Green's theorem - confused about orientation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Green's theorem to a line integral over a circular path defined by the equation (x-3)² + (y+4)² = 4. The vector field in question is given as F = . Participants are exploring the implications of curve orientation on the integral's sign.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the parameterization of the curve and its orientation, questioning the relationship between the orientation and the expected sign of the integral. There is confusion regarding the manual's assertion about the orientation being negative and its impact on the application of Green's theorem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants clarifying their understanding of the orientation and its effect on the integral's value. Some guidance has been provided regarding the assumptions about orientation, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct interpretation of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted ambiguity regarding the orientation of the curve as stated in the problem, as well as potential discrepancies in the solutions manual. Participants are grappling with the implications of these factors on their calculations.

Feodalherren
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Homework Statement


∫Fdr
Over C where C is the cirlce (x-3)^2+ (y+4)^2=4
F=<y-cosy, xsiny>

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


So I applied Green's theorem and converted to polar and ended up with -4π, it should be positive.
The orientation confused me since day one with this theorem. When I parametrize C I get <2+2cost,-4+2sint> which IS counter clockwise, which DOES curl in the positive Z direction, so when why does my book say that -C gives the positive orientation?
 
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You probably mean <3+2cost,-4+2sint> for the parameterization. How do you know the answer should be positive? That doesn't follow just from going counterclockwise. It depends on the field.
 
Yes that's what I meant :). The solutions manual says it should be positive.
It says that the curve is oriented negatively to begin with so they say -C must be used for Green's Theorem. I'm confused since it looks to me, from the parametrization, that the orientation is counter-clockwise to begin with and hence in the positive Z so C shouldn't be multiplied by -1.
 
Feodalherren said:
Yes that's what I meant :). The solutions manual says it should be positive.
The solutions manual says what should be positive? The answer??

It says that the curve is oriented negatively to begin with so they say -C must be used for Green's Theorem. I'm confused since it looks to me, from the parametrization, that the orientation is counter-clockwise to begin with and hence in the positive Z so C shouldn't be multiplied by -1.

Your initial statement of the problem doesn't give any orientation unless you assume the standard counterclockwise orientation. If you integrate in that direction the answer is ##-4\pi## as you have correctly calculated with Green's theorem. Unless there is something you haven't told us, the solution manual likely just has a typo in the answer.
 

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