Calculus of Variations

solved problems
Pavel Pyrih

June 4, 2012

( public domain )

Acknowledgement. The following problems were solved using my own procedure

in a program Maple V, release 5. All possible errors are my faults.

1 Solving the Euler equation

Theorem.(Euler) Suppose f (x, y, y 0 ) has continuous partial derivatives of the

Rb
second order on the interval [a, b]. If a functional F (y) = a f (x, y, y 0 )dx attains
a weak relative extrema at y0 , then y0 is a solution of the following equation
∂f d  ∂f 
− = 0.
∂y dx ∂y 0

It is called the Euler equation.

1
1.1 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂
12 x y(x) + ( y(x))2 dx
a ∂x
Hint:

elementary
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 12 x y(x) + ( y(x))2
∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = 12 x y + z 2
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 12 x
∂y ∂x
and
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 ( y)
∂z ∂x ∂x
and
∂2 ∂ ∂2
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 ( 2 y(x))
∂x ∂z ∂x ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂2
12 x − 2 ( y(x)) = 0
∂x2
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution

y(x) = x3 + C1 x + C2
Info.

cubic polynomial
Comment.

no comment

2
1.2 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b r
∂
3x + y(x) dx
a ∂x
Hint:

elementary
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
r
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 3 x + y(x)
∂x ∂x
in the form
√
f(x, y, z) = 3 x + z
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 0
∂y ∂x
and
∂ ∂ 1 1
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = q
∂z ∂x 2 ∂
∂x y
and
2
∂
∂2 ∂ 1 ∂x2 y(x)
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = − ∂
∂x ∂z ∂x 4 ( ∂x y(x))(3/2)
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
2
∂
1 ∂x2 y(x)
∂
=0
4 ( ∂x y(x))(3/2)
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution

y(x) = C1 x + C2
Info.

linear function
Comment.

no comment

3
1.3 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂
x + y(x)2 + 3 ( y(x)) dx
a ∂x
Hint:

elementary
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = x + y(x)2 + 3 ( y(x))
∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = x + y 2 + 3 z
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 y
∂y ∂x
and
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 3
∂z ∂x
and
∂2 ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 0
∂x ∂z ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional

2 y(x) = 0
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution

y(x) = 0
Info.

constant solution
Comment.

no comment

4
1.4 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
y(x)2 dx
a

Hint:

elementary
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = y(x)2
∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = y 2
0
Substituting we x, y(x) and y (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 y
∂y ∂x
and
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 0
∂z ∂x
and
∂2 ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 0
∂x ∂z ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional

2 y(x) = 0
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution

y(x) = 0
Info.

zero
Comment.

no comment

5
1.5 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂
y(x)2 + x2 ( y(x)) dx
a ∂x
Hint:

elementary
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = y(x)2 + x2 ( y(x))
∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = y 2 + x2 z
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 y
∂y ∂x
and
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = x2
∂z ∂x
and
∂2 ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 x
∂x ∂z ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional

2 y(x) − 2 x = 0
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution

y(x) = x
Info.

linear
Comment.

no comment

6
1.6 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂
y(x) + x ( y(x)) dx
a ∂x
Hint:

elementary
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = y(x) + x ( y(x))
∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = y + x z
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 1
∂y ∂x
and
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = x
∂z ∂x
and
∂2 ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 1
∂x ∂z ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional

0=0
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution

y(x) = Y(x)
Info.

all functions
Comment.

no comment

7
1.7 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂
y(x) dx
a ∂x
Hint:

elementary
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = y(x)
∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = z
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 0
∂y ∂x
and
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 1
∂z ∂x
and
∂2 ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 0
∂x ∂z ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional

0=0
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution

y(x) = Y(x)
Info.

all functions
Comment.

no comment

8
1.8 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂
y(x)2 − ( y(x))2 dx
a ∂x
Hint:

missing x
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = y(x)2 − ( y(x))2
∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = y 2 − z 2
0
Substituting we x, y(x) and y (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 y
∂y ∂x
and
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = −2 ( y)
∂z ∂x ∂x
and
∂2 ∂ ∂2
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = −2 ( 2 y(x))
∂x ∂z ∂x ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂2
2 y(x) + 2 ( y(x)) = 0
∂x2
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution

y(x) = C1 cos(x) + C2 sin(x)

