Euler-Lagrange equation first integral question

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of the E-L first integral rule and its application to the integral \int_0^1 yy'dx where y(0) = 0 and y(1) = 0. It is determined that for every function that satisfies the boundary conditions, the value of the integral is 0, making it both the minimum and maximum value of the problem. It is also mentioned that the first integral provides no information about y in this particular example.
  • #1
Dustinsfl
2,281
5
\[
\int_0^1yy'dx
\]
where \(y(0) = 0\) and \(y(1) = 0\).
The first integral is
\[
f - y'\frac{\partial f}{\partial y'} = c.
\]
Using this, I get \(yy' - y'y = 0 = c\) so ofcourse \(y(0)\) and \(y(1)\) equal \(0\) then but is this correct?

It just seems odd.
 
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  • #2
Re: E-L eq first integral question

dwsmith said:
\[
\int_0^1yy'dx
\]
where \(y(0) = 0\) and \(y(1) = 0\).
The first integral is
\[
f - y'\frac{\partial f}{\partial y'} = c.
\]
Using this, I get \(yy' - y'y = 0 = c\) so ofcourse \(y(0)\) and \(y(1)\) equal \(0\) then but is this correct?

It just seems odd.

Big edit: I'm not sure...

(edited again, as mentioned in post 10)

\(\displaystyle \int_0^1 (yy')dx=\frac{1}{2}\int_0^1 (y^2)' dx=\frac{y(1)^2-y(0)^2}{2}\)

So, with the conditions that \(\displaystyle y(0)=y(1)=0\) you have \(\displaystyle \int_0^1yy'dx=0\) and there isn't a unique solution.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Re: E-L eq first integral question

M R said:
Big edit: I'm not sure...

\(\displaystyle \int_0^1 (yy')dx=\frac{1}{2}\int_0^1 (y^2)' dx=\frac{y(1)^2}{2}\)

So, with the condition that \(\displaystyle y(1)=0\) you have \(\displaystyle \int_0^1yy'dx=0\) and there isn't a unique solution.

I am not integrating the function per se. I am using the E-L eqs to determine the answer.
 
  • #4
Re: E-L eq first integral question

dwsmith said:
I am not integrating the function per se. I am using the E-L eqs to determine the answer.
The answer to what question though?

I had assumed you were trying to find a function for which the functional has a stationary value but in this case, \(\displaystyle \int yy' dx\), the integral is zero for every function that satisfies the boundary conditions.

May I ask, what is the source of the question?
 
  • #5
Re: E-L eq first integral question

M R said:
The answer to what question though?

I had assumed you were trying to find a function for which the functional has a stationary value but in this case, \(\displaystyle \int yy' dx\), the integral is zero for every function that satisfies the boundary conditions.

May I ask, what is the source of the question?

Shouldn't I be able to use the E-L first integral rule here? From class.
 
  • #6
Re: E-L eq first integral question

dwsmith said:
Shouldn't I be able to use the E-L first integral rule here? From class.

In this example the first integral tells you nothing about y.

Maybe that's why you were given this question to think about. :)
 
  • #7
Re: E-L eq first integral question

M R said:
In this example the first integral tells you nothing about y.

Maybe that's why you were given this question to think about. :)

So what I did was correct but it leads no where then, correct?
 
  • #8
Re: E-L eq first integral question

dwsmith said:
So what I did was correct but it leads no where then, correct?

I guess so but see my PM. :)
 
  • #9
Re: E-L eq first integral question

M R said:
I guess so but see my PM. :)

So the minimum and maximum of that problem would be both 0 then correct?
 
  • #10
Re: E-L eq first integral question

dwsmith said:
So the minimum and maximum of that problem would be both 0 then correct?

Yes. For every y(x) that satisfies y(0)=y(1)=0 the value of that integral is 0.

Going back to my first post it should have said \(\displaystyle \int_0^1 yy' dx=\frac{y(1)^2-y(0)^2}{2}\)

but since y(0)=0 it didn't really matter, but then y(1)=0 too so that didn't matter either. (Tongueout)
 

FAQ: Euler-Lagrange equation first integral question

What is the Euler-Lagrange equation?

The Euler-Lagrange equation is a mathematical formula used to find the extrema (maximum or minimum) of a functional. It is commonly used in the calculus of variations to solve optimization problems.

What is the first integral in the context of the Euler-Lagrange equation?

The first integral in the Euler-Lagrange equation refers to a constant value that remains unchanged throughout the optimization process. It is typically used to simplify the equation and make it easier to solve.

How is the first integral determined in the Euler-Lagrange equation?

The first integral is determined by solving the Euler-Lagrange equation and finding a constant value that satisfies the equation. This value can be determined using boundary conditions or other constraints in the problem.

What is the significance of the first integral in the Euler-Lagrange equation?

The first integral represents a conservation law in the problem, meaning that it remains constant regardless of any changes in the system. This can provide useful insights into the behavior of the system and help with further analysis.

Can the first integral be used to solve any optimization problem?

No, the use of the first integral is specific to problems that can be solved using the Euler-Lagrange equation. It is not applicable to all optimization problems and may not be useful in cases where the equation cannot be easily solved.

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