Strengthened Legendre condition ($P(x)=f_{vv}(x,u,u^{\prime })>0$)

Strict positivity of the highest-derivative coefficient on the closed parameter interval is the strengthened Legendre condition. Continuity then gives a uniform positive lower bound and makes the Jacobi equation a regular second-order equation. It permits the Jacobi positivity criterion. It is not necessary for mere strict positivity of a second variation: $\int {\phi }^2$ is strictly positive on nonzero variations even though its derivative coefficient vanishes.