Generalized coordinates and the Lagrangian

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the application of generalized coordinates in the context of the Lagrangian formulation of mechanics. The user identifies two degrees of freedom (D.O.F) based on the connections to springs ##k_1## and ##k_2##. The kinetic energy is expressed as ##T = 1/2 * m * v_m^2##, with ##v_m## defined as the time derivative of position ##x_m##. The user seeks clarification on the notation and the meaning of "variables of integration" within the problem statement.

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Homework Statement
Find the degrees of freedom of the system with the given PE. What are the variables of integration? Find the Lagrangian using the generalized coordinates.
Relevant Equations
##PE = 1/2 * k_1 * R^2 + 1/2 * k_2 * (\vec{r} - vec{r_1})^2## note that ##r## and ##r_1## are vectors
So I think the mass can only move in two "coordinates" the axis of which the mass is connected to ##k_1## and the axis connecting it to ##k_2##. Therefore, the D.O.F is 2. I don't understand what it the meaning of "variables of integration" What does it mean?
Apart from that, I attempted to solve for the Lagrangian:
##T = 1/2 * m * v_m^2##
V is given
##v_m = d/dt(x_m)##
##x_m = 1/2 * \vec{r_1} + something* \hat{y} = 1/2 * r_1 * \hat{x} + something* \hat{y}##
I have no clue how to solve this. Any help would be appreciated
 

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Hi,
The problem statement is a complete mystery. No idea what ##R## is, nor what ##\vec r## is. Is ##\vec r_1## fixed? Given?

Sort out your notation. V is given means V=PE ?

##x_m## ? "##something##" ?

##\ ##
 
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