# Graphing the work done by a force along paths

1. Nov 7, 2013

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Evaluate the work done
W = op∫ F$\bullet$dr

By the two dimensional force F = (x2, 2xy) along the following paths from the
origin to the point P(1,1):
1) This path goes along the x-axis to the point Q(1,0) and then directly up to
the point P(1,1).
2) Along the path y = x2.
3) Along the path given by the parametric equation x = t3 and y = t2.
4) Plot each of these paths on the same graph.

I'm actually done parts 1 through 3. I'm just kind of lost as to how to graph something like this. The only software I really have at my disposal is excel. Any ideas?

I know this is a little vague, but my knowledge with graphing software is pretty terrible.

2. Nov 7, 2013

### Simon Bridge

You should be able to graph it by hand.

3. Nov 7, 2013

I would, but my prof has specifically stated that it can't be a hand drawn graph.

4. Nov 8, 2013

### Simon Bridge

Oh right - you can do it in a spreadsheet, but if you are going to have to do this sort of thing a lot you should consider a math script package.

GNU Octave is free-gratis and free-libre and does lots of what you want.
Matlab and Mathematica are popular, and iirc there is a version of mathematica as cloudware.

What si it you are having trouble with?
Do you just not know how to make a graph in Excel?