calculus of variations

  • 1Calculus of variations — is a field of mathematics that deals with extremizing functionals, as opposed to ordinary calculus which deals with functions. A functional is usually a mapping from a set of functions to the real numbers. Functionals are often formed as definite …

    Wikipedia

  • 2Calculus of variations — Calculus Cal cu*lus, n.; pl. {Calculi}. [L, calculus. See {Calculate}, and {Calcule}.] 1. (Med.) Any solid concretion, formed in any part of the body, but most frequent in the organs that act as reservoirs, and in the passages connected with… …

    The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • 3calculus of variations — n. the branch of mathematics that tries to determine a function so as to satisfy specified conditions and to maximize (or minimize) a quantity which depends on the function …

    English World dictionary

  • 4calculus of variations — the branch of mathematics that deals with the problem of finding a curve or surface that maximizes or minimizes a given expression, usually with several restrictions placed on the desired curve. [1830 40] * * * ▪ mathematics       branch of… …

    Universalium

  • 5Calculus of variations — Variation Va ri*a tion, n. [OE. variatioun, F. variation, L. variatio. See {Vary}.] [1913 Webster] 1. The act of varying; a partial change in the form, position, state, or qualities of a thing; modification; alternation; mutation; diversity;… …

    The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • 6calculus of variations — noun the calculus of maxima and minima of definite integrals • Topics: ↑mathematics, ↑math, ↑maths • Hypernyms: ↑calculus, ↑infinitesimal calculus …

    Useful english dictionary

  • 7calculus of variations — Date: 1837 a branch of mathematics concerned with applying the methods of calculus to finding the maxima and minima of a function which depends for its values on another function or a curve …

    New Collegiate Dictionary

  • 8calculus of variations — noun The form of calculus that deals with the maxima and minima of definite integrals of functions of many variables …

    Wiktionary

  • 9Direct method in the calculus of variations — In the calculus of variations, a topic in mathematics, the direct method is a general method for constructing a proof of the existence of a minimizer for a given functional,[1] introduced by Zaremba and David Hilbert around 1900. The method… …

    Wikipedia

  • 10Fundamental lemma of calculus of variations — In mathematics, specifically in the calculus of variations, the fundamental lemma in the calculus of variations is a lemma that is typically used to transform a problem from its weak formulation (variational form) into its strong formulation… …

    Wikipedia