Solving a Line Integral Using Green's Theorem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a line integral using Green's Theorem, specifically for a vector field defined as F=(x^2 + y^2)i + 3xy^2j over a closed curve C, which is a circle defined by x^2 + y^2 = 9. The original poster expresses confusion regarding their calculations and the discrepancy between their result and the book's answer.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply Green's Theorem but questions their integration steps and the resulting value. Some participants suggest looking for an alternative form of Green's Theorem and point out potential errors in the integration process. Others request clarification on specific steps taken in the calculations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's approach, providing feedback and suggesting areas for reconsideration. There is acknowledgment of mistakes made in the calculations, and the original poster indicates they have resolved their confusion after re-evaluating the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the original poster mistakenly using the wrong vector field derivative and confusion regarding the integration limits and setup. The discussion reflects a learning process with various interpretations of Green's Theorem being explored.

hbomb
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I'm having trouble on a line integral.

Assuming that the closed curve C is taken in the counterclockwise sense. Use Green's Theorem.

[tex]\int_C F\bullet dR[/tex]
where F=([tex]x^2 + y^2[/tex])i + 3x[tex]y^2[/tex]j
and C is the circle
[tex]x^2 + y^2 = 9[/tex]

This is what I have done so far...

[tex]\int_0^{2\Pi} \int_0^3 \-r^2 rdrd\theta[/tex]

[tex]\int_0^{2\Pi} \int_0^3 \-r^3 drd\theta[/tex]

[tex]\int_0^{2\Pi} \frac{-r^4}{4} \\]_0^3d\theta[/tex]

[tex]\int_0^{2\Pi} \frac{-81}{4} d\theta[/tex]

[tex]\frac{-81}{4} \theta\\]_0^{2\Pi}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{-81\Pi}{2}[/tex]

The book gives the answer as [tex]\frac{243\Pi}{4}[/tex]

I have no idea where I went wrong.
 
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there's another form of Green's theorem that might be more appropriate for this problem, try looking for it in your textbook.

Also the integral of [itex]r^3[/itex] is not [itex]\frac{-r^4}{4} [/tex]. No negative.<br /> <br /> You've also managed to neglect the vector field your integrating over.[/itex]
 
Can you show the work as to how you got

[tex]\int_0^{2\Pi} \int_0^3 \-r^2 rdrd\theta[/tex]

?
 
You've done something strange. Applying Green theorem should yield the equality

[tex]\int_C F\bullet dR = \iint_D \left(\frac{\partial (x^2+y^2)}{\partial y} - \frac{\partial (3xy^2)}{\partial x} \right) dxdy[/tex]

and that's not

[tex]\int_0^{2\Pi} \int_0^3 \-r^2 rdrd\theta[/tex]
 
Sorry guys, I was looking at another problem and I took the derivative of the wrong force. I redid this problem and I got the correct answer. Thanks for the attempted help though.
 
Np.. happens to me all the time :rolleyes:
 

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