4.

Calculus of Variations College Mathematics VII 389

2
1 ∂ ∂ 
Introduction : In differential calculus, we have studies the method + h + k  F +K
of finding maxima and minima of a function of one or more 2!  ∂y ∂y ' 
variables. In this chapter we study the methods of findings the curves
of maxima and minima of functions of variables curves.
 ∂F ∂F 
∴ F ( x, y + h, y '+ k ) − F ( x, y, y ') =  h +k 
4.1 Functionals  ∂y ∂y ' 
Let S be the set of all functions of a single variable x in an
1  h2 ∂ 2 F ∂2F 2 ∂ F 
2
interval (x1, x2) . Then a function which assigns a unique real umber +  + 2hk +k 
of each function in S, is called a functional. 2!  ∂y 2 ∂y∂y ' ∂y '2 
In symbols, a functional F is a mapping from the set of all This is the increment in F and is denoted by ∆F . If the
functions to the set of real numbers i.e., F : S → R second and higher degree terms in h and k are neglected, we get.
 ∂F ∂F 
b

∫ (2 x + y + 3 y′ )dx is a functional ∆F =  h +k
2
Examples : (i)  . . . (1)
a  ∂y ∂y ' 
a This is called total derivative (differential) of F and is
(ii) ∫ a 2 + y′2 dx is a functional denoted by dF.
b ∂F ∂F
x2 ∴ dF = h +k . . . (2)
∂y ∂y '
(iii) ∫ f ( x, y, y ')dx is a functional
x1
If we replace F by y we get

∂y ∂y
4.2 Total Differential and Variation dy = h +k = h(1) + k (0) = h
Let F(x, y, y’) be a function involving the independent variable ∂y ∂y '
x, the dependent variable y and the derivative of the dependent If we replace F by y’ we get
variable w.r.t. the independent variable. Then for each value of x, ∂y ' ∂y '
there will be a value for y and a value for y’. If x is fixed and y is dy ' = h +k = h(0) + k (1) = k
taken as an arbitrary function of x and y’ the derivatives, we get a
∂y ∂y '
unique real value for F(x, y, y’) for each function y. ∴ dy ' = k
∂F ∂F
∴ For a fixed x, F(x, y, y’) will be a functional. ∴ dF = dy + dy′ . . . (3)
∂y ∂y '
By Taylor’s expansion for a function of two variables, we
This is the total differential of F.
have
 ∂ ∂  Choose h = εη ( x) and k = εη '( x) where ε is an arbitrary
F ( x, y + h, y '+ k ) = F ( x, y, y ') +  h + k F
 ∂y ∂y '  small quantity, η ( x) is an arbitrary function and η '( x) is the
derivative of η ( x) , then F ( x, y + εη ( x), y '+ εη '( x)) − F ( x, y, y ')
390 Calculus of Variations College Mathematics VII 391

∂F ∂F From (1) and (2) we get

= εη ( x) + εη '( x) . . . (4) d  dy 
∂y ∂y ' (δ y ) = δ  
This is called the Variation of F and is denoted by δ F dx  dx 
∂F ∂F
∴δ F = εη ( x) + εη '( x) Theorem 2 : δ and
∂y ∂y ' ∫ commute each other
If we replace F by y, we get x2

δ y = εη ( x)
∂y
+ εη '( x)
∂y
= εη ( x) . . . (5)
i.e. if ∫ f ( x, y, y ')dx is a functional, then
∂y ∂y '
x1
x2 x2
If we replace F by y′ , we get δ ∫ f ( x, y, y ')dx = ∫ δ f ( x, y, y ')dx
∂y ' ∂y '
δ y ' = εη ( x) + εη '( x) = εη '( x)
x1 x1

∂y ∂y ' i.e. the variation of a functional associated with f(x, y, y’) is equal to
functional associated with the variation of f.
∂F ∂F
∴δ F = δy+ δ y 'K . . . (6)
∂y ∂y ' Proof :
Where δ y = εη ( x) . . . (7) x2
∂ 2
x

δ ∫ f ( x, y, y ')dx = [ f ( x, y, y ')dx]δ y
and δ y = εη '( x) . . . (8)
x1
∂y x∫1
∂ 2
x
4.3 Standard Properties
[ f ( x, y, y ')dx]δ y '
∂y ' x∫1
+
d
Theorem 1 : δ and commute each other
dx
∂ ∂
x2 x
 2

d  dy  = ∫  f ( x, y, y ')dx δ y + [ ∫ f ( x, y, y ')dx]δ y '

i.e. (δ y ) = δ   x1 
∂y  ∂y '
 dx 
x1
dx
∂ ∂
x2
Proof : δ y = εη ( x)
= ∫[ f ( x, y, y ')dy + f ( x, y, y ')δ y ']dx
d ∂y ∂y '
∴ (δ y ) = εη '( x) . . . (1) x1

dx x2

dy dy = ∫ df ( x, y, y ')dx
As y changes to y + εη ( x) , changes to + εη '( x) x1
dx dx x2 x2
dy ∴δ ∫ f ( x, y, y ')dx = ∫ δ f ( x, y, y ')dx
If x is treated as fixed, then becomes a functional
dx x1 x1

 dy 
∴δ   = ε n '( x)(Q δ y ' = εη '( x)) . . . (2)
 dx  Theorem 3 : The operator δ satisfies the sum, differences, product
and quotient rules of differentiation.
392 Calculus of Variations College Mathematics VII 393

i.e. ∂ ( f ± g ) = ∂f ± ∂g Proof :
∂ ( fg ) = f ∂g + g ∂f x2

 f  g ∂f − f ∂g
∂  =
Let I= ∫ f ( x, y, y ')dx . . . (1)
g g2 x1

∂ (cf ) = c∂f where C is a constant

and f and g are functions of x, y, y′

Proof : Left as exercise as it is straight forward application of the

definition of ∂ .

4.4. Fundamental Problem of Calculus of Variations

4.4.1 Extremal Functional, Variational Problem
x2
Let I be maximum or minimum along some curve y = y(x)
I= ∫ f ( x, y, y ')dx
x1
passing through the points A(x1, y1) and B(x2, y2).
∴ A neighboring curve is given by
where y is a function of x defined over the interval [x1, x2] such that
y = y ( x) + εη ( x) . . . (2)
y(x1) = y1 and y(x2) = y2.
Let S be the set of all of all functions defined over the Where ε is a small quantity and η(x) is a function of x such
interval [x1, x2]. ∴ y(x) ∈ S that η ( x1 ) = η ( x2 ) = 0
If ε = 0, then the neighbouring curve becomes
Now the problem of finding y(x) ∈ S for which the integral Y = y(x) which is the curve itself
1 is a maximum or minimum (i.e. extremum) in comparison with the This makes I an extremum
neighbouring functions namely y + εη ( x) where ε is small quantity x2

and η(x) is a function of x such that η ( x1 ) = η ( x2 ) = 0. ∴ I = ∫ [ f ( x, y ( x) + εη ( x); y '( x) + εη '( x)]dx . . . (3)
x1
A necessary condition for the integral I to have an extremum
is an extremum when ε = 0.
is given by Euler’s Equation.
By Leibnitz’ rule for differentiation under the integral sign,
4.4.2 Euler’s Equation
x2 we get
∫ f ( x, y, y ')dx ∂
x
A necessary condition for the integral I =
2
dI
= ∫[ f ( x, y ( x) + εη ( x); y '( x) + εη '( x)]dx
x1 d ε x1 ∂ε
where y(x1) = y1 and y(x2) = y2, to have a maximum or a minimum is
Let Y ( x) = y ( x) + εη ( x)
∂f d  ∂f 
that −   = 0. ∴ Y '( x) = y '( x) + εη '( x)
∂y dx  ∂y ' 
394 Calculus of Variations College Mathematics VII 395

dI
x2 = 0 Using equation (4)
∴
dε
= ∫ f ( x, Y , Y ')dx = 0 when ∈= 0 ∴ the necessary condition for I to be extremum is ∂I = 0.
 ∂f ∂f
x2
x1

