ISSN:
1522-9602
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Mathematics
Notes:
Abstract A modern theory of the calculus of variations is used to form necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a Lagrangian representation of a system of first-order ordinary differential equations. There exists a theorem to the effect that when a system of ordinary differential equations is variationally self-adjoint, the fulfillment of such conditions is guaranteed. In addition, self-adjointness, allows establishement of an algorithm by which a Lagrangian for the system may be explicitly constructed. Examples in mathematical biology are given to illustrate the use of the stated theorem.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02465178