Calculating a Line Integral with Triangle C

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the line integral of the function y²dx + x²dy over a triangular path defined by the lines x=1, y=0, and y=x. The user initially attempts to parametrize the line segment with r(t) = (1,t) and questions the correctness of their approach. The solution involves using parametric equations for each side of the triangle, ultimately confirming that the total integral evaluates to 1/3. The application of Green's Theorem is also validated, yielding the same result, demonstrating its effectiveness in simplifying the computation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of line integrals in vector calculus
  • Familiarity with parametric equations
  • Knowledge of Green's Theorem
  • Ability to perform definite integrals
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Green's Theorem in various contexts
  • Practice calculating line integrals over different paths
  • Explore parametric equations and their uses in calculus
  • Learn about the geometric interpretation of line integrals
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on vector calculus and line integrals, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to Green's Theorem and parametric equations.

kliker
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Homework Statement


hello again, sorry for asking so many questions, i just want to make sure if I am correct or not

calculate the line integral y^2dx+x^2dy where line C is the triangle with sides x=1, y=0 and y=x

The Attempt at a Solution



first of all i tried to find a customization of the line

we know that x = 1 hence it will be like this

r(t) = (1,t) but I am not sure if it's correct

then i said that the integral would be this

[URL]http://www2.wolframalpha.com/Calculate/MSP/MSP470019b34815c34hai2900000d7egii1beg78b2i?MSPStoreType=image/gif&s=9&w=88&h=37[/URL]

could I just use Green's theorem?

I mean using Greens theorem I get the same result

[URL]http://www2.wolframalpha.com/Calculate/MSP/MSP167119b34a9g72bg50ia000021ai53gc37dac65a?MSPStoreType=image/gif&s=3&w=186&h=37[/URL]

im 99% sure that greens theorem is correct, i mean the way i implemented it, but is the first way i showed also correct?

thanks in advance
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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kliker said:

Homework Statement


hello again, sorry for asking so many questions, i just want to make sure if I am correct or not

calculate the line integral y^2dx+x^2dy where line C is the triangle with sides x=1, y=0 and y=x



The Attempt at a Solution



first of all i tried to find a customization of the line

we know that x = 1 hence it will be like this

r(t) = (1,t) but I am not sure if it's correct

then i said that the integral would be this

[URL]http://www2.wolframalpha.com/Calculate/MSP/MSP470019b34815c34hai2900000d7egii1beg78b2i?MSPStoreType=image/gif&s=9&w=88&h=37
[/URL]
"we know that x=1"? Did you leave out much of the problem? We know that x= 1, y= any number from 0 to 1 is one side of triangle and so one part of the path over which we want to integrate. Taking x= 1, y= t as parametric equations, dx= 0, dy= dt so the integral becomes
[tex]\int_0^1 1 dx= 1[/itex]<br /> <br /> But you still have to do the other two sides of the triangle.<br /> <br /> On the line y= 0, we can use parametric equations x= t, y= 0 with t from 0 to 1. Then dx= dt, dy= 0 but [itex]y^2 dx= 0dt[/itex] so the integral is <br /> [tex]\int_0^1 0dt= 0[/itex].<br /> <br /> On the line y= x, where we are integrating from (1, 1) to (0, 0) (we got counterclockwise around the closed path), we can take x= t, y= t so that dx= dt, dy= dt and the integral is<br /> [tex]\int_1^0 2t^2 dt= -\int_0^1 2t^2 dt= -2/3[/itex] and the entire integral is 1- 2/3= 1/3.<br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="" data-quote="" data-source="" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> could I just use Green's theorem? <blockquote data-attributes="" data-quote="" data-source="" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Yes, you certainly could!<br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="" data-quote="" data-source="" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> I mean using Greens theorem I get the same result<br /> <br /> [URL]http://www2.wolframalpha.com/Calculate/MSP/MSP167119b34a9g72bg50ia000021ai53gc37dac65a?MSPStoreType=image/gif&s=3&w=186&h=37[/URL]<br /> <br /> im 99% sure that greens theorem is correct, i mean the way i implemented it, but is the first way i showed also correct?<br /> <br /> thanks in advance </div> </div> </blockquote> </div> </div> </blockquote> </div> </div> </blockquote>[/tex][/tex][/tex]
 
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thanks a lot for your help

that cleared up everything in my mind
 

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