∂ ∂f ∂Y ∂f ∂Y ' From (4) , = ∫  η ( x) + η '( x) dx = 0
[ f ( x), Y , Y '] = . + . x1 
∂y ∂y ' 
∂ε ∂Y ∂ε ∂Y ' ∂ε
∂f ∂f
x2 x
Y = y and y ' = y ' when ε = 0
2
But i.e. ∫ η ( x)dx + ∫ η '( x)dx = 0
∂f ∂f ∂y ∂f ∂y ∂y '
∴ = . = x1 x1

∂Y ∂y ∂Y ' ∂Y ' x2
∂f  ∂f  2
x2
d  ∂f 
x

∂y i.e. ∫ η ( x)dx +  η ( x)  − ∫ η ( x)   dx = 0
And Y = y ( x) + εη ( x) = = η ( x) ∂y  ∂y '  x1 x1 dx  ∂y ' 
∂ε
x1

∂f d  ∂f 
x2 x
∂y '
2

Y ' = y '( x) + εη '( x) = = η '( x) i.e. ∫ η ( x)dx + 0 − ∫ η ( x)   dx = 0

∂ε x1
∂y x1
dx  ∂y ' 
 ∂f ∂f Qη ( x2 ) = η ( x1 ) = 0
x2
 dI  
∴   = ∫  η ( x) + η '( x) dx = 0 . . . (4)
 d ε  ε =0 x1  ∂y ∂y '  x2
 ∂f d  ∂f  
= ∫ −    η ( x)dx = 0
This condition can be expressed in terms of variations as follows:
x1 
∂y dx  ∂y '  
x2

I= ∫ f ( x, y, y ')dx Since η ( x) is arbitrary,

∂f d  ∂f 
−  =0
x1
∂y dx  ∂y ' 
x2
This is Euler’s equation and is the condition for the
∴δ I = δ ∫ f ( x, y, y ')dx x2

∫ f ( x, y, y ')dx
x1
extremum of the functional
x2

= ∫ δ f ( x, y, y ')dx
x1

4.4.3 Other forms of Euler’s Equation

∂f
x1

 ∂f ∂f
x2
 1. Since f(x, y, y’) is a function of x, y, y’, is also a function
= ∫  ∂y + δ y ' dx ∂y '
x1 
∂y ∂y '  of x, y, y′
But ∂y = εη ( x), ∂y ' = εη '( x) d  ∂f  ∂  ∂f  ∂  ∂f  dy ∂  ∂f  dy '
∴   =  +   +  
 ∂f ∂f
x2
 dx  ∂y '  ∂x  ∂y '  ∂y  ∂y '  dx ∂y '  ∂y '  dx
∴∂I = ∫  .εη ( x) + .εη '( x) dx
x1 
∂y ∂y '  ∂2 f ∂ 2 f dy ∂ 2 f dy '
= + . + .
2
 ∂f
x
∂f  ∂x∂y ' ∂y∂y ' dx ∂y '2 dx
= ε ∫  η ( x) + η '( x) dx
x1 
∂y ∂y ' 
396 Calculus of Variations College Mathematics VII 397

∂2 f ∂2 f ∂2 f ∂f
= + . y '+ . y '' 3. If f does not contain x explicitly, =0
∂x∂y ' ∂y∂y ' ∂y '2 ∂x
d  ∂f 
∂f d  ∂f  from (7)  f − y' =0
∴Euler’s equation −   = 0 becomes dx  ∂y ' 
∂y dx  ∂y ' 
∴integrating w.r.t.x,
∂f ∂2 f ∂2 f ∂2 f ∂f
− − . y '− 2 . y '' = 0 . . . (5) f − y' = C where C is an arbitrary constant
∂y ∂xdy ' ∂ydy ' ∂y ' ∂y '
∂f
2. Since f is a function of x, y, y′ f − y' = C is a special form when f does not contain x
∂y '
df ∂f ∂f dy ∂f dy '
= + . + . explicitly.
dx ∂x ∂y dx ∂y ' dx
df ∂f ∂f ∂f ∂f
i.e. = + . y '+ . y '' . . . (6) 4. If f does not contain y explicitly, =0
dx ∂x ∂y ∂y ' ∂y
d  ∂f  d  ∂f  ∂f dy ' ∂f d  ∂f 
and  y'  = y'  + . From Eulers equation −  =0
dx  ∂y '  dx  ∂y '  ∂y ' dx ∂y dx  ∂y ' 
d  ∂f  d  ∂f  ∂f d  ∂f 
i.e.  y'  = y'  + . y '' . . . (7) i.e., 0 −  =0
dx  ∂y '  dx  ∂y '  ∂y ' dx  ∂y ' 
∴ (5) – (6) d  ∂f 
df d  ∂f  ∂f ∂f ∂f d  ∂f  ∂f i.e.,  =0
−  y' = + . y '+ . y ''− y '  − . y '' dx  ∂y ' 
dx dx  ∂y '  ∂x ∂y ∂y ' dx  ∂y '  ∂y ' ∂f
Integrating w.r.t x, = C where C is an arbitrary constant.
d  ∂f  ∂f ∂f d  ∂f  ∂y '
i.e.,  f − y'  = + . y '− y '  
dx  ∂y '  ∂x ∂y dx  ∂y '  ∴ When f doe not contain as explicitly, Euler’s equation becomes
∂f  ∂f d  ∂f   ∂f
= + y' −  =C . . . (9)
 ∂y '
∂x  ∂y dx  ∂y '  
∂f ∂f
∂f 5. If f does not contain both x and y explicitly, = 0, = 0
= + y '(0) ∂x ∂y
∂x
d  ∂f  ∂f ∂2 f
∴ f − y' = In this case Euler’s equation becomes = y '' = 0
dx  ∂y '  ∂x ∂y '2
Using (4), we get y′′ = 0
398 Calculus of Variations College Mathematics VII 399

∴ y′′ = 0 is the condition if f does not contain both x and y ⇒ y′′ − y ' = 0
explicitly.
3. Obtain the Euler’s equation for solving the extremal
x2
Worked Examples
∫ y '(1 + x
2
problem : y ')dx (M 2002)
1 Obtain the Euler’s equation to the extremal of x1
x2
Solution : Let f = y '+ x 2 ( y ') 2
∫[y + ( xy ') + ye ]dx
2 2 x
(N 04)
∂f ∂f
x1 = 0, = 1 + 2x2 y '
∂y ∂y '
Solution : Let f = y 2 + ( xy ') 2 + ye x
∂f ∂f ∂f d  ∂f 
= 2 y + ex , = 2 x2 y ' Euler’s equation is −  =0
∂y ∂y ' ∂y dx  ∂y ' 

⇒ 0 − (1 + 2 x 2 y ' ) = 0
d
∂f d  ∂f 
Euler’s equation −  =0 dx
∂y dx  ∂y ' 
⇒ −0 − 2 x 2 y′′ − 4 xy ' = 0
⇒ 2 y + e x − ( 2 x 2 y ') = 0
d
⇒ xy′′ + 2 y ' = 0
dx
⇒ 2 y + e − {2 x 2 y′′ + y '4 x} = 0
x
4. Show that the Euler’s equation for the extremum of
⇒ −2 x 2 y′′ − 4 xy '+ 2 y + e x = 0 x2