Info.

trig functions
Comment.

no comment

9
1.9 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z br
∂
1+( y(x))2 dx
a ∂x
Hint:

missing x y
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
r
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 1+( y(x))2
∂x ∂x
in the form
p
f(x, y, z) = 1 + z 2
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 0
∂y ∂x
and
∂
∂ ∂ y
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = q ∂x
∂z ∂x ∂
1 + ( ∂x y)2
and
2 2
∂2 ∂ ( ∂ y(x))2 ( ∂x
∂
2 y(x))
∂
2 y(x)
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = − ∂x ∂ + q ∂x
∂x ∂z ∂x 2
(1 + ( ∂x y(x)) ) (3/2) ∂
1 + ( ∂x y(x))2
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
2
∂ ∂ ∂2
( ∂x y(x))2 ( ∂x2 y(x)) ∂x2 y(x)
∂
−q =0
(1 + ( ∂x y(x))2 )(3/2) ∂
1 + ( ∂x y(x))2
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution

y(x) = C1 x + C2
Info.

linear function
Comment.

no comment

10
1.10 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂ ∂
x( y(x)) + ( y(x))2 dx
a ∂x ∂x
Hint:

missing y
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = x ( y(x)) + ( y(x))2
∂x ∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = x z + z 2
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 0
∂y ∂x
and
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = x + 2 ( y)
∂z ∂x ∂x
and
∂2 ∂ ∂2
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 1 + 2 ( 2 y(x))
∂x ∂z ∂x ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂2
−1 − 2 ( y(x)) = 0
∂x2
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution
1
y(x) = − x2 + C1 x + C2
4
Info.

quadratic function
Comment.

no comment

11
1.11 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂
(1 + x) ( y(x))2 dx
a ∂x
Hint:

no hint
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = (1 + x) ( y(x))2
∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = (1 + x) z 2
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 0
∂y ∂x
and
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 (1 + x) ( y)
∂z ∂x ∂x
and
∂2 ∂ ∂ ∂2
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 ( y(x)) + 2 (1 + x) ( 2 y(x))
∂x ∂z ∂x ∂x ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂ ∂2
−2 ( y(x)) − 2 (1 + x) ( 2 y(x)) = 0
∂x ∂x
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution

y(x) = C1 + C2 ln(1 + x)
Info.

not supplied
Comment.

no comment

12
1.12 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂
2 y(x) ex + y(x)2 + ( y(x))2 dx
a ∂x
Hint:

no hint
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 y(x) ex + y(x)2 + ( y(x))2
∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = 2 y ex + y 2 + z 2
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 ex + 2 y
∂y ∂x
and
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 ( y)
∂z ∂x ∂x
and
∂2 ∂ ∂2
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 ( 2 y(x))
∂x ∂z ∂x ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂2
2 ex + 2 y(x) − 2 (y(x)) = 0
∂x2
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution
1 1 1
y(x) = ( cosh(x)2 + cosh(x) sinh(x) + x) sinh(x)
2 2 2
1 1 1
+ (− cosh(x) sinh(x) + x − cosh(x)2 ) cosh(x) + C1 sinh(x) + C2 cosh(x)
2 2 2
Info.

not supplied
Comment.

no comment

13
1.13 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂
2 y(x) + ( y(x))2 dx
a ∂x
Hint:

no hint
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 y(x) + ( y(x))2
∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = 2 y + z 2
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2
∂y ∂x
and
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 ( y)
∂z ∂x ∂x
and
∂2 ∂ ∂2
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 ( 2 y(x))
∂x ∂z ∂x ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂2
2 − 2( y(x)) = 0
∂x2
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution
1 2
y(x) = x + C1 x + C2
2
Info.

not supplied
Comment.

no comment

14
1.14 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂
2( y(x))3 dx
a ∂x
Hint:

no hint
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 ( y(x))3
∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = 2 z 3
0
Substituting we x, y(x) and y (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 0
∂y ∂x
and
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 6 ( y)2
∂z ∂x ∂x
and
∂2 ∂ ∂ ∂2
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 12 ( y(x)) ( 2 y(x))
∂x ∂z ∂x ∂x ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂ ∂2
−12 ( y(x)) ( 2 y(x)) = 0
∂x ∂x
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution

y(x) = C1
Info.

not supplied
Comment.

