IPA: /ˌvɛrɪˈeɪʃənl/
KK: /ˌvɛrɪˈeɪʃənl/
Relating to or resulting from differences or changes in something.
The variational approach in mathematics helps to find the best solution by considering different possibilities.
Variational → It is formed from "vari-" (from Latin "varius", meaning varied or different) and "-ational" (a suffix indicating relating to or characterized by). The word "variational" refers to something that is characterized by variation or differences.
Think of 'varied' ('vari-') to remember that 'variational' means relating to differences or variations.