∫ (y
2
+ y '2 + 2 ye x )dx reduce to y′′ − y = e x
⇒ 2 x 2 y′′ + 4 xy '− 2 y = e x x1
2. Obtain the Euler’s equation for the extremal of the functional
x2 Solution : Let f = y 2 + y '2 + 2 ye x
∫[y
2
− yy '+ ( y ') 2 ]dx (A 2004) ∂f ∂f
= 2 y + 2e x ; = 2y '
x1 ∂y ∂y '
Solution : Let f = y 2 − yy '+ ( y ')2 ∂f d  ∂f 
∂f ∂f Euler’s equation is −  =0
= 2y − y ', = −y + 2y ' ∂y dx  ∂y ' 
∂y ∂y ' d
⇒ 2 y + 2e x − ( 2 y ' ) = 0
∂f d  ∂f  dx
Euler’s equation is −  =0
∂y dx  ∂y '  ⇒ y + e − y′′ = 0
x

d
⇒ 2 y − y '− ( − y + 2 y ' ) = 0 ⇒ y′′ − y = e x
dx
⇒ 2 y − y '+ y '− 2 y′′ = 0 5. Show that Euler’s equation for the extremum of
400 Calculus of Variations College Mathematics VII 401

x2 2 x + 4 y − 2 x 2 y ''− 4 xy ' = 0
∫ [x
2
( y ') + 4 y ( x + y )]dx = 0 is x y′′ + 2 xy '− 4 y = x
2 2
x 2 y ''+ 2 xy '− 2 y = x
x1
This is a differential equation of second order.
Solution : Let f = x 2 ( y ') 2 + 4 y ( x + y ) To solve this equation, use the substitution x = ez.
d
∂f ∂f ∴ xy ' = Dy and x 2 y '' = D( D − 1) y where D =
= 4x + 8y ; = x2 2 y ' = 2x2 y ' dz
∂y ∂y ' ∴ [D(D-1)+2D -2]y = ez
∂f d  ∂f  i.e., (D2 +D - 2)y = 0
Euler’s equation is −  =0 AE is D2 +D – 2 = 0
∂y dx  ∂y '  (D + 2 ) ( D - 1) = 0
⇒ 4 x + 8 y − ( 2 x 2 y ') = 0 ∴D = -2, D = 1
d
dx ∴ CF is C1 e-2z + C2ez
⇒ 4 x + 8 y − 2 x 2 y′′ − 4 xy ' = 0 PI =
1
ez
⇒ x 2 y′′ + 2 xy '− 4 y = 2 x D +D−2
2

1
= ez
6. Solve the variation problem : ( D + 2)( D − 1)
2
1 1 z ze z
δ ∫ [ x 2 ( y ')2 + 2 y ( x + y )]dx = 0 given that y (1) = y (2) = 0 =z e z = z. e =
1 D+2 1+ 2 3
Solution : Complete solution is y = CF + PI
Euler’s equations is : -2z ze z
z
i.e. y = C1 e + C2e +
∂f d  ∂f  3
−  =0 . . . (1)
∂y dx  ∂y '  x
i.e., y = C1 x-2 + C2 x + log x.
f = x 2 ( y ') 2 + 2 y ( x + y ) 3
∂f C1 x log x
∴ = 0 + 2x + 4 y = 2x + 4 y i.e. y = 2
+ C2 x + . . . (2)
∂y x 3
But y(1) = y(2) = 0 (given)
∂f
= x 2 2 y '+ 0 = 2 x 2 y ' C
∴ 0 = 21 + C2 +
1log1
⇒ C1 + C2 + 0 = 0
∂y ' 1 3
Substitute in (1) ⇒ C1 + C2 = 0 . . . (3)
d
2 x + 4 y − (2 x 2 y ') = 0 C 2 log 2
dx and 0 = 21 + C2 (2) +
2 3
2 x + 4 y − 2( x 2 y ''+ y '2 x) = 0
402 Calculus of Variations College Mathematics VII 403

C −2 ⇒ x 2 y ''+ 2 xy ' = 0
⇒ 1 + 2C2 = log 2 . . . (4)
4 3 Put x = e z or z = log x
solve (3) and (4) d
(3) ⇒ C2 = -C1 ∴ xy ' = Dy and x 2 y '' = D( D − 1) y where D =
dz
C1 −2
∴ (4) ⇒ − 2C1 = log 2 ∴ [D(D-1) + 2D ] y = 0
4 3 i.e., (D2 + D)y = 0
−7 −2 AE is D2 +D = 0
⇒ C1 = log 2
4 3 D ( D + 1) = 0
8 ∴D = 0, D = -1
⇒ C1 = log 2 ∴ CF is C1 e0z + C2e-z
21 i.e. C1 + C2e-z
−8
∴ C2 = −C1 ⇒ log 2 = C2 PI =
1
(0) = 0
21 D +D
2
8log 2 8log 2 x log x ∴ Complete solution is y = CF + PI
∴ Solution is y = 2
− .x +
21x 21 3 i.e. y = C1 e-2z + C2e-z
C2
7. Solve the variational problem i.e. y = C1 + . . . (2)
1
x
It is given that y (1) = y (2) = 1.
δ ∫ x 2 ( y′)2 dx = 0 , Given y(1) = 1, y(2) = 1
C2
1 1 = C1 + ⇒ C1 + C2 = 1 . . . (3)
Given x
Solution : C
Euler’s Equation is : 1 = C1 + 2 ⇒ 2C1 + C2 = 2 . . . (4)
x
∂f d  ∂f  ⇒ C1 = 1
−  =0 . . . (1) (4) – (3)
∂y dx  ∂y '  (3) ⇒ C2 = 0
Here f = x2 ( y′ )2 ∴ (2) ⇒ Complete solution is y = 1
∂f
∴ =0 8. Find the extremal of the functional : (M05)
∂y x2

∂f ∫[y
2
+ ( y′) 2 + 2 y sech x]dx
= x 2 .2 y ' = 2 x 2 y '
∂y '
x1

d Solution : f = y 2 + ( y ') 2 + 2 y sec hx

∴ (1) ⇒ 0 − (2 x 2 y ') = 0 ∂f
dx ∴ = 2 y + 2sec h
⇒ −(2 x 2 . y ''+ y '.4 x) = 0 ∂y
404 Calculus of Variations College Mathematics VII 405

∂f 0 e− x
= 2y '
∂y ' sec h −e − x − sec hx.e− x
A' = =
∂f d  ∂f  ex e− x −1 − 1
∴ Eulers equation −  =0
∂y dx  ∂y '  ex −e − x
d
⇒ 2 y + 2sec h x − (2 y ') = 0 1
= sec hx.e − x
dx 2
⇒ 2 y + 2sec h x − 2 y '' = 0
1 2 e− x
⇒ y ''− y = sec h x . . . (1) = . x − x .e− x = x − x
2 e +e e +e
This is a second order differential equation :
AE is D2 -1 = 0 e− x
A' =
∴ D = 1 , -1 e x + e− x
∴ CF is C1 ex + C2e-x 1 e2 x
B ' = −A'e = 2x
=
1 + e −2 x e 2 x + 1
Replace C1 and C2 by A and B respectively which are functions of x.
Integrating these w.r.t.x, we get
∴ y = Aex + B e-x
e− x
dy
= Ae x + A ' e x + B ' e − x − Be − x A=∫ dx
dx e x + e− x
= ( Ae x − Be− x ) + ( A ' e x + B ' e − x ) e−2 x
=∫ dx
Choose A ' e x + B ' e− x = 0 . . . (2) 1 + e−2 x
1
∴
dy
= Ae x − Be − x A = − log(1 + e−2 x ) + C1
dx 2
2x
e 1
d2y
∴ 2 = Ae x + A ' e x − B ' e− x + Be− x B=∫ dx = log(e 2 x + 1) + C2
dx 1+ e 2x
2
1
Substituting in the equation (1): we get, ∴ (2) ⇒ y = [− log(1 + e −2 x ) + C1 ]e x
( Ae x + A ' e x + Be− x − B ' e − x ) − ( Ae x + Be − x ) = sec hx 2
1
i.e., Ae x − Be − x = sec hx . . . (3) +[+ log(e2 x + 1) + C2 ]e− x
Solve for A′ and B′ from (2) and (3); 2
Where C1 and C2 are constants which can be determined using the
values of y at x1 and x2.

