Variational Calculus: When Is dg(r=r+) ≠ dg(r=r++)?

In summary, the conversation discusses the conditions under which the statement ##d g (r=r_+) \neq d g (r=r_+)## holds true, given the equations ##r_+ \neq r_{++}## and ## g(r=r_+) \neq g(r=r_{++}) ##. The attempt at a solution involves computing ##dg(r_+)##, but the speaker is confused and asks for clarification on the definitions of ##r_+## and ##r_{++}##. The other speaker responds with a playful tennis joke before clarifying that ##r=r_+## and ##r=r_{++}## are two different points with ##r_{++}>r_+##.
  • #1
PeteSampras
44
2

Homework Statement



Question:

If ##r_+ \neq r_{++}## and ## g(r=r_+) \neq g(r=r_{++}) ##

When is it fulfilled that ## d g (r=r_+) \neq d g (r=r_+) ## ?

Homework Equations


##r_+ \neq r_{++}##
## g(r=r_+) \neq g(r=r_{++}) ##

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried computing ## dg(r_+) = \frac{\partial g}{\partial r} \Big |_{r=r_+} dr_+##, but i am very confused. This is all the information that i have of this problem.
 
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  • #2
Can you define #r_{+} , r_{++}## for us? Do it through a forehand or backhand, either is OK ;).
 
  • #3
WWGD said:
Can you define #r_{+} , r_{++}## for us? Do it through a forehand or backhand, either is OK ;).
I don't understand your assumption. ##r=r_+## and ##r=r_{++}## are two differents points such that ##r_{++}>r_+##
 
  • Like
Likes WWGD
  • #4
PeteSampras said:
I don't understand your assumption. ##r=r_+## and ##r=r_{++}## are two differents points such that ##r_{++}>r_+##
Sorry, a tennis joke; guess you're tired of them ;).
 

1. What is variational calculus?

Variational calculus is a branch of mathematics that deals with finding the optimal value of a functional, which is a mathematical expression that takes in a function as its input and outputs a real number. It is commonly used in physics and engineering to solve problems involving optimization, such as finding the path of least resistance or the shape of a curve that minimizes a certain property.

2. What is the difference between dg(r=r+) and dg(r=r++)?

In variational calculus, dg(r=r+) and dg(r=r++) refer to the derivatives of a functional with respect to a function. The difference between the two is that dg(r=r+) is the derivative at a specific point r, while dg(r=r++) is the derivative at a point infinitesimally close to r. In other words, dg(r=r++) is the limit of dg(r=r+) as r approaches r+.

3. When does dg(r=r+) not equal dg(r=r++)?

In general, dg(r=r+) and dg(r=r++) will be equal if the function is continuous and differentiable at r. However, if the function has a discontinuity or a sharp change at r, then the derivatives will not be equal. This is because the limit of dg(r=r+) as r approaches r+ will not exist in this case.

4. Why is it important to know when dg(r=r+) ≠ dg(r=r++)?

Knowing when dg(r=r+) ≠ dg(r=r++) is important because it can affect the solutions obtained from variational calculus. If the derivatives are not equal, then the optimal value of the functional may be different depending on whether we use dg(r=r+) or dg(r=r++) in our calculations. It is important to be aware of this possibility and consider both cases when solving problems with variational calculus.

5. How can we determine when dg(r=r+) ≠ dg(r=r++)?

The best way to determine when dg(r=r+) ≠ dg(r=r++) is to analyze the function and its derivatives at the point r. If there is a discontinuity or a sharp change at r, then the derivatives will not be equal. Additionally, we can also use the definition of the limit to check if the limit of dg(r=r+) as r approaches r+ exists. If it does not, then dg(r=r+) ≠ dg(r=r++) at that point.

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