Calculating Curve Integral: \int_{\gamma}(x^2+xy)dx+(y^2-xy)dy

  • Thread starter Thread starter Hannisch
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Curve Integral
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The curve integral calculation for the expression \(\int_{\gamma}(x^2+xy)dx+(y^2-xy)dy\) involves two line segments: \(\gamma_{1}\) from (0,0) to (2,0) and \(\gamma_{2}\) from (2,0) to (2,2). The parametric equations for these segments are defined as \((x,y)=(t,0)\) for \(\gamma_{1}\) and \((x,y)=(2,t)\) for \(\gamma_{2}\). The correct evaluation of the integral yields a result of \(4/3\), contrasting with the incorrect calculation of \(16/3\) initially presented. The error was identified as a misunderstanding in the evaluation process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of line integrals in vector calculus
  • Familiarity with parametric equations
  • Knowledge of integration techniques
  • Ability to interpret and apply the Fundamental Theorem of Line Integrals
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of line integrals in vector fields
  • Learn about parametric representation of curves in calculus
  • Explore the Fundamental Theorem of Line Integrals
  • Practice solving similar curve integral problems using different paths
USEFUL FOR

Students in calculus courses, particularly those studying vector calculus, and anyone looking to improve their skills in evaluating line integrals and understanding parametric equations.

Hannisch
Messages
114
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Calculate the curve integral

\int_{\gamma}(x^2+xy)dx+(y^2-xy)dy

where \gamma is the line segments from (0,0) to (2,0) and from (2,0) to (2,2).


Homework Equations



\int_{\gamma} P(x,y)dx+Q(x,y)dy= \int^{\beta}_{\alpha}(P(g(t),h(t))g'(t)+Q(g(t),h(t))h'(t))dt

where

x=g(t)
y=h(t)

The Attempt at a Solution


I started by splitting the line up in two parts,

\gamma _{1} = the segment from (0,0) to (2,0)
\gamma _{2} = the segment from (2,0) to (2,2)

I then stated that for the first segment, the parametric equation would be

(x,y)=(t,0) and 0 \leq t \leq 2

and for the other segment:

(x,y)=(0,t) and 0 \leq t \leq 2

Both of these segments are in the positive direction, so

\int _{\gamma}(x^2+xy)dx+(y^2-xy)dy = \int _{\gamma_{1}}(x^2+xy)dx+(y^2-xy)dy + \int _{\gamma{2}}(x^2+xy)dx+(y^2-xy)dy = \int^{2}_{0} t^2 dt + \int^{2}_{0} t^2 dt = 16/3

But this is incorrect and I haven't the faintest idea where and why I went wrong. It's driving me crazy (it should be such a simple problem) but I can't figure it out. I thought this was what the did in the book, but alas.. According to the book the answer is 4/3.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Okay, never mind, I realized my mistake. I'd stared myself blind in my tiredness x)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
11K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K