The fundamental lemma of the calculus of variations.

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Chamchi

When we encounter many situations of the physics, it is essential to solve the Euler Lagrange equation.
For that, we should check the following problem exactly.
Z
Thm 1) Let f ∈ C 0 [a, b]. Suppose that for all η ∈ C 2 (a, b) ∩ C 2 [a, b], dxf (x)η(x) = 0.
[a,b]
Then, f vanishes on [a, b].

Pf) Assume that f (x) ̸= 0 at x = x0 . WLOG, f (x0 ) > 0. As f is continuous, there exists [c, d] such
thatZx0 ∈ [c, d] and [c, d] Z⊂ (a, b), f > 0 on [c,d]. Construct η(x) = χ[c,d] (x − c)4 (x − d)4 . Then,
0= dxf (x)η(x)dx = dxf (x)η(x) > 0 and we get a contradiction. □.
[a,b] [c,d]

Now, we generalize this result as the multivariable version.

Thm
Z 2) Let f ∈ C 0 (Ω) where Ω is a bounded open subset of Rd . Suppose that for all η ∈ C 2 (Ω),
dxf (x)η(x) = 0. Then, f vanishes on Ω.
Ω

Pf) Assume that f (x) ̸= 0 at x = p. WLOG, f (p) > 0. As f is continuous, there exist p ∈ Ω, r > 0
such that f > 0 on the cube. B(p, r) = {x ∈ Ω | |x1 − p1 | + ... + |xn − pn | < r} ⊂ Ω. Construct
n
Y 1
η : Ω → R where η = χB(p,r) exp(− ).
i=1
(xi − pi )2

Z Z
Since 0 = dxf (x)η(x)dx = dxf (x)η(x) > 0, and we get a contradiction. □
Ω Ω
Furthermore, we can have vectorized versions as follows.

1
Thm 3) Let f : [a, b] → Rd aZ continuous vector valued function. Suppose that for all For all C 0
g : [a, b] → Rd (C 2 on (a, b)), dx < f (x), g(x) >= 0. Then, f vanishes on [a, b].
[a,b]

Pf) Consider each η : [a, b] → R and i = 1, ..., d, take g = ηei . Just use the Thm 1). □

Thm 4) Let f : Ω → RZd be C 0 vector field where Ω is a bounded open subset of Rd . Suppose that
for all C 2 g : Ω → Rd , dx < f (x), g(x) >= 0. Then, f vanishes on Ω.
Ω

Pf) Consider each η : Ω → R and i = 1, ..., d, take g = ηei . Just use the Thm 2). □