9. Find the extremal of the functional :

406 Calculus of Variations College Mathematics VII 407

1 cx
i.e. y= +B
∫
0
1 + ( y ')2 dx given that y (0)= 1 and y(1) =2
1 − c2
(M 2001) It is given that y (0) = 1 and y (1) = 2
Solution : ∴1 = 0 + B ∴B =1
f = 1 + ( y ') 2 c c
and 2 = + 1∴1 =
∂f ∂f 1 1 − c2 1 − c2
= 0, = .2 y '
∂y ∂y ' 2 1 + ( y ') 2 ∴1 − c 2 = c 2
⇒ 2c 2 = 1
∂f d  ∂f 
∴ Euler’s equation is −  =0 1
c2 = ; c =
1
∂y dx  ∂y '  2 2
d  y'  ∴ Complete solution :
⇒ 0−  =0 x
dx  1 + ( y ')2  y= +1
 
1
y' 2 1−
= = Constant say C 2
1 + ( y ') 2 ⇒ y = x +1
⇒ y ' = c 1 + ( y ') 2
1
( y ')2
Squaring 10. Prove that the extremal of ∫ dx with y(0)= 0,
( y ') 2 = c 2 [1 + ( y ') 2 ] 0
x
i.e. ( y ') 2 [1 − c 2 ] = c 2 y(2) = 1 is a parabola (A 2004)
2
( y ')
c2 Solution : Given f =
∴ ( y ') =2
x
1 − c2
∂f ∂f 2y '
c =0 =
∴y'= ∂y ∂y ' x
1 − c2
∂f d  ∂f 
c Euler’s equation is −  =0
∴ dy = dx ∂y dx  ∂y ' 
1 − c2
∴ integrating we get
d  2y ' 
0−  =0
c dx  x 
y=
1 − c2
∫ dx + constant B. ⇒
2y '
= c1
x
408 Calculus of Variations College Mathematics VII 409

⇒ 2dy = c1 xdx y'=

c1 x
x2 1 − c12 x 2
⇒ 2 y = c1 + c2 . . . (1)
2 c1 xdx
dy =
At x = 0, y = 0 ⇒ 0 = 0 + c2 ∴ c2 = 0 1 − c12 x 2
At x = 2, y = 1 ⇒ 2 = c1 2 + 0 ∴ c1 = 1 1
Integrating y=− 1 − c12 x 2 + c2 . . . (1)
x2 c1
(1) ⇒ 2 y = ∴ x2 = 4 y
2 1
This is a parabola. when x = 1, y = 0 ⇒ 0=− 1 − c12 + c2
c1
1
11. Show that the curve passing through (1, 0) and (2, 1) with ⇒ 1 − c12 = c12 c2 2 ⇒ c12 =
2
1 + ( y ')2 1 + c2 2
∫1 x 2 dx is a circle (A 2004 , 06)
when x = 2, y = 1 ⇒1 = −
1
1 − 4c12 + c2
1 c1
Solution : Let f = 1 + ( y ') 2
x ⇒ (1 − c2 )c1 = − 1 − 4c12
∂f ∂f 1 2y ' y' ⇒ (1 − c2 ) 2 c12 = 1 − 4c12
= 0, = =
∂y ∂y ' x 2 1 + ( y ')2 1 + ( y ') 2 1 4 c2 2 − 3
The Euler’s equation becomes ⇒ (1 − c2 ) 2
= 1− =
1 + c2 2 1 + c2 2 1 + c2 2
∂f d  ∂f 
−  =0 ⇒ (1 − c2 ) 2 = c2 2 − 3
∂y dx  ∂y ' 
1
⇒ c2 = 2 ∴ c1 =
d   on solving
y'
0−  =0 5
dx  x 1 + ( y ') 2 
 x2
(1) ⇒ y = − 5 1 − +2
y' 5
⇒ = c1
x 1 + ( y ') 2 5(5 − x 2 )
( y − 2) 2 =
y' 5
= c1 x
1 + ( y ') 2 ( y − 2) = (5 − x ) ⇒ x 2 + y 2 − 4 y − 1 = 0
2 2

The extremal of the given function is a circle.

Squaring both sides and cross-multiplying
( y ') 2 = c12 x 2 (1 + y ') 2 ) 12. Find the extremal of the functional
( y ') [1 − c1 x ] = c1 x
2 2 2 2 2
410 Calculus of Variations College Mathematics VII 411

π /2 b
1
I =∫ 1 + ( y ') 2 dx is (x-B)2 + y2 = R2
I= ∫ (y − y ' − 2 y sin x)dx
2 2 (A 06)
under the condition
0 a
y
y (0) = y (π / 2) = 0 Solution : Given I function is independent of x. Thus the
corresponding Euler’s equation is
Solution : I is maximum or minimum if it satisfies Euler’s
∂f
equations f − y' = A, where A is a constant
∂f d  ∂f  ∂y '
−  =0 . . . (1)
∂y dx  ∂y '  1 + ( y ')2 ∂f 1 2y ' y'
f = ⇒ = =
⇒ f = y 2 − y '2 − 2 y sin x y ∂y ' y 2 1 + ( y ') 2 y 1 + ( y ')2
∂f ∂f Euler’s equation becomes
= 2 y − 2sin x ; = −2 y '
∂y ∂y ' ( y ') = A
2
1 + ( y ') 2
d −
(1) ⇒ 2 y − 2 sin x − (−2 y ') = 0 y y 1 + ( y ') 2
dx
′′
⇒ y + y = sin x 1 + ( y ') 2 − ( y ')2
=A
y 1 + ( y ')2
It is a second order differential equation with constant
coefficient. 1 = Ay 1 + ( y ') 2
Auxilaliary equation is m 2 + 1 = 0 ⇒ m = ±i 1 = A2 y 2 (1 + ( y ') 2 )
C.F = A cos x + B sin x 1 1
1 x 2 2
= 1 + ( y ')2 ⇒ ( y ') 2 = −1 + 2 2
P.I . = 2 sin x = − cos x A y A y
D +1 2
dy 1 − A2 y 2
x ∴ =
∴ y = A cos x + B sin x − cos x gives the computer solution dx Ay
2
y (0) = A = 0 From data and Ay
∴ dy = dx
π 1 − A2 y 2
y (π / 2) = 0 + B − (0) = 0 ∴ B = 0
4 1
− (1 − A2 y 2 )1/ 2 = x − B
x A
Thus the extremal value of I is y = − cos x
2 1
2
(1 − A2 y 2 ) = ( x − B) 2
A
13. Show that the general solution of Euler’s equation for the 1
Functional ( x − B)2 = 2 − y 2
A
412 Calculus of Variations College Mathematics VII 413
4
1
( x − B) + y = 2 = R 2
2 2
which is a circle. 5. ∫ [ xy '− ( y ') ]dx
2
given that y(0) = 0 and y(4) = 3.
A 0
4
Exercise 6. ∫
1
x .( y ') 2 dx given that y(1) = 5, y(4) = 7
I Form the Euler’s equation for the following 1
1 2 
∫0  y +
x2 x2
( y ') 2 7.  1 ( y ')  dx given that y =1 when x = 0 and
1) ∫ 2 dx 2) ∫ y (1 + ( y ') )dx
2

x1
y x1
y = 2 when x = 1
1 1 4

∫ [( y ') + 12 xy ]dx ∫
4) [ y 2 − yy '+ ( y ') 2 ]dx
2
3)
0 0
8. ∫
0
y 1 + ( y ') 2 dx given that y(0) = 1, y(4)= 5
1 2 2
1
∫ ( y + x y ')dx ∫ [ y − ( y ') ]dx
2 2 2 2
5)
0
6)
0
9. ∫x
1
1 + ( y ')2 dx given that y = 0 when x = 1 and
2 1 y = 1 when x = 2
∫ [ x ( y ') + 2 y + 2 xy]dx 8) ∫ 1 + ( y ') 2 dx
2 2 2
7) x2

