^1 (y^2)' dx=\frac{y(1)^2-y(0)^2}{2}$$

So, with the conditions that $$y(0)=y(1)=0$$ you have $$\int_0^1yy'dx=0$$ and there isn't a unique solution.
 
Last edited:
Re: E-L eq first integral question

M R said:
Big edit: I'm not sure...

$$\int_0^1 (yy')dx=\frac{1}{2}\int_0^1 (y^2)' dx=\frac{y(1)^2}{2}$$

So, with the condition that $$y(1)=0$$ you have $$\int_0^1yy'dx=0$$ and there isn't a unique solution.

I am not integrating the function per se. I am using the E-L eqs to determine the answer.
 
Re: E-L eq first integral question

dwsmith said:
I am not integrating the function per se. I am using the E-L eqs to determine the answer.
The answer to what question though?

I had assumed you were trying to find a function for which the functional has a stationary value but in this case, $$\int yy' dx$$, the integral is zero for every function that satisfies the boundary conditions.

May I ask, what is the source of the question?
 
Re: E-L eq first integral question

M R said:
The answer to what question though?

I had assumed you were trying to find a function for which the functional has a stationary value but in this case, $$\int yy' dx$$, the integral is zero for every function that satisfies the boundary conditions.

May I ask, what is the source of the question?

Shouldn't I be able to use the E-L first integral rule here? From class.
 
Re: E-L eq first integral question

dwsmith said:
Shouldn't I be able to use the E-L first integral rule here? From class.

In this example the first integral tells you nothing about y.

Maybe that's why you were given this question to think about. :)
 
Re: E-L eq first integral question

M R said:
In this example the first integral tells you nothing about y.

Maybe that's why you were given this question to think about. :)

So what I did was correct but it leads no where then, correct?
 
Re: E-L eq first integral question

dwsmith said:
So what I did was correct but it leads no where then, correct?

I guess so but see my PM. :)
 
Re: E-L eq first integral question

M R said:
I guess so but see my PM. :)

So the minimum and maximum of that problem would be both 0 then correct?
 
  • #10
Re: E-L eq first integral question

dwsmith said:
So the minimum and maximum of that problem would be both 0 then correct?

Yes. For every y(x) that satisfies y(0)=y(1)=0 the value of that integral is 0.

Going back to my first post it should have said $$\int_0^1 yy' dx=\frac{y(1)^2-y(0)^2}{2}$$

but since y(0)=0 it didn't really matter, but then y(1)=0 too so that didn't matter either. (Tongueout)
 

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