Understanding Positive Orientation of Point C

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The discussion revolves around understanding the positive orientation of a path C as viewed from the point (10,0,0). Participants express confusion about whether C is a closed path and the implications of its orientation from that specific viewpoint. There is a consensus that the orientation should be considered in relation to the z-axis rather than the x-axis, leading to uncertainty about the correctness of the integral result, which is stated as pi. The original poster plans to seek clarification from their teacher regarding the problem and the integral's formulation. The conversation highlights the challenges of conveying mathematical concepts through images instead of text.
etf
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Here is my task and my attempt of solution:

line.jpg


How to use fact that C is positively orientated viewed from point (10,0,0)? I'm not sure I understand it.
 
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It would be much more convenient for us if you would type your question and work on this site instead of posting un-editable images and which require us to open another window.
 
etf said:
How to use fact that C is positively orientated viewed from point (10,0,0)? I'm not sure I understand it.

Me neither. Perhaps it meant (0,0,10). I would just work it going either direction for ##\theta## and see what happens.
 
etf said:
Here is my task and my attempt of solution:

View attachment 65981

How to use fact that C is positively orientated viewed from point (10,0,0)? I'm not sure I understand it.
Here is the image:
attachment.php?attachmentid=65981&d=1390608864.jpg


Is C supposed to be a closed path ?
 
SammyS said:
Is C supposed to be a closed path ?

It's closed alright. Here's a picture of it:

curve.jpg
 
LCKurtz said:
It's closed alright. Here's a picture of it:
...
Yes the intersection makes a complete loop, but if the instruction is correct regarding the view from (10, 0, 0), then only part of that path is oriented in a positive direction.

That's why I asked (the OP) if the path is supposed to be closed. If so then the point (10, 0, 0) is incorrect as you have suggested.
 
It would be much more convenient for us if you would type your question and work on this site instead of posting un-editable images and which require us to open another window.
I didn't learn latex yet so that's reason why I'm posting images. I could write my equations here but I thought it would be much easier for you to follow if I "draw" it using MathType software.

It's (10,0,0) point, I didn't make mistake... I'm still uncertain about solving this problem...
I forgot to write, result is pi.
 
Last edited:
etf said:
I didn't learn latex yet so that's reason why I'm posting images. I could write my equations here but I thought it would be much easier for you to follow if I "draw" it using MathType software.

It isn't.

It's (10,0,0) point, I didn't make mistake... I'm still uncertain about solving this problem...
I forgot to write, result is pi.

I think you had best ask your Teacher to clarify. It makes sense to talk about clockwise or counterclockwise orientation if you look down at it along the ##z## axis, but not from out the ##x## axis. And I don't see any interpretation of the problem that gives ##\pi## for the answer. Are you sure you copied the integral itself correctly?
 
I copied it correctly. I will ask teacher for help.
Thanks anyway!
 
  • #10
etf said:
I copied it correctly. I will ask teacher for help.
Thanks anyway!

I would be interested to know what your teacher tells you.
 
  • #11
I will inform you as soon as he explain me.
 
  • #12
Here are few examples with similar statement:

1.Find \int\limits_C{} {{y^2}dx + xdy + zdz} where C is curve formed by intersection of {x^2} + {y^2} = x + y and 2({x^2} + {y^2}) = z orientated positively viewed from point (0,0,2R). (Result 0)

2.Find \int\limits_C {(y - z)dx + (z - x)dy + (x - y)} dz\\ where C is curve formed by intersection of {x^2} + {y^2} = {a^2} and \frac{x}{a} + \frac{z}{h} = 1 (a greather than 0, h greather than 0), passed in positive direction viewed from point (2a,0,0). (Result -2*pi*a*(a+h))
 
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