Finding limits of line integral

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a line integral along a specified path from (0,0) to (\pi,-1). The original poster presents a parameterization of the path and expresses uncertainty about adjusting the limits of integration when transitioning from a two-variable to a one-variable integral.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to parameterize the path using x=\pi t and y=1-2t, but questions how to correctly determine the limits for t. Other participants confirm the parameterization and inquire about the limits, while one participant discusses the independence of the integral from the path and expresses confusion regarding the results obtained.

Discussion Status

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of needing to study more about parameterization, indicating a potential gap in understanding that may affect the discussion. The original poster also notes that the integral is stated to be independent of the path, which raises questions about the implications of this property in their calculations.

boneill3
Messages
126
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Integrate along the line segment from (0,0) to [itex](\pi,-1)[/itex]
The integral

[itex]\int_{(0,1)}^{(\pi,-1)} [y sin(x) dx - (cos(x))]dy[/itex]



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I have used the parameterization of [itex]x=\pi t[/itex] and [itex]y= 1-2t[/itex]
To get the integral:
[itex]\int_{(0,1)}^{(\pi,-1)} [1-2t sin(\pi t) -(cos(\pi t))]dt[/itex]

But now because it is an integral of variable t I need to change the limits .

I'm not sure if I just have to put the limits of t just from 0 to [itex]\pi[/itex]

I suppose I'm having trouble with getting from the limit of 2 variables (x,y) to a limit of one variable t

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If x=pi*t and y=1-2t, then if you put t=0 then x=0 and y=1, right? If you put t=1 then x=pi and y=(-1), also right? As you came up with that fine parametrization what's the problem with finding limits for t?
 
Thank you for your help.
I will need to go back and study more about parametrization.
 
When calculating this line integral

[itex]\int_{(0,1)}^{(\pi,-1)} [y sin(x) dx - (cos(x))]dy[/itex]

I'm using the formula
[itex]\int_{a}^{b}[f(x(t),y(t))x'(t) + g(x(t),y(t))y'(t)]dt[/itex]

with parameterization

I have [itex]x = \pi t[/itex]
[itex]y = 1-2t[/itex]
so
[itex]x' = \pi[/itex]
and
[itex]y' = -2[/itex]

plugging into the integral I get

[itex]\int_{(0)}^{(1)} [1-2y sin(\pi t) \pi - (cos(\pi t))-2][/itex]
[itex]= -1[/itex]

The question states that the integral is independent of path.

So if I integrate along the initial line segment [itex](0,1)[/itex]to [itex](0,\pi)[/itex]
I should be able to plug in the values f([itex](-1,\pi)[/itex])-f([itex](0,1)[/itex])
And it should equal my original integral vaue of -1.

However I get 0

Could someone please check what I've done I show me where I am going wrong ?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K