Evaluating Line Integral with Green's Theorum

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating a line integral using Green's Theorem, specifically the integral ∫c (x^2)y dx, where c is the unit circle centered at the origin.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Green's Theorem and the need to properly set up the integral. There is confusion regarding the absence of a dy term and the integration limits. Some suggest using polar coordinates for the circular path.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different methods to approach the problem, including the proper application of Green's Theorem and parametrization of the unit circle. Guidance has been offered regarding the setup of the integral and the use of polar coordinates, which some found helpful.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the integration setup and the interpretation of the problem, particularly concerning the absence of a dy term and the integration bounds. Participants are navigating these constraints while discussing their approaches.

Amy Marie
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Homework Statement


Use Green's Theorum to evaluate the line integral c (x^2)y dx, where c is the unit circle centered at the origin.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Taking the partial derivative with respect to y and subtracting it from zero(I'm taking the dy in the original problem to be zero because there wasn't one), I set up the double integral:

∫y = -1 to y =1 ∫x = -sqrt(1 - (y^2)) to x = sqrt(1 - ( y^2)) -(x^2) dxdy

I'm just kind of confused because there is no dy in the problem, and I'm not sure why the answer was -π/4.
I might not have set it up right because when I put the x bounds into -(x^3)/3, I'm not sure how to then integrate with respect to y.
 
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Since the path is a circle about the origin have you thought of using polar coordinates?
 
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You should first apply Green's theorem properly.

$$\oint_C \vec F \cdot d \vec r = \oint_C x^2y \space dx + 0 \space dy = \iint_D Q_x - P_y \space dA$$

Where ##\vec F = P \hat i + Q \hat j## and ##d \vec r = \vec r'(t) \space dt = x'(t) \hat i + y'(t) \hat j##.

So what are ##Q_x## and ##P_y##?

Now the curve ##C## is the unit circle ##x^2 + y^2 = 1## in a counter clockwise orientation. How do you parametrize a counter-clockwise circle around the origin? This should give you limits for ##r## and ##\theta##.
 
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Zondrina said:
You should first apply Green's theorem properly.

$$\oint_C \vec F \cdot d \vec r = \oint_C x^2y \space dx + 0 \space dy = \iint_D Q_x - P_y \space dA$$

Where ##\vec F = P \hat i + Q \hat j## and ##d \vec r = \vec r'(t) \space dt = x'(t) \hat i + y'(t) \hat j##.

So what are ##Q_x## and ##P_y##?

Now the curve ##C## is the unit circle ##x^2 + y^2 = 1## in a counter clockwise orientation. How do you parametrize a counter-clockwise circle around the origin? This should give you limits for ##r## and ##\theta##.
Thank you...this helped!
 
jedishrfu said:
Since the path is a circle about the origin have you thought of using polar coordinates?
Thank you...that worked!
 

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