Evaluate Integral by Green's Theorem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the line integral $$\int F \cdot dr$$ using both direct computation and Green's Theorem, specifically for a vector field defined over the upper half of a disk of radius a. Participants explore the calculations and results of both methods, addressing potential discrepancies in the outcomes.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant computes the line integral directly and finds it to be 0, using parameterization and integration over the semicircle.
  • The same participant applies Green's Theorem and arrives at a result of $$-\frac{4}{3}a^3$$, expressing confusion over the discrepancy between the two results.
  • Another participant points out that the vector field $$\vec{F}$$ was not specified in the initial post, indicating a need for clarity.
  • A later reply suggests that the direct computation of $$\int F \cdot dr$$ should involve two separate integrals: one over the semicircle and another along the x-axis, and provides guidance on how to set up these integrals correctly.
  • The second participant confirms the result from Green's Theorem as correct but indicates that the initial line integral calculation was flawed, suggesting a reevaluation of the approach taken.
  • Additional LaTeX tips are provided to improve the formatting of mathematical expressions in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the result obtained from Green's Theorem, but there is disagreement regarding the direct computation of the line integral, with no consensus on the correct approach to that calculation.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the parameterization of the vector field and the integration limits, as well as the need for clarity on the definition of $$\vec{F}$$. The discussion reflects varying interpretations of the integral setup.

tg25007
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8. Evaluate $$\int F \cdot dr$$ both directly and by Green’s Theorem. The vector field and the region D is the upper half of a disk of radius a: $$0 \leq x^2 + y^2 \leq a^2$$ , $$y$$ . The curve C is the boundary of D and oriented counter-clock wise.

I got an answer of 0 using the direct way:
Let x = acost, y = asint
F(t) = <a^2, asint>
F'(t) = <0, acost>

$$\int F \cdot dr = \int <a^2, asint> \cdot <0, acost>$$
$$= \int^{pi}_0 a^2sintcost dt$$
$$= \frac{1}{2}a^2sin^2t$$
$$= 0$$

For Green's Theorem, I should get the same number, but I got $$-\frac{4}{3}a^3$$ and I have no idea where I went wrong.

$$\int \int (\frac{d}{dx}(y) - \frac{d}{dy}(x^2 + y^2)) dA$$
$$= \int \int -2y dA$$

Then I polarized the coordinates where y = rsin(theta)

$$\int^{\pi}_0 \int^a_0 -2rsin(\theta)r dr d(\theta)$$
$$= \int^{\pi}_0 -\frac{2}{3}r^3sin(\theta)$$ 0 to a
$$= \int^{\pi}_0 -\frac{2}{3}a^3sin(\theta) d(\theta)$$
$$= \frac{2}{3}a^3cos(\theta) $$ 0 to pi
$$= -\frac{4}{3}a^3$$
 
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tg25007 said:
8. The vector field and the region D is the upper half of a disk of radius a: $$0 \leq x^2 + y^2 \leq a^2$$ , $$y$$ . The curve C is the boundary of D and oriented counter-clock wise.

Hello tg25007, welcome to MHB. I'd like to help you, but you don't mention $\vec{F}.$
 
tg25007 said:
8. Evaluate $$\int F \cdot dr$$ both directly and by Green’s Theorem. The vector field and the region D is the upper half of a disk of radius a: $$0 \leq x^2 + y^2 \leq a^2$$ , $$y$$ . The curve C is the boundary of D and oriented counter-clock wise.

I got an answer of 0 using the direct way:
Let $x = a\cos t, y = a\sin t $
$F(t) = <a^2, a\sin t>$
$F'(t) = <0, a\cos t>$

$$\int F \cdot dr = \int <a^2, a\sin t> \cdot <0, a\cos t>$$
$$= \int^{\pi}_0 a^2\sin t\cos t\, dt$$
$$= \frac{1}{2}a^2\sin^2t$$
$$= 0$$

For Green's Theorem, I should get the same number, but I got $$-\frac{4}{3}a^3$$ and I have no idea where I went wrong.

$$\int \int (\frac{d}{dx}(y) - \frac{d}{dy}(x^2 + y^2)) dA$$
$$= \int \int -2y dA$$

Then I polarized the coordinates where y = rsin(theta)

$$\int^{\pi}_0 \int^a_0 -2r\sin(\theta)r\, dr d(\theta)$$
$$= \int^{\pi}_0 -\frac{2}{3}r^3\sin(\theta)$$ 0 to a
$$= \int^{\pi}_0 -\frac{2}{3}a^3\sin(\theta)\, d(\theta)$$
$$= \frac{2}{3}a^3\cos(\theta) $$ 0 to pi
$$= -\frac{4}{3}a^3$$
You have the correct result, $-\frac43a^3$, with the Green's theorem calculation, but you have messed up on the $\int F\cdot dr$ part. For a start, you need to have two integrals to go round the contour $C$, first round the semicircle and then along the $x$-axis. Next, you need to work out $\int F\cdot dr$ for each of those pieces of the contour. On the semicircle, you correctly have $F=(a^2,a\sin t).$ You don't need to differentiate $F$, but you should have $r = (a\cos t, a\sin t)$ and so $dr = (-a\sin t, a\cos t)dt.$ Take the dot product of that with $F$ and integrate from $0$ to $\pi.$ For the part of the contour that goes along the axis, you have $F = (t^2,0)$ and $r = (t,0)$ (with $t$ going from $-a$ to $a$). Add the two integrals together and you should get $-\frac43a^3$.

LaTeX tip: put a backslash before cos and sin, and a space after them, if you want them to display properly.
 
Last edited:
Opalg said:
LaTeX tip: put a backslash before cos and sin, and a space after them, if you want them to display properly.


Another $\LaTeX$ tip: for iterated integrals, it looks better if the differentials are separated by a
Code:
\,
space thus:
$$ \int_{a}^{b} \int_{c}^{d}x^{2} \,dx \,dy.$$
 

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