What is the Result of Evaluating a Line Integral Along a Quarter-Circle Curve?

In summary, the problem involves evaluating the line integral of the given function over a quarter-circle with center (0,0) and radius=2, with starting point (2,0) and ending point (0,2) in the anti-clockwise direction. The solution is obtained by substituting the given values into the formula and solving for x, which results in a final answer of -8/3. The use of polar coordinates was suggested but the problem was solved directly without conversion. The solution is confirmed to be correct.
  • #1
DryRun
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Homework Statement
Evaluate [itex]\int3x^2dx+2xydy[/itex], where C is the curve [itex]x^2+y^2=4[/itex] starting at (2,0) and ending at (0,2) in the anti-clockwise direction.

The attempt at a solution
The curve C is a quarter-circle with centre (0,0) and radius=2.
Making y subject of formula:
[tex]y=+\sqrt{4-x^2}[/tex] since the quarter-circle is above the x-axis.
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=-\frac{x}{\sqrt{4-x^2}}[/tex]
Replacing y and dy in the line integral.
[tex]\int3x^2dx+2xydy=\int_{x=2}^{x=0} 3x^2dx+2x.\sqrt{4-x^2}.-\frac{x}{\sqrt{4-x^2}}.dx=\int_{x=2}^{x=0} x^2dx=\frac{x^3}{3}\Biggr|_2^0=(0-\frac{8}{3})=-\frac{8}{3}[/tex]
Is this correct?
 
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  • #2
My friend told me that this problem should be solved by converting to polar coordinates. But i did it directly without any conversion, which is why I'm wondering if it's good at all?
 
  • #3
It is correct.

ehild
 
  • #4
Thank you for your confirmation, ehild. :smile:
 

What is a line integral?

A line integral is a type of integral that is used to calculate the total value of a function along a given curve or path. It takes into account both the function and the path to determine the final result.

What is the purpose of evaluating a line integral?

Evaluating a line integral allows us to find the total value of a function along a specific path, which can be useful in many scientific and mathematical applications. For example, it can be used to calculate work done by a force along a path or to find the average value of a function over a given area.

What are the different types of line integrals?

There are two types of line integrals: path integrals and line integrals of the second kind. Path integrals are used to calculate the total value of a function along a given curve, while line integrals of the second kind are used to calculate the total value of a vector field along a given curve.

How do you evaluate a line integral?

To evaluate a line integral, you first need to parameterize the given curve or path. This means representing the curve in terms of a variable t. Then, you plug this parameterization into the formula for the line integral and integrate it with respect to t. Finally, you evaluate the integral at the upper and lower limits of t to get the final result.

What are some real-world applications of line integrals?

Line integrals have many practical applications in fields such as physics, engineering, and economics. They can be used to calculate the work done by a force, the flow of a fluid, or the net profit of a company over a given time period. They are also used in vector calculus to solve problems involving vector fields and their line integrals.

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