Help with derivation of euler-lagrange equations

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the derivation of the Euler-Lagrange equations, specifically addressing the integration by parts technique used in the transformation of integrals. The key equation discussed is the transition from the integral of the product of an arbitrary function f and the derivative of the Lagrangian L with respect to velocity, to a form that includes f multiplied by the derivative of L with respect to velocity and an integral involving the total derivative of L. The user seeks clarification on this step, which is confirmed to be a straightforward application of partial integration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lagrangian mechanics and the role of the Lagrangian function L.
  • Familiarity with calculus, particularly integration by parts.
  • Knowledge of the Euler-Lagrange equations and their significance in physics.
  • Basic understanding of functional derivatives and their applications.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Euler-Lagrange equations in detail using a textbook like "Classical Mechanics" by Herbert Goldstein.
  • Practice integration by parts with various functions to solidify understanding of the technique.
  • Explore the concept of functional derivatives and their applications in variational calculus.
  • Review examples of Lagrangian mechanics problems to see the Euler-Lagrange equations in action.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, researchers in theoretical mechanics, and anyone interested in advanced calculus and its applications in physics.

teeeeee
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Hi,

I am trying to follow a derivation of the euler lagrange equations in one of my textbooks. It says that

\int ( f\frac{dL}{dx} + f'\frac{dL}{dx'}) dt

=

f\frac{dL}{dx'} + \int f ( \frac{dL}{dx} - \frac{d}{dt}(\frac{dL}{dx'}) ) dt

where f is an arbitrary function and L is the Lagrangian.I'm not sure how to perform this step. I think it has something to do with integration by parts but can't work it out. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
teeeeee
 
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The integral over f (dL/dx) can be ignored, it simply sits in both expressions. So your question is, how do you get from

\int \frac{df}{dt} \frac{dL}{dx'}
to
f \frac{dL}{dx'} - \int f \frac{d}{dt} \frac{dL}{dx'}

right?
Because that is just partial integration in its purest form:
\int f' g = f g - \int f g'
where g = dL/dx'.
 

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