∫ [1 + xy '+ x( y ') ]dx

2
1 0 10.
x1

IV 11. Find the curve which passes through P(0, 2) and

II Solve the following variation problems. 1 1
1 Q ( , e + ) along which the integral
1. δ [12 xy + ( y ')2 dx = 0 given that y(0) = 3, y(1) = 6
∫ 2 e
1/ 2
1
∫ [y + 4( y ') 2 ]dx is extremum.
2
5
2. δ ∫ x(1 + y '2 )dx = 0 given that y(4) = 0, y(5) = 4 0
π
4
1 ∫
12. Find the curve which makes [( y ') 2 + 2 y sin x]dx an
3. δ [ x + y + ( y ') 2 ] dx = 0 given that y = 1 when x = 0 and
∫ 0

1 extremum given that it passes through (0, 0) and ( π , 0)

y = 2 when x = 1
π  V Show that the extremal value of
2
4. δ [ y 2 − ( y ') 2 ] dx = 0 given that y(0) = 0 and y 
∫ =2 x2
2 ∫y y = c1 x − c2
2
0 a) ( y ') 2 dx is
III. Find the function y which makes the following functional x1
extremum
414 Calculus of Variations College Mathematics VII 415

2
4 1  7) x2 y′′ + 2x y′ – 2y = x 8) y′ = c1 1 + ( y ') 2
∫ x ( y ') dx , y(0) =1,y(2) =1 is y = 1 − 2 
2 2
b)
1 3 x  II. 1. y = x2 + 2x +3 2. y = 4 x − 4
1 2
x 3x
c) ∫ [ x + y + ( y ') ]dx ,
2
(0,1), (1,2) is 4 y = x 2 + 3 x + 4 3. y = + +1 4. y = 2 sin x
0
4 4
1 x −x
2
III. 5. y = 6. y = 2 x + 3
∫(y + x 2 y ')dx , (0,0), (1,1) is y = x
2
d) 4
0
1 7. x = 2 − 5 − y 2 8. x = 2 y − 1
∫ [ x ( y ') + 2 y + 2 xy ]dx
2 2 2
e) y(1) = y(2) = 0 is
9. y = 2 − 5 − x 2 10. 2 y = a log x − x + b
0
IV. 11. y = 2 cosh 2x 12. y = -sin x
1   1  
y = 8  2 − x  log 2 + 7 x log x 
21   x  
1 4.5. Standard Problems
f) ∫
0
1 + ( y ') 2 dx (0, 1) (1, 2) is y = x +1
4.5.1 Geodesics
1 Definition : Among all curves joining two points on a
1
g) ∫x
0
1 + ( y ')2 dx (0, 0) (1, 1) is x 2 + ( y − 1) 2 = 1 surface the curve which has minimum length is called a geodesic.

1 Example : Among all curves joining two points in a plane,

∫
h) [ y − yy '+ ( y ') ]dx (0, 1) (1,2)
2 2 the straight line joining the two points has the minimum length.
is y = c sinh (x + a)
0 Below we determine the geodesics on plane sphere and right circular
π /2 cylinder.
π  1
i) ∫ [( y ')
2
− y 2 + 2 xy ]dx y(0)=0, y   = 0 is y = x − π inx
0 2 2 Theorem 1 : Show that the shortest distance between two points
π /2 in a plane is along the straight line joining them.
1
j) ∫ (y
2
− ( y′) 2 − 2 y sin x)dx, y (0) = y (π / 2) is y = − x cos x
0
2 Solution :
Let y = y(x) be a curve joining two points P(x1, y1) and Q(x2,
Answers y2) in the xy –plane
I. The arc length PQ is given by :
x2
1. y′ = c1y 2) y′ = y − c1 3) y′′ = 6x ds
I= ∫ dx dx
4) y′ = y2 + c2 5) y = x 6) y′′ + y = 0 x1
416 Calculus of Variations College Mathematics VII 417

y2 − y1
∴ y1 = , x1 + b
x2 2
 dy 
= ∫ 1 +   dx
 dx 
x2 − x1
x1
( y − y )x
x2 ∴ b = y1 − 2 1 1
x2 − x1
i.e. I= ∫
x1
1 + ( y ') 2 dx
x y −x y −x y + y x x y −x y
b= 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 = 2 1 1 2
We have to find the curve along which I is minimum. x2 − x1 x2 − x1
Euler’s equation is :
y = ax + b
∂f d  ∂f 
−  =0 . . . (1) y −y x y −x y
∂y dx  ∂y '  ⇒ y = 2 1 x+ 2 1 1 2
x2 − x1 x2 − x1
f = 1 + ( y ') 2 ⇒ ( y − y1 )( x2 − x1 ) = ( y2 − y1 )( x − x1 )
∂f ∂f 1 y −y
= 0, = .2 y ' y − y1 = 2 1 ( x − x1 )
∂y ∂y ' 2 1 + ( y ') 2 x2 − x1
d  y' 
∴ (1) ⇒ 0 −  =0 Theorem 2 : Prove that the shortest arc joining the two points
dx  1 + ( y ') 2  on a sphere is the minor arc of the great circle through the

points.
1
⇒ 1 + ( y ') 2 . y ''− y '. .2 y ' y '' = 0
2 1 + ( y ') 2 Solution : The equation of a sphere whose centre is the origin and
radius = a is x2 + y2 + z2 = a2.
 ( y′) 2 
⇒ y ''  1 + ( y ') −
2
=0 In spherical polar coordinates the equation of the sphere is r = a.
 1 + ( y ') 2 
⇒ y '' = 0 In spherical polar coordinates the elementary arc length is given by
Integrating, y′ = a where a is an arbitrary constant. ∴ ds = h12 dr 2 + h22 dθ 2 + h32 dφ 2
Integrating again, we get
y = ax + b where b is an arbitrary constant. where h1 = 1, h2 = r , h3 = r sin θ
This equation represents a straight line. ∴ ds = dr 2 + r 2dθ 2 + r 2 sin θ dφ 2
This passes through P(x1, y1) and Q(x2, y2)
r = a ⇒ dr = 0
∴ y1 = ax1 + b and
y2 = ax2 + b ∴ ds = a 2 dθ 2 + a 2 sin 2 θ dφ 2
y − y1  dφ 
2
Subtracting , we get a = 2 i.e. ds = a 1 + sin θ 
2
 dθ
x2 − x  dθ 
418 Calculus of Variations College Mathematics VII 419

⇒ sin 2 xy ' = c 1 + sin 2 x ( y ')

2

Let P(a, θ1 , φ1 ) and Q(a, θ 2 , φ2 ) be two points on the sphere r = a.

