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Direct method in the calculus of variations
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<p>In <a href="/facts/Mathematics/pxTouaz4">mathematics</a>, the direct method in the calculus of variations is a general method for constructing a proof of the existence of a minimizer for a given <a href="/facts/Functional_(mathematics)/3Cp3PHBR">functional</a>, introduced by <a href="/facts/Stanis%C5%82aw_Zaremba_(mathematician)/WvwdIGDQ">Stanisław Zaremba</a> and <a href="/facts/David_Hilbert/1vhlHn4b">David Hilbert</a> around 1900. The method relies on methods of <a href="/facts/Functional_analysis/MIp233MT">functional analysis</a> and <a href="/facts/Topology/2EqW47cU">topology</a>. As well as being used to prove the existence of a solution, direct methods may be used to compute the solution to desired accuracy. </p>