How Does the Euler-Lagrange Equation Apply to Parametric Solutions?

In summary, the conversation discusses the definition of a function and a relationship in the form of a clever substitution for solving a differential equation. The solution is in parametric form with a parameter, and the exponent should be 1/2 rather than 2. The conversation ends with appreciation and gratitude.
  • #1
Another
104
5
Homework Statement
I am wondering about definition of a function
Relevant Equations
## F = \frac{(1+(y_x)^2)^{\frac{1}{2}}}{(y_1-y)^{\frac{1}{2}}}##
My question : I am wondering about definition of a function. when ##y_x = (\frac{b+y}{a-y})^2##

Why in this book is defined solution ##y = y(x)## in from ## y = y(θ(x))## . And have a relationship in the form

## y = \frac{1}{2} (a-b) - \frac{1}{2} (a+b) cosθ ## ?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In this book is defined ## F = \frac{(1+(y_x)^2)^{\frac{1}{2}}}{(y_1-y)^{\frac{1}{2}}}##

The E-L equation in case F = ##F(y,y_x)## ===> ##F - y_x \frac{∂F}{∂y_x} = c## when c is constant.

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  • #2
Another said:
My question : I am wondering about definition of a function. when ##y_x = (\frac{b+y}{a-y})^2##
The exponent should be 1/2 rather than 2.

Why in this book is defined solution ##y = y(x)## in from ## y = y(θ(x))## . And have a relationship in the form

## y = \frac{1}{2} (a-b) - \frac{1}{2} (a+b) cosθ ## ?
This is just a very clever substitution that allows you to fairly easily find a solution of the differential equation, ##y_x = (\frac{b+y}{a-y})^{1/2}##. It yields a solution in parametric form: ##y(\theta)## ; ##x(\theta)##, where ##\theta## is a parameter.
 
  • #3
TSny said:
The exponent should be 1/2 rather than 2.This is just a very clever substitution that allows you to fairly easily find a solution of the differential equation, ##y_x = (\frac{b+y}{a-y})^{1/2}##. It yields a solution in parametric form: ##y(\theta)## ; ##x(\theta)##, where ##\theta## is a parameter.
thank you very much
 

1. What is the Euler-Lagrange equation?

The Euler-Lagrange equation is a mathematical equation that is used to find the function that minimizes or maximizes a certain quantity known as the action. It is commonly used in the field of calculus of variations and is named after the mathematicians Leonhard Euler and Joseph-Louis Lagrange.

2. What is the significance of the Euler-Lagrange equation?

The Euler-Lagrange equation is significant because it allows us to find the optimal function that satisfies certain constraints or boundary conditions. This is extremely useful in many fields of science and engineering, such as physics, economics, and control theory.

3. How is the Euler-Lagrange equation derived?

The Euler-Lagrange equation is derived by applying the calculus of variations to the action functional, which is a functional that maps a function to a real number. The equation is derived by taking the functional derivative of the action with respect to the function and setting it equal to zero.

4. What are some applications of the Euler-Lagrange equation?

The Euler-Lagrange equation has many applications, such as in classical mechanics to find the path of a particle that minimizes the action, in economics to find the optimal production function, and in control theory to find the optimal control of a system.

5. Are there any limitations to the use of the Euler-Lagrange equation?

While the Euler-Lagrange equation is a powerful tool, it does have some limitations. It can only be used for problems where the action is well-defined, and it may not always have a solution. Additionally, it may not be applicable to systems that have non-differentiable functions or constraints.

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