Calculating an Integral with a Parameterized Curve Oriented Clockwise

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the integral ##\int_C z^{1/3} dz##, where ##C## is a circle of radius ##1## centered at the origin and oriented clockwise. The integral requires the use of a specific branch for the complex function ##z^{1/3}## defined for the argument range ##0 \le \arg z \le 2 \pi##.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to parameterize the curve using ##z(t) = e^{-it}## and evaluates the integral through limits. Some participants question the validity of this parameterization in relation to the branch of the function and the orientation of the contour.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the parameterization and its implications on the evaluation of the integral. There are indications of differing interpretations regarding the orientation of the contour and the correct representation of the function along the path.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted concern about the clockwise orientation of the contour as opposed to the typical anti-clockwise convention, which may affect the evaluation of the integral.

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Homework Statement


Calculate ##\int_C z^{1/3} dz##, where ##C## is the circle of radius ##1## centered at the origin oriented in the clockwise direction. Use the branch ##0 \le \arg z \le 2 \pi## to define ##z^{1/3}##.

Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
I was hoping that someone could verify my work.

Parameterizing the curve: ##z(t) = e^{-it}##, ##0 \le t \le 2 \pi##.

##\int_C z^{1/3} dz = \lim_{a \rightarrow 0}_{b \rightarrow 2 \pi} \int_a^b (e^{-it})^{1/3}(-ie^{-it}) dt \iff##

##\int_C z^{1/3} dz = \lim_{a \rightarrow 0}_{b \rightarrow 2 \pi} -i \int_a^b e^{-i \frac{4}{3}t} dt \iff##

##\int_C z^{1/3} dz =\lim_{a \rightarrow 0}_{b \rightarrow 2 \pi} (-i)(i \frac{3}{4}) [e^{-i \frac{4}{3} t}|_a^b \iff##

##\int_C z^{1/3} dz = \frac{3}{4} \lim_{a \rightarrow 0}_{b \rightarrow 2 \pi} [e^{- \frac{4}{3} (b)} - e^{-i \frac{4}{3} (a)}]##

Taking the limits,

##\int_C z^{1/3} dz = \frac{3}{4} [e^{-i \frac{8}{3}} - 1]##
 
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You dropped something in the final step.
 
On the contour, you should have ##z^{1/3} = e^{i\theta/3}## where ##0 \le \theta \le 2\pi##. The parametrization you used doesn't give that.
 
vela said:
On the contour, you should have ##z^{1/3} = e^{i\theta/3}## where ##0 \le \theta \le 2\pi##. The parametrization you used doesn't give that.

That was my thought too, but isn't C oriented in the clockwise direction (as opposed to the usual anti-clockwise convention)?
 

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