A function constructed in solving economic models that include maximization of a function (the "objective function") subject to constraints. It equals the objective function minus, for each constraint, a variable "Lagrange multiplier" times the amount by which the constraint is violated. In physical terms, a Lagrangian is a function designed to sum up a whole system; the appropriate domain of the Lagrangian is a phase space, and it should obey the so-called Euler-Lagrange equations. The concept was originally used in a reformulation of classical mechanics known as Lagrangian mechanics. In this context, the Lagrangian is commonly taken to be the kinetic energy of a mechanical system minus its potential energy. The concept has also proven useful as extended to quantum mechanics.