Line integral with vector function on circular path.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a line integral of a vector function over a circular path. The vector field is defined as f(x, y) = (x^2 + y^2) i, and the curve C is parameterized by x = 2 + cos(t) and y = sin(t) for t ranging from 0 to 2π.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the calculation of the line integral and question the discrepancy between their results and the book's answer. Some participants consider the application of Green's theorem as a verification method.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their calculations and questioning the correctness of their approaches. There is no explicit consensus on the resolution of the problem, and some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of the vector field.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of confusion regarding the definitions of variables and the application of Green's theorem, indicating potential assumptions or missing information that may affect the calculations.

thepatient
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I'm not getting the answer from the back of the book for some reason. Is the book wrong or am I wrong?

Homework Statement


calculate \intf · dr for the given vector field f(x, y) and curve C:

f(x, y) = (x^2 + y^2) i; C : x = 2 + cos t, y = sin t, 0 ≤ t ≤ 2π

Homework Equations


itex]\int[/itex]f · dr
r(t) = <x(t), y(t)>
dr = r'(t) dt

The Attempt at a Solution



\int_{C}\widehat{F}*dr

F = <x^2+y^2, 0>
C: x=2+cost, y = sint, 0<=t<=2pi

r(t) = <2+cost, sint>
r'(t) = <-sint, cost>

F(r(t)) * r'(t) = <(2+cost)^2 + sin^2(t), 0> * <-sint, cost> =
-sint(4 + 4cos(t) + cos^2(t) + sin^2(t)) = -sint(5+4cost)

Letting u = 5+ 4cost
du/4 = -sintdt
\int -sint(5+4cost)dt= 1/4 \int udu = 1/8 (5+4cost)^2 |t = 0..2pi =
81/8 -81/8 = 0

But the answer in the back of the book says 4pi, what did I do wrong?

Since the path taken is a closed curve, I also tried green's theorem to verify if it's right or not, but I got -2 2/3 using greens theorem. Green's theorem does apply in this case, does it not?
 
Last edited:
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Very strange problem to me. :\ Maybe someone here might know what I did wrong.
 
What are x2 and y2?

ehild
 
Oops, sorry it is supposed to be F(x,y) = <(x^2 + y^2), 0>. Fixed it. XD
 
Your work looks good.

ehild
 

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