⇒ (sin 2 xy ') 2 = c 2 [1 + sin 2 x ( y ' ) ]
2
Then the arc length between P and Q is :
⇒ sin 4 x.( y ') 2 = c 2 [1 + sin 2 x ( y ' ) ]
2
Q

s = ∫ ds ⇒ (sin 4 x. − c 2 sin 2 x)( y′)2 = c 2

P
c
θ2 ⇒ y'=
 dφ 
2

i.e. s = ∫θ a 1 + sin θ  dθ  dθ
2
sin 4 x − c 2 sin 2 x
c
⇒ y'=
1

For this arc length to be minimum, the functional :

sin x(1 − c 2 cos ec 2 x )
4
θ2
 dφ 
2

I= ∫ 1 + sin θ 
2
 dθ c cos ec 2 x
 dθ  ⇒ y'=
θ1
1 − c 2 (1 + cot 2 x )
I is of the form :
x2 Integrating we get
I= ∫ 1 + sin 2 x ( y ') dx where x = θ, y = φ
2
c cos ec 2 x
y=∫ dx + constant
x1
1 − c 2 (1 + cot 2 x )
∴ f = 1 + sin 2 x ( y ')
2
Put C cot x = t
df ∴ C cos ec 2 xdx = − dt
=0 − dt
dy ∴y = ∫ +b
df d  df  1 − c2 − t2
Euler’s equation −  =0
dy dx  dy '   t 
⇒ y = cos −1  +b
d  df   1 − c 2

⇒ 0−  =0
dx  dy '   t 
df ⇒ y − b = cos −1  
=c  1− c 
2
⇒
dy '
 t 
∂ ⇒  = cos( y − b)
1 + sin 2 x ( y ') = c
2
⇒ − 2
∂y '  1 c 

⇒
1
.sin 2 x.2 y ' = c c cot x = 1 − c 2 cos( y − b)
2 1 + sin x ( y ') Replacing x by θ and y by φ we get
2 2
420 Calculus of Variations College Mathematics VII 421

c cot θ = 1 − c 2 cos(φ − b) ∴ ds = a 2 (dφ ) 2 + (dz )2

c cos θ ∴ Let P(a, φ1 , z1 ) and δ (a, φ2 , z2 ) be any two points.
⇒ = 1 − c 2 (cos φ cos b + sin φ sin b)
sin θ ∴ The arc length joining P and Q is given by
φ2
Multiply both sides by asinθ, we get ds
I=∫ dφ
ca cos θ = 1 − c 2 (cos ba sin cos φ + sin ba sin θ sin φ ) φ1
dφ
In spherical polar coordinates φ2 2
x = a sin θ cos φ , y = a sin θ sin φ , z = a cos θ  dz 
I= ∫ a +  dφ , which has to be minimum.
2

∴ the equation in Cartesian coordinates becomes φ1  dφ 

cz = 1 − c 2 (cos b.x + sin b. y ) 2
 dz 
cz I = a + 2

⇒ x cos b + y sin b − =0  dφ 
1 − c2
∂f d  ∂f 
which is the form Ax + By +Cz = 0 which represents a plane passing ∴ Eulers equation −  =0
through the origin. The section of the sphere by the plane is the great ∂y dx  ∂y′ 
circles which has two arcs between P and Q viz., the major arc and ⇒ y '' = 0
the minor arc. The minor arc has the minimum length.
d 2z
∴ The manor arc has the shortest distance. This is the ⇒ 2 =0
geodesic on the surface of a sphere. dφ
dz
Theorem 3 : Prove that the shortest distance between two points Integrating, we get =a
dφ
on a circular cylinder, when the points are not on a generator, is
along the circular helix joining them. Integrating again, we get z = aφ + b
Since the curve passes through P(a, φ1 , z1 ) and Q (a, φ2 , z2 )
Solution :
We get z1 = aφ1 + b
Let x2 + y2 = a2 be the equation of a circular cylinder with z –
axis as its axis. and z2 = aφ2 + b
Let ρ, φ, z be the cylindrical coordinates Solving these equations for a and b and substituting in z = aφ + b ,
∴ ds = h (d ρ ) + h (dφ ) + h (dz )
1
2 2 2
2
2 2
3
2
we get
z1 − z2
h1 = 1, h2 = ρ , h3 = 1 are the scale factors. z − z1 = (φ − φ1 )
φ1 − φ2
∴ ds = (d ρ )2 + ρ 2 (dφ ) 2 + (dz ) 2 z increase on the curve from z1 to z2 proportional to the
ρ = a is the equation of the cylinder increase of φ from φ1 to φ2.
∴d ρ = 0
∴ The curve is a circular helix.
422 Calculus of Variations College Mathematics VII 423

1
i.e. sin 2 α .x 2 .2 y ' = c
Theorem 4 : Find the geodesics on a right circular cone.
2 1 + sin α .x ( y ')
2 2 2
Solution : In spherical polar coordinates the equation of a right
circular cone of semivertical angle α with vertex at the origin and the
i.e., sin 2 α .x 2 y ' = c 1 + sin 2 α .x 2 ( y ')
2
axis along z – axis is θ = α
Squaring
ds = h12 dr 2 + h22 dθ 2 + h32 dφ 2
h1 = 1, h2 = r , h3 = r sin θ sin 4 α .x 4 ( y ')2 = c 2 [1 + sin 2 α .x 2 ( y ' ) ]
2

∴ ds = dr 2 + r 2dθ 2 + r 2 sin 2 θ dφ 2 c
⇒ y'=
since θ = α, dθ = 0 sin α .x x − c 2 cos ec 2α
2 2

∴ ds = dr 2 + r 2 sin 2 α dφ 2 Integrating, we get

c 1
 dφ 
2
y= .∫ dx + constant
= 1 + sin α .r 
2 2
 .dr sin α x x − (c cos ecα ) 2
2 2

 dr 
c 1  x 
y= . sec−1  +b
If P(r1, α, φ1) Q(r2, α, φ2) are any two points on the cone, the arc sin α c cos ecα
2
 c cos ecα 
length PQ is given by : 10  x sin α 
This has to be minimum : ⇒y= sec−1  +b
sin α  c 
If x = r, y = φ.
1  x sin α 
Q r2
 dφ 
2
i.e. y − b = sec −1  
s = ∫ ds = ∫ 1 + sin 2 α .r 2   dr sin α  c 
P r1  dr  Replacing x by r and y by φ, we get
x2
r sin α
S= ∫ 1 + sin 2 α .x 2 ( y ') dx = sec[(φ − b) sin α ] where c and b are constants.
2

x1
c

f = 1 + sin 2 α .x 2 ( y ')
2
Theorem 5 : Find the geodesics on the helicoid x = u cos v,
u sin v, z = k ν
∂f
=0
∂y Solution : Hint : The arc length of the helicoids is
∂f d  ∂f 
∴ Euler’s Equation −   = 0 becomes  dν 
u2 2
∂y dx  ∂y '  s= ∫ 1 + (u + k ) 
2 2
 .du
∂  du 
1 + sin 2 α .x 2 ( y ') = c
2 u1

