Help understanding/evaluating line integral over a curve

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on evaluating the line integral \(\int_{C} xy\:ds\) over the curve defined by the parametric equations \(x=t^{2}\) and \(y=2t\) for \(0 \leq t \leq 4\). The correct formula to use is \(\int^{b}_{a} f(x(t),y(t))\sqrt{(\frac{dx}{dt})^{2}+(\frac{dy}{dt})^{2}}dt\). The user initially calculated the integral to be approximately 860.3, which was incorrect due to entering an approximate decimal value instead of the exact answer \(\frac{8}{15}(1+391\sqrt{17})\). The discussion highlights the importance of precision in computer-mediated assessments.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of line integrals in calculus
  • Familiarity with parametric equations
  • Knowledge of integration techniques
  • Experience with computer-mediated assessment systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the evaluation of line integrals using parametric equations
  • Learn about the significance of exact versus approximate answers in mathematical assessments
  • Explore the implications of using computer-mediated assessments in mathematics
  • Study the derivation and application of the formula for line integrals
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators involved in calculus, particularly those working with line integrals and computer-mediated assessments in mathematics.

Kaldanis
Messages
106
Reaction score
0
Evaluate the line integral, where C is the given curve.

\int_{c} xy\:ds, when C: x=t^{2}, \ y=2t\ , \ 0\leq t\leq4

To solve this I should use the formula \int^{b}_{a} f(x(t),y(t))\sqrt{(\frac{dx}{dt})^{2}+(\frac{dy}{dt})^{2}}dt

This gives me \int^{4}_{0} (t^{2}2t)\sqrt{(2t)^{2}+(2)^{2}}dt

When I solve this integral I get around 860.3. I've had various friends solve it and also checked on my calculator and wolfram, all getting 860.3 each time. I've been told this answer is wrong which leads me to believe I'm using the formula incorrectly. Is my integral above correct? Is it wrong to just plain solve the integral from 0 to 4?

I appreciate any help
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Who tells you the answer is wrong?
 
It's for online homework that only accepts the correct answer. I can only enter answers so many times before the question is locked, so I want to be sure of the answer before I enter it again
 
Kaldanis said:
Evaluate the line integral, where C is the given curve.

\int_{c} xy\:ds, when C: x=t^{2}, \ y=2t\ , \ 0\leq t\leq4

To solve this I should use the formula \int^{b}_{a} f(x(t),y(t))\sqrt{(\frac{dx}{dt})^{2}+(\frac{dy}{dt})^{2}}dt

This gives me \int^{4}_{0} (t^{2}2t)\sqrt{(2t)^{2}+(2)^{2}}dt

When I solve this integral I get around 860.3. I've had various friends solve it and also checked on my calculator and wolfram, all getting 860.3 each time. I've been told this answer is wrong which leads me to believe I'm using the formula incorrectly. Is my integral above correct? Is it wrong to just plain solve the integral from 0 to 4?

I appreciate any help
How about entering the exact answer.

Is it possible to enter square roots, etc?
 
The thing that occurs to me is to check the decimal places it wants. 860.34?
If there is nothing to tell you (context - how many dp is usually wanted?) then you should tell the person who set the exercise (check with other students).

afaict, there is nothing wrong with the working.
 
looks ok to me! :smile:

(btw, i assume you used an algebraic substitution, and not a trig one? :wink:)
 
Thank you everyone, the problem was that I was entering an approximate decimal value. It accepted \frac{8}{15}(1+391\sqrt{17}) as the correct answer!
 
grrr... we hates computer mediated assessments oh we does!
 
Simon Bridge said:
grrr... we hates computer mediated assessments oh we does!

:smile:
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
7K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K