no comment

15
1.15 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂ ∂
4x( y(x)) + ( y(x))2 dx
a ∂x ∂x
Hint:

no hint
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 4 x ( y(x)) + ( y(x))2
∂x ∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = 4 x z + z 2
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 0
∂y ∂x
and
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 4 x + 2 ( y)
∂z ∂x ∂x
and
∂2 ∂ ∂2
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 4 + 2 ( 2 y(x))
∂x ∂z ∂x ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂2
−4 − 2 ( y(x)) = 0
∂x2
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution

y(x) = −x2 + C1 x + C2
Info.

not supplied
Comment.

no comment

16
1.16 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂
7( y(x))3 dx
a ∂x
Hint:

no hint
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 7 ( y(x))3
∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = 7 z 3
0
Substituting we x, y(x) and y (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 0
∂y ∂x
and
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 21 ( y)2
∂z ∂x ∂x
and
∂2 ∂ ∂ ∂2
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 42 ( y(x)) ( 2 y(x))
∂x ∂z ∂x ∂x ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂ ∂2
−42 ( y(x)) ( 2 y(x)) = 0
∂x ∂x
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution

y(x) = C1
Info.

not supplied
Comment.

no comment

17
1.17 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z br
∂
y(x) (1 + ( y(x))2 ) dx
a ∂x
Hint:

no hint
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
r
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = y(x) (1 + ( y(x))2 )
∂x ∂x
in the form
p
f(x, y, z) = y (1 + z 2 )
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂
∂ ∂ 1 1 + ( ∂x y)2
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = q
∂y ∂x 2 y (1 + ( ∂ y)2 )
∂x
and
∂
∂ ∂ y ( ∂x y)
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = q
∂z ∂x ∂
y (1 + ( ∂x y)2 )
and
∂2 ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) =
∂x ∂z ∂x
∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂2
1 y(x) ( ∂x y(x)) (( ∂x y(x)) (1 + ( ∂x y(x))2 ) + 2 y(x) ( ∂x y(x)) ( ∂x 2 y(x)))
− ∂
2 2
(y(x) (1 + ( ∂x y(x)) )) (3/2)
2
∂ ∂
( ∂x y(x))2 y(x) ( ∂x 2 y(x))
+q +q
∂ ∂
y(x) (1 + ( ∂x y(x))2 ) y(x) (1 + ( ∂x y(x))2 )
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
2
∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂
1 1 1 y(x) ( ∂x y(x)) (( ∂x y(x)) (1 + ( ∂x y(x))2 ) + 2 y(x) ( ∂x y(x)) ( ∂x 2 y(x)))
p + ∂
2 y(x) 2 2
(y(x) (1 + ( ∂x y(x)) )) (3/2)
2
∂ ∂
( ∂x y(x))2 y(x) ( ∂x2 y(x))
−q −q =0
∂ ∂
y(x) (1 + ( ∂x y(x))2 ) y(x) (1 + ( ∂x y(x))2 )

18
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution

1 4 + C1 2 x2 + 2 C1 2 x C2 + C2 2 C1 2
y(x) =
4 C1
Info.

quadratic function
Comment.

no comment

19
1.18 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂
x y(x) ( y(x)) dx
a ∂x
Hint:

no hint
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = x y(x) ( y(x))
∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = x y z
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = x ( y)
∂y ∂x ∂x
and
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = x y
∂z ∂x
and
∂2 ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = y(x) + x ( y(x))
∂x ∂z ∂x ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂
−y(x) − x ( y(x)) = 0
∂x
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution

y(x) = 0
Info.

not supplied
Comment.

no comment

20
1.19 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂
x y(x) + 2 ( y(x))2 dx
a ∂x
Hint:

no hint
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = x y(x) + 2 ( y(x))2
∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = x y + 2 z 2
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = x
∂y ∂x
and
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 4 ( y)
∂z ∂x ∂x
and
∂2 ∂ ∂2
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 4 ( 2 y(x))
∂x ∂z ∂x ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂2
x − 4( y(x)) = 0
∂x2
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution
1 3
y(x) = x + C1 x + C2
24
Info.

not supplied
Comment.

