Calculus of variations Definition and 154 Threads

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    Deriving the Shortest Path in Radial Co-ordinates Using Variational Principle

    I have this question, Express the length of a given curve r = r(\theta) in radial co-ordinates. Using the Variational principle derive the shortest path between two points is a line. Ive drawn a picture with two angles (measured from the x-axis) \theta_1 and \theta_2 so that r(\theta_1) =...
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    How Can You Optimize Travel Time with Varying Speeds in Calculus of Variations?

    I have another difficult question regarding calculus of variations. A particle travels in the (x,y) plane has a speed u(y) that depends on the distance of the particle from the x-axis. The direction of travel subtends an angle \theta with the x-axis that can be controlled to give the minimum...
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    What is the Extremum of the Integral for Calculus of Variations?

    I am facing a difficult integral here for calculus of variations. The question reads: Find the extremum to the integral: I[y(x)] = \int_{Q}^{P} (dy/dx)^2(1+dy/dx)^2 dx where P = (0,0) and Q = (1,2)
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    How Can I Succeed in My Undergraduate Calculus of Variations Class?

    Hi all, I seeking some advice about the calculus of variations. I am an undergraduate and i am enrolled in a topic of the above mentioned. After successfully completing the requirments for the topic, 3 weeks after commencement i am feeling way out of my depth. I understand that the calculus...
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