∂y′
424 Calculus of Variations College Mathematics VII 425

4.5.2 Minimal Surface of Revolution df d  df 

If a plane curve is rotated about a line in its plane, we get a Euler’s equation is −  =0
dy dx  dy ' 
surface of revolution.
In this section, we shall discuss about a curve which when Here f = y 1 + ( y ') 2
rotated about a line gives a surface of revolution of minimum area.
∂f
= 1 + ( y ') 2
Theorem : Find the curve passing through (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) ∂y
which when rotated about the x-axis gives a minimum surface ∂f y yy '
area. = .2 y ' =
∂y ' 2 1 + ( y ') 2
1 + ( y ') 2
∴ Euler’s equation becomes
yy '
y 1 + ( y ') 2 − y ' =c
1 + ( y ') 2
y
i.e., =c
1 + ( y ')2
∴ c 2 (1 + ( y ') 2 ) = y 2
c 2 ( y ') 2 = y 2 − c 2
1 2 2
Solution : Let P(x1, y1) and Q(x2, y2) be any two points on the curve y'= y −c
Let ds be the arc length of PQ. c
dy 1 2 2
When the curve rotates about the x-axis, the elementary arc i.e. = y −c
ds rotates through a distance 2πy round the x – axis. dx c
1 dy
∴ The elementary area = 2πy ds ∴ x=∫
c y2 − c2
ds
= 2π ydx Integrating we get
dx
1  y
x2
ds ∴ x = cosh −1   + constant
∴ Total surface area = ∫ 2π y dx c c
dx
x1
1  y a
x2 i.e., x = cosh −1   +
i.e. S = 2π ∫ y 1 + ( y ') 2 dx c c c
x−a y
x1
= cosh −1
S has to be made minimum c c
426 Calculus of Variations College Mathematics VII 427

 x−a ∴ We have to make the functional

i.e., y = c cosh   where c and ‘a’ are constants which x2
 c 
can be determined using the condition that the curve passes through
I= ∫y
x1
1 + ( y ') 2 dx
(x1, y1) and (x2, y2). This equation represents the catenary.
f = y 1 + ( y ') 2
4.5.3 Hanging Chain or Cable ∂f ∂f 1
When a heavy chain is suspended freely under gravity from ∴ = 1 + ( y ')2 and = y. 2y '
∂y ∂y ' 2 1 + ( y ') 2
two fixed points, then the wire take the shape of a curve called the
catenary ∂f d  ∂f 
∴ Euler’s equation −   = 0 becomes
∂y dx  ∂y ' 
∂f
f − y' = C since f does not contain x explicity
∂y '
y ( y′) 2
∴ y 1 + ( y ') − y '
2
=c
1 + ( y ')2
Theorem 1 : A Chain hangs freely under gravity from two fixed
points. Prove that the shape of the curve is a catenary. y[1 + ( y ')2 ] − y ( y ')2
i.e., =c
1 + ( y ') 2
Solution : Let P(x1, y1) and Q(x2, y2) be the two fixed points
from which the chain is suspended. If ‘ds’ is the length of an y
i.e. =c
elementary arc of the chain, and is its density then ρ ds is the mass of 1 + ( y ')2
the element of arc.
∴ y 2 = c 2 [1 + ( y ')2 ] = c2 + c2 ( y′ )2
If x – axis is taken as the axis of reference, the potential y2 − c2
energy is given by mgh. ⇒ y'=
c
i.e. P.E. = ( ρ ds ) g y dy y 2 − c2
a i.e. =
dx c
∴ Total P.E. = ∫ ( ρ ds ) g y
dy
P ∴ = cdx
x2
ds y 2 − c2
= ∫ ρ gy dx Integrating, we get
x1
dx
 y
x2
ds Cosh −1   = cx + b
= ρ g ∫ y 1 + ( y ') dx Q = 1 + ( y ')2
2
c
x1
dx y = C cosh(Cx + b) which is the equation of a catenary.
428 Calculus of Variations College Mathematics VII 429
T α
dt
4.6 Brachistochrone Problem ∫ dt = ∫ dx dx
This problem was proposed by the famous mathematician 0 0
α
Bernouli in the year 1696. This is a problem of quickest descent. dt ds
Brachistochrone Problem : To find the equation of the =∫ . dx
ds dx
plane curve down which a particle acted upon by gravity would 0
α
descend form one fixed point to another fixed point in the shortest 1
possible time. =∫ 1 + ( y ')2 dx
OR 0 2 gy
α
To show that the path in which a particle in the absence of 1 + ( y ') 2
friction will slide form one fixed point to another fixed point in the We have to make the functional ∫ y
dx a minimum.
shortest time under gravity is a cycloid. 0

1 + ( y ') 2
Solution : Here f = which does not contain x explicitly.
Let O(0, 0 ) be the point of starting and let A(α, B be the end y
point. ∂f
∴ f − y' = c , where C is a constant
Let ox be the horizontal and oy downwards the vertical. ∂y '
Since the particle moves under gravity without friction, the
∂f 1 1
gain in the Kinetic Energy (K.E) in moving from 0 to any arbitrary Now, = . 2y '
point P(x, y) is equal to the loss of Potential Energy (P.E) ∂y ' y 2 1 + ( y ')2
1 + ( y ') 2 y'
i.e.,
1
mν 2 = mgy ∴ − y' =c
2 y y 1 + ( y ')2
ds 1 + ( y ')2 − ( y ') 2
But ν= ⇒ =c
dt
y 1 + ( y ')2
1
2
⇒ =c
1  ds  y 1 + ( y ') 2
∴ m   = mgy
2  dt  ⇒ c 2 y[1 + ( y ') 2 ] = 1
ds 1 − c2 y
i.e., = 2 gy ⇒ ( y ') 2 =
dt c2 y
Time taken by the particle to reach A( α, β ) from O is 1 − c2 y
i.e., y'=
c y
430 Calculus of Variations College Mathematics VII 431

b2 θ
1
−y x = [θ − sin θ ] + c and y = b 2 sin 2
dy c2 2 2
i.e., =
dx y b2
i.e. y = (1 − cos θ )
y 2
i.e., dy = dx when θ = 0, y = 0 and x = 0
c1/ 2 y ∴(0,0) is a point on the curve ∴c = 0
Integrating, we get b 2
b 2

y x= (θ − sin θ ), y = (1 − cos θ )
2 2
∫ 1
= dx + constant
b 2
−y By putting = a, we get
c2 2
1 x = a (θ − sin θ ) and y = a (1 − cos θ )
Put 2 = b 2
c These are the parametric equations of a cycloid.
∴ The required curve is a cycloid.
y
∴ ∫ dx = ∫ dy + c
b2 − y 4.7 ISOPERIMETRIC PROBLEMS :
θ
Put y = b 2 sin 2 Finding a closed curve of given perimeter and maximum
2 area is called Isoperimetric problems
θ θ 1 Usually an isoperimetric problem is as follows :
∴ dy = b 2 .2sin cos . dθ x2
2 2 2
θ
I= ∫ f ( x , y , y ')dx
1 1 . . . (1)
b sin
θ θ 1
x1

∴ x=∫ 2 b 2 .2sin cos . dθ + c under the conditions y ( x1 ) = y1 and y ( x2 ) = y2

θ 2 2 2
b − b sin
2 2 2
subjected to the condition
2 x2

b sin
θ ∫ h( x , y , y ')dx = k
1 1 . .. (2)
2 b 2 sin cos dθ + c θ θ x1
i.e., x=∫
θ 2 2 where k is a constant.
b 2 cos 2 Solving any problem of this type is exactly similar to that of finding
2 the extremal functional.
θ
i.e. x = b 2 ∫ sin 2 dθ + c
2 Worked Examples
1
= b 2 ∫ (1 − cos θ )dθ + c 1. Show that the sphere is the solid figure of revolution which for
2 a surface area has maximum volume
432 Calculus of Variations College Mathematics VII 433

y
Let S = 2π yds = 2π y 1 + ( y ') 2 dx be the surface area
∫ ∫ ∴∫ dy = ∫ dx
and 4λ 2 − y 2
⇒ 4λ 2 − y 2 = x + k
a
. . . (2)
v = π ∫ y 2 dx
0 when x = 0 , y = 0 ⇒ k = ± 2λ
be volume of the given surface. (2) ⇒ x ± 2λ = 4λ 2 − y 2
We have to maximise the function ⇒ ( x ± 2λ ) 2 + y 2 = (2λ ) 2
H = f + λg This represent a circle. By revolution about the axis form a Sphere.

