Computing a line integral: How to parametrize and evaluate?

[STEMucator]

Homework Statement

Let C be the arc x=t^2, \space y=2t, \space z= \sqrt{4+3t} for t \in [-1,0]

Evaluate the line integral :

\int_{C} z^2dx + \sqrt{x}dy - 4xyz dz

Homework Equations

\int_{C} f(P) dx = \int_{a}^{b} f(P(t)) x'(t) dt for t \in [a,b]

The Attempt at a Solution

So I have not computed one of these before. I know I'm supposed to parametrize ( choose a parameter ) and then compute my according integral. I really only need help setting it up, so here goes nothing :

This question already has a nice parameter t picked out for me on an appropriate interval. Since the curve is an arc, we know it is one to one, i.e there are no self intersections.

So we compute :

dx = 2tdt, \space dy = 2dt, \space dz = \frac{1}{2} (4+3t)^{-1/2} dt

*I'm not sure I should be concerned with smoothness here*.

Thus our integral becomes :

\int_{C} z^2dx + \sqrt{x}dy - 4xyz dz = \int_{-1}^{0} (6t^2+8t)dt + (2t)dt - (4t^3)dt

So after computing everything and setting it all up that's what I think I should get. Then computing the integral is a simple matter. I just want to make sure I'm not jumping too quickly missing anything and if anyone could verify it would be much appreciated.

 

[Dick]

Homework Statement

Let C be the arc x=t^2, \space y=2t, \space z= \sqrt{4+3t} for t \in [-1,0]

Evaluate the line integral :

\int_{C} z^2dx + \sqrt{x}dy - 4xyz dz

Homework Equations

\int_{C} f(P) dx = \int_{a}^{b} f(P(t)) x'(t) dt for t \in [a,b]

The Attempt at a Solution

So I have not computed one of these before. I know I'm supposed to parametrize ( choose a parameter ) and then compute my according integral. I really only need help setting it up, so here goes nothing :

This question already has a nice parameter t picked out for me on an appropriate interval. Since the curve is an arc, we know it is one to one, i.e there are no self intersections.

So we compute :

dx = 2tdt, \space dy = 2dt, \space dz = \frac{1}{2} (4+3t)^{-1/2} dt

*I'm not sure I should be concerned with smoothness here*.

Thus our integral becomes :

\int_{C} z^2dx + \sqrt{x}dy - 4xyz dz = \int_{-1}^{0} (6t^2+8t)dt + (2t)dt - (4t^3)dt

So after computing everything and setting it all up that's what I think I should get. Then computing the integral is a simple matter. I just want to make sure I'm not jumping too quickly missing anything and if anyone could verify it would be much appreciated.

You've got the right procedure. You don't need to check that it's 1-1. You do want it to be differentiable, but it clearly is. You are missing some details. Check dz again, and I don't think sqrt(x) is t. Remember t is negative.

 

[STEMucator]

You've got the right procedure. You don't need to check that it's 1-1. You do want it to be differentiable, but it clearly is. You are missing some details. Check dz again, and I don't think sqrt(x) is t. Remember t is negative.

Silly me, I forgot my chain rule for a second there.

Also, x = t², so sqrt(x) = t.

 

[haruspex]

You expression for dz is not quite right. Other than that it looks ok.

 

[Dick]

Silly me, I forgot my chain rule for a second there.

Also, x = t², so sqrt(x) = t.

t is NEGATIVE. I don't think the square root of t^2 can be negative.

 

[STEMucator]

t is NEGATIVE. I don't think the square root of t^2 can be negative.

The most common mistake in math I believe... I see why it's -t now.

 

[HallsofIvy]

If "t in [-1, 0]" bothers you let s= -t. Then x= t^2= s^2, y= 2t= -2s, and z= \sqrt{4+ 3t}= \sqrt{4- 3s} with s in [0, 1].

 

[STEMucator]

If "t in [-1, 0]" bothers you let s= -t. Then x= t^2= s^2, y= 2t= -2s, and z= \sqrt{4+ 3t}= \sqrt{4- 3s} with s in [0, 1].

Ohh I understand now. I had a question to prove this in general in my tutorial that I never had a chance to do.