no comment

21
1.20 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂
x y(x) + y(x)2 − 2 y(x)2 ( y(x)) dx
a ∂x
Hint:

no hint
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = x y(x) + y(x)2 − 2 y(x)2 ( y(x))
∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = x y + y 2 − 2 y 2 z
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = x + 2 y − 4 y ( y)
∂y ∂x ∂x
and
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = −2 y 2
∂z ∂x
and
∂2 ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = −4 y(x) ( y(x))
∂x ∂z ∂x ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂
x + 2 y(x) + 4 y(x) (
y(x)) = 0
∂x
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution
1
y(x) = − x
2
Info.

no extremal
Comment.

no comment

22
1.21 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b r
∂
y(x) 1 + ( y(x))2 dx
a ∂x
Hint:
no hint
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
r
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = y(x) 1+( y(x))2
∂x ∂x
in the form
p
f(x, y, z) = y 1 + z 2
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
r
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 1 + ( y)2
∂y ∂x ∂x
and
∂ ∂ y ( ∂ y)
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = q ∂x
∂z ∂x ∂
1 + ( ∂x y)2
and
∂2 ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) =
∂x ∂z ∂x
∂2 ∂2
( ∂ y(x))2 ∂
y(x) ( ∂x y(x))2 ( ∂x 2 y(x)) y(x) ( ∂x 2 y(x))
q ∂x − ∂
+ q
∂ (1 + ( y(x)) 2 )(3/2) ∂
1 + ( ∂x y(x))2 ∂x 1 + ( ∂x y(x))2
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
2 2
∂ ∂ ∂ ∂
( ∂x y(x))2 y(x) ( ∂x y(x))2 ( ∂x 2 y(x))
y(x) ( ∂x 2 y(x))
1− q + ∂ 2 (3/2)
− q =0
∂
1 + ( ∂x y(x))2 (1 + ( ∂x y(x)) ) ∂
1 + ( ∂x y(x))2
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution
√
1 1 + (e( C1 (x+ C2 )) )2
y(x) = √ √
2 e( C1 (x+ C2 )) C1
Info.
not supplied
Comment.
no comment

23
1.22 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂
y(x) ( y(x)) dx
a ∂x
Hint:

no hint
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = y(x) ( y(x))
∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = y z
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = y
∂y ∂x ∂x
and
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = y
∂z ∂x
and
∂2 ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = y(x)
∂x ∂z ∂x ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂
−( y(x)) = 0
∂x
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution

y(x) = Y(x)
Info.

not supplied
Comment.

no comment

24
1.23 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂
y(x) ( y(x))2 dx
a ∂x
Hint:

no hint
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = y(x) ( y(x))2
∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = y z 2
0
Substituting we x, y(x) and y (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = ( y)2
∂y ∂x ∂x
and
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 y ( y)
∂z ∂x ∂x
and
∂2 ∂ ∂ ∂2
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 ( y(x))2 + 2 y(x) ( 2 y(x))
∂x ∂z ∂x ∂x ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂ ∂2
−2 ( y(x))2 − 2 y(x) ( 2 y(x)) = 0
∂x ∂x
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution

y(x) = 0
Info.

not supplied
Comment.

no comment

25
1.24 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂
y(x)2 + 2 x y(x) ( y(x)) dx
a ∂x
Hint:

no hint
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = y(x)2 + 2 x y(x) ( y(x))
∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = y 2 + 2 x y z
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 y + 2 x ( y)
∂y ∂x ∂x
and
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 x y
∂z ∂x
and
∂2 ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 y(x) + 2 x ( y(x))
∂x ∂z ∂x ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂
−2 x (y(x)) = 0
∂x
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution

y(x) = Y(x)
Info.

all functions
Comment.

no comment

26
1.25 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂ ∂
y(x)2 + 4 y(x) ( y(x)) + 4 ( y(x))2 dx
a ∂x ∂x
Hint:

no hint
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = y(x)2 + 4 y(x) ( y(x)) + 4 ( y(x))2
∂x ∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = y 2 + 4 y z + 4 z 2
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 y + 4 ( y)
∂y ∂x ∂x
and
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 4 y + 8 ( y)
∂z ∂x ∂x
and
∂2 ∂ ∂ ∂2
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 4 ( y(x)) + 8 ( 2 y(x))
∂x ∂z ∂x ∂x ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂ ∂2
2 y(x) − 4 ( y(x)) − 8 ( 2 y(x)) = 0
∂x ∂x
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution
1 1
y(x) = C1 cosh( x) + C2 sinh( x)
2 2
Info.

