Editing Variational principle (section)

{{Short description|Scientific principles enabling the use of the calculus of variations}}{{Inline references needed|date=November 2023}}{{Calculus|expanded=specialized}}

In science and especially in mathematical studies, a '''variational principle''' is one that enables a problem to be solved using [[calculus of variations]], which concerns finding functions that optimize the values of quantities that depend on those functions. For example, the problem of determining the shape of a hanging chain suspended at both ends—a [[catenary]]—can be solved using [[variational calculus]], and in this case, the variational principle is the following: The solution is a function that minimizes the [[gravitational energy|gravitational potential energy]] of the chain.