How Can You Solve Vector Field Line Integrals Without Gaussian Integrals?

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Homework Help Overview

This problem involves the line integral of a vector field, specifically focusing on the computation of integrals that include Gaussian functions. The original poster describes their approach using parameterized curves and expresses difficulty in evaluating the integrals due to the presence of Gaussian terms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to compute the line integral using parameterized curves and expresses confusion about the Gaussian integrals that arise. They question whether there is an alternative method to solve the problem without these integrals. Other participants suggest techniques such as substitution to simplify the integrals and mention the potential application of Stoke's theorem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different techniques and questioning the necessity of Gaussian integrals in the original problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding substitution methods, but no consensus has been reached on a definitive approach without Gaussian integrals.

Contextual Notes

The problem is framed within the context of a sample final exam, which may impose specific constraints or expectations regarding the methods used for evaluation.

destroyer130
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This problem is about Line integral of Vector Field. I believe the equation i need to use is:

\intF.dr = \intF.r'dt, with r = r(t)

I try to solve it like this:
C1: r1= < 1 - t , 3t , 0 >
C2: r2= < 0 , 3 - 3t , t >
C3: r3= < t , 0 , 1 - t >

After some computation, I got stuck at the part that have 2 Gaussian Integrals!

\int(t from 0 -> 1) [-3t + 3t^2 + e^(t^2) - e^[(t-1)^2]]dt

I see the answer is 1/2. I check my integrals and observe somehow these 2 Gaussian either cancel out or both equals 0, but I