= π y 2 + λ[2π y 1 + ( y ')2 ] 2. Find the extremal of the function

1
The Euler’s equation
dH ∫ [( y ')
2
+ x 2 + λ y ]dx
H − y' = c becomes 0
dy ' under the condition y(0) = 0, y(1) = 0 and subjected to the
∂ 1
π y + λ[2π y 1 + ( y ') ] − y ' λ[2π y
2 2
1 + ( y ') 2 ] = c 1
∂y ' constraint ∫ ydx = 6
0
2y '
π y 2 + λ 2π y 1 + ( y ') 2 − y ' λ[2π y ]=c Solution: Let f = ( y ') 2 + x 2 + λ y
2 1 + ( y ') 2 ∂f ∂f
2πλ y = λ, = 2y '
⇒ π y2 + =c . . . (1) ∂y ∂y '
1 + ( y ')2 ∂f d  ∂f 
When the curve crosses the x – axis y = 0 ∴ c = 0
Euler’s equation −   = 0 becomes
∂y dx  ∂y ' 
2λ
Thus (1) ⇒ y + =0 d
1 + ( y ')2 λ − (2 y ') = 0
dx
2λ λ − 2 y′′ = 0
⇒ y=−
1 + ( y ') 2 2 y′′ = λ
⇒ y 2 (1 + ( y ') 2 ) = 4λ 2 on squaring d2y λ dy λ x
2
= ⇒ = +b
4λ 2 − y 2 dx 2 dx 2
⇒ ( y ') 2 = λ
y2 y=
x 2 + bx + a . . . (1)
4
dy 4λ 2 − y 2 when x = 0, y = 0 ⇒ 0 = a . . . (2)
⇒ =
dx y
434 Calculus of Variations College Mathematics VII 435

λ λ 2λ y −
d
(−2 y ') = 0
x = 1, y = 0 ⇒ 0 = +b ∴b = − . . . (3)
4 4 dx
1
1 y′′ + λ y = 0
Also ∫ ydx = 6
0
The A.E. is m2 + λ = 0 ⇒ m = ± λ i
C.F. is e0 x [a cos λ x + b sin λ x]
1
λ 1
∫(4 x + bx + a)dx =
2

6 ∴ y = a cos λ x + b sin λ x
0
1 When x = 0, y = 0 ⇒ 0 = a
λ x3 bx 2  1
+ + ax  = x = 1, y = 0 ⇒ 0 = a cos λ + b sin λ
12 2 0 6
0 = b sin λ Q a = 0
λ b 1
+ +a = . . . (4) 0 = sin λ . . . (1)
12 2 6 1
λ + 6b 1
∫ y dx = 2
2
= Qa = 0 Given
12 6 0
λ + 6b = 2 1

λ b 2 ∫ sin 2 λ dx = 2
λ + 6(− ) = 2 ⇒ λ = −4 b = 1 0
4 2
(1) ⇒ y = − x 2 + x is the required function. b
(1 − cos 2 λ x)dx
2 ∫
1
3. Find the Extremal of the functional b2  sin 2 λ x 
1
x −  =1
I = ∫ [ x 2 + λ y 2 − ( y ') 2 ]dx 2  2 λ 0
0
b 2  sin 2 λ 
under the conditions (0, 0) (1, 0) and subject to the constraint 1 −  =1 . . . (2)
1 2  2 λ 
∫ y dx = 2
2

0 Solving (1) and (2) b = ±2 λ = nπ

Solution : Let f = x 2 − ( y ') 2 + λ y 2 ∴ y = ±2 sin(nπ x) . . . (3)
∂f ∂f (3) is the Extremal function for the given conditions.
= 2λ y, = −2 y ' 4. Find the plane curve of fixed perimeter which encloses
∂y ∂y ' maximum area.
∂f d  ∂f  Solution : Let l be the perimeter of the closed surface between the
Euler’s equation becomes −  =0 points x = x1 and x = x2
∂y dx  ∂y ' 
436 Calculus of Variations College Mathematics VII 437

x2 x2 ⇒ We know that the surface is a circle. Thus the curve

I = ∫ ds = ∫ 1 + ( y′)2 dx ...(1) with given perimeter which encloses maximum area is a
x1 x1 circle.
The area is given by
5. Find the curve of fixed length πa joining (-a, 0 ) and
x2

A= I = ∫ ydx
x1
. . . (2)
(a, 0) and lying above the x – axis such that the area
enclosed by it and the x – axis is maximum.
we have to maximize (2) using (1) a

consider f = y, g = g = 1 + ( y′) 2 Solution : As above A = ∫ ydx = Area

−a
H = f + λ g = y + y + λ 1 + ( y′)2 a a

Euler’s Equation becomes Length I = ∫ ds = ∫ 1 + ( y′) 2 dx

−a −a
∂H d  ∂H 
−  =0 and H = y + λ 1 + ( y′) 2 .
∂y dy  ∂y′ 
Circle will have maximum area.
d  λ y′  Exercise
1−  =0 1. Find the plane curve of length λ having end points (x1, y1)
dx  1 + ( y′) 2  and (x2, y2) such that the area is maximum.
 ( y′) y′′  2. Find the closed plane curve of given perimeter which
 1 + ( y ′) 2
. y ′′ − y ′  encloses maximum area.
 1 + ( y′) 2 
1− λ 
4

 1 + ( y′) 2 
3. Find the extremal of the functional ∫ ydx under the
  4
0

∫ ( y ') dx = 4 given y(0) = 0 , y(4) = 4.

2
 (1 + ( y′) 2 ). y′′ − ( y′) 2 y′′  constraint
1− λ   0
 [1 + ( y′) 2 ]3/ 2  2

λ y′′ ∫ ( y ') dx
2
4. Find the value of the extremal under the
1− =0
(1 + ( y′)2 )3/ 2 0
2
y′′
1
=
λ (1 + ( y′) 2 )3/ 2
constraint ∫ ydx = 1 given (0, 0) (2, 1 )
0
3/ 2
1 + ( y′) 2 
=λ
y′′
⇒ The Radius of curvature is a constant
438 Calculus of Variations

2
5. Find the extremal of the functional ∫ ydx
−2
given

∫ + ( y ')2 dx = 2π given that y(2) = 0, y(-2) = 0

−2
−1

∫ [( y ') + x 2 ]dx given

2
6. Find the extremal of the functional
0
1

∫ ydx = 2,
0
y (0) = 0, y (1) = 1.

7. Find the equation of a plane curve on which a particle in the

absence of friction will slide from one point to another in the
shortest time under the action of gravity.
2

∫ ( y ') dx
2
8. Find the extremal of the functional under the
0
2
constraint ∫ 3 ydx = 2 , given y(0) = 0, y(2) = 1.
0
Answers

1) ( x − a )2 + ( y − b)2 = λ 2 2) curvature = c, circle

having max area. 3) x 2 = 4 y
4) 4 y = 8 x − 3 x 2 5) x 2 + y 2 = 4
sinh( λ x)
6) y = cos ech 2.cosh 2 x 10) y =
sinh λ
1
11) y = [2(1 − cos x) + (2 − π )sin x] 12) y = 1 + 2 x − 3 x 2
4