two exponentials
Comment.

no comment

27
1.26 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂ ∂
y(x)2 + y(x) ( y(x)) + ( y(x))2 dx
a ∂x ∂x
Hint:

no hint
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = y(x)2 + y(x) ( y(x)) + ( y(x))2
∂x ∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = y 2 + y z + z 2
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 y + ( y)
∂y ∂x ∂x
and
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = y + 2 ( y)
∂z ∂x ∂x
and
∂2 ∂ ∂ ∂2
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = ( y(x)) + 2 ( 2 y(x))
∂x ∂z ∂x ∂x ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂ ∂2
2 y(x) − (y(x)) − 2 ( 2 y(x)) = 0
∂x ∂x
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution

y(x) = C1 sinh(x) + C2 cosh(x)

Info.

not supplied
Comment.

no comment

28
1.27 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂
2 y(x) ex + y(x)2 + ( y(x))2 dx
a ∂x
Hint:

no hint
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 y(x) ex + y(x)2 + ( y(x))2
∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = 2 y ex + y 2 + z 2
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 ex + 2 y
∂y ∂x
and
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 ( y)
∂z ∂x ∂x
and
∂2 ∂ ∂2
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 ( 2 y(x))
∂x ∂z ∂x ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂2
2 ex + 2 y(x) − 2 (y(x)) = 0
∂x2
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution
1 1 1
y(x) = ( cosh(x)2 + cosh(x) sinh(x) + x) sinh(x)
2 2 2
1 1 1
+ (− cosh(x) sinh(x) + x − cosh(x)2 ) cosh(x) + C1 sinh(x) + C2 cosh(x)
2 2 2
Info.

not supplied
Comment.

no comment

29
1.28 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂
y(x)2 + ( y(x))2 − 2 y(x) sin(x) dx
a ∂x
Hint:

no hint
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = y(x)2 + ( y(x))2 − 2 y(x) sin(x)
∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = y 2 + z 2 − 2 y sin(x)
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 y − 2 sin(x)
∂y ∂x
and
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 ( y)
∂z ∂x ∂x
and
∂2 ∂ ∂2
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 ( 2 y(x))
∂x ∂z ∂x ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂2
2 y(x) − 2 sin(x) − 2 (
y(x)) = 0
∂x2
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution
1 1 1 1
y(x) = ( ex cos(x) − sin(x) ex + e(−x) cos(x) + e(−x) sin(x)) sinh(x)
4 4 4 4
1 x 1 x 1 (−x) 1
+ (− e cos(x) + sin(x) e + e cos(x) + e(−x) sin(x)) cosh(x)
4 4 4 4
+ C1 sinh(x) + C2 cosh(x)
Info.

exponentials and sin

Comment.

no comment

30
1.29 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂ ∂
y(x)2 − 4 y(x) ( y(x)) + 4 ( y(x))2 dx
a ∂x ∂x
Hint:

no hint
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = y(x)2 − 4 y(x) ( y(x)) + 4 ( y(x))2
∂x ∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = y 2 − 4 y z + 4 z 2
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 y − 4 ( y)
∂y ∂x ∂x
and
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = −4 y + 8 ( y)
∂z ∂x ∂x
and
∂2 ∂ ∂ ∂2
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = −4 ( y(x)) + 8 ( 2 y(x))
∂x ∂z ∂x ∂x ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂ ∂2
2 y(x) + 4 ( y(x)) − 8 ( 2 y(x)) = 0
∂x ∂x
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution
1 1
y(x) = C1 cosh( x) + C2 sinh( x)
2 2
Info.

not supplied
Comment.

no comment

31
1.30 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂ ∂ 1 ∂
y(x) + y(x) ( y(x)) + ( y(x)) + ( y(x))2 dx
a ∂x ∂x 2 ∂x
Hint:

no hint
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂ ∂ 1 ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = y(x) + y(x) ( y(x)) + ( y(x)) + ( y(x))2
∂x ∂x ∂x 2 ∂x
in the form
1 2
z
f(x, y, z) = y + y z + z +
2
0
Substituting we x, y(x) and y (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 1 + ( y)
∂y ∂x ∂x
and
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = y + 1 + ( y)
∂z ∂x ∂x
and
∂2 ∂ ∂ ∂2
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = ( y(x)) + ( 2 y(x))
∂x ∂z ∂x ∂x ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂ ∂2
1−( y(x)) − ( 2 y(x)) = 0
∂x ∂x
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution
1 2
y(x) = x + C1 x + C2
2
Info.

