What is the Proof of the Euler Lagrange Equation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the proof of the Euler-Lagrange equation, specifically addressing the conditions under which the function "f" depends on the variable "x." Participants explore the implications of partial differentiation in this context and the relationship between the variables involved.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why the statement \(\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=0\) holds if "f" is dependent on three variables: x, y, and y'.
  • Another participant asserts that if "f" does not depend on x explicitly, then \(\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=0\), suggesting this is independent of whether y satisfies the Euler-Lagrange equation.
  • A different participant counters that "f" does indeed depend on x through y and y', indicating a misunderstanding of the initial claim.
  • Another participant explains the use of partial differentiation, providing an example to illustrate how x, y(x), and y'(x) can be treated as independent variables in the context of differentiation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the dependency of "f" on "x," leading to an unresolved debate regarding the implications of partial differentiation in the context of the Euler-Lagrange equation.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made about the dependencies of the function "f" on its variables, which are not fully resolved in the discussion.

ercagpince
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[SOLVED] Euler Lagrange Equation

Hi there ,
I am missing a crucial point on the proof of Euler Lagrange equation , here is my question :
[tex]\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}-\frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{df}{dy^{'}}\right)=0[/tex] (Euler-Lagrange equation)

If the function "f" doesn't depend on x explicitly but implicitly and if y satisfies the Euler-Lagrange equation then ;
[tex]\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=0[/tex]

Why is that so ? While ,supposedly , f is dependent to 3 variables : x,y,y' how van that statement be true ?
 
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If the function [tex]f[/tex] doesn't depend on x explicitly then

[tex]\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=0[/tex]

and this has nothing to do with the

...and if y satisfies the Euler-Lagrange equation...

I don't understand what is the question :confused:
 
Still , the function f does depend on x through y and y' . That is why I asked basically .
 
That's why we use partial differention. Let

[tex]f\left(x,y(x),y'(x)\right)=x^2\,e^{y(x)}\,\ln{y'(x)}+\sin\left(x\,y(x)\right)[/tex]

then [itex]\frac{\partial\,f}{\partial\,x}[/itex] means

[tex]\frac{\partial\,f}{\partial\,x}=2\,x\,e^{y(x)}\,\ln{y'(x)}+y(x)\,\cos\left(x\,y(x)\right)[/tex]

i.e. you treat [tex]x,y(x),y'(x)[/tex] as independent variables.
 
Thanks for helping out!
 

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