View source for Extremal problem

The problem of finding the extrema of functions or functionals by choosing parameters or functions (controls) from various classes defined by various conditions (phase, differential, integral, etc.) imposed on the classes over which the specific value, function or functional is to attain a minimum or maximum. See also [[Variational calculus|Variational calculus]]; [[Mathematical programming|Mathematical programming]]; [[Optimal control|Optimal control]].