quadratic function
Comment.

no comment

32
1.31 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂ ∂
y(x) − y(x) ( y(x)) + x ( y(x))2 dx
a ∂x ∂x
Hint:

no hint
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = y(x) − y(x) ( y(x)) + x ( y(x))2
∂x ∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = y − y z + x z 2
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 1 − ( y)
∂y ∂x ∂x
and
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = −y + 2 x ( y)
∂z ∂x ∂x
and
∂2 ∂ ∂ ∂2
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = ( y(x)) + 2 x ( 2 y(x))
∂x ∂z ∂x ∂x ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂ ∂2
1−( y(x)) − 2 x ( 2 y(x)) = 0
∂x ∂x
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution
1
y(x) = x + C1 + C2 ln(x)
2
Info.

not supplied
Comment.

no comment

33
1.32 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂ ∂
( y(x)) (1 + x2 ( y(x))) dx
a ∂x ∂x
Hint:

no hint
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = ( y(x)) (1 + x2 ( y(x)))
∂x ∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = z (1 + x2 z)
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 0
∂y ∂x
and
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 1 + 2 x2 ( y)
∂z ∂x ∂x
and
∂2 ∂ ∂ ∂2
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 4 x ( y(x)) + 2 x2 ( 2 y(x))
∂x ∂z ∂x ∂x ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂ ∂2
−4 x ( y(x)) − 2 x2 ( 2 y(x)) = 0
∂x ∂x
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution
C2
y(x) = C1 +
x
Info.

hyperbolic function
Comment.

no comment

34
1.33 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b ∂
( ∂x y(x))2
dx
a x3
Hint:

no hint
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f

∂ ( ∂ y(x))2
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = ∂x 3
∂x x
in the form
z2
f(x, y, z) =
x3
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 0
∂y ∂x
and
∂
∂ ∂ y
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 ∂x3
∂z ∂x x
and
2
∂ ∂
∂2 ∂ 2 y(x) y(x)
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 ∂x 3 −6 ∂x
∂x ∂z ∂x x x4
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂2 ∂
∂x2y(x) ∂x y(x)
−2 + 6 =0
x3 x4
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution

y(x) = C1 + C2 x4
Info.

not supplied
Comment.

no comment

35
1.34 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂ ∂
( y(x))2 + 2 y(x) ( y(x)) − 16 y(x)2 dx
a ∂x ∂x
Hint:

no hint
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = ( y(x))2 + 2 y(x) ( y(x)) − 16 y(x)2
∂x ∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = z 2 + 2 y z − 16 y 2
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 ( y) − 32 y
∂y ∂x ∂x
and
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 ( y) + 2 y
∂z ∂x ∂x
and
∂2 ∂ ∂2 ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 ( 2 y(x)) + 2 ( y(x))
∂x ∂z ∂x ∂x ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂2 ∂
−32 y(x) − 2 ( y(x)) − 2 ( y(x)) = 0
∂x2 ∂x
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution

y(x) = C1 cos(4 x) + C2 sin(4 x)

Info.

trig functions
Comment.

no comment

36
1.35 Problem.
Using the Euler equation find the extremals for the following functional
Z b
∂
( y(x))2 + cos(y(x)) dx
a ∂x
Hint:

no hint
Solution.
We denote auxiliary function f
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = ( y(x))2 + cos(y(x))
∂x ∂x
in the form

f(x, y, z) = z 2 + cos(y)
Substituting we x, y(x) and y 0 (x) for x, y and z we obtain the integrand in the
given functional. We compute partial derivatives
∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = −sin(y)
∂y ∂x
and
∂ ∂ ∂
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 ( y)
∂z ∂x ∂x
and
∂2 ∂ ∂2
f(x, y(x), y(x)) = 2 ( 2 y(x))
∂x ∂z ∂x ∂x
and finally obtain the Euler equation for our functional
∂2
−sin(y(x)) − 2 ( y(x)) = 0
∂x2
We solve it using various tools and obtain the solution

y(x) = 0
Info.

not supplied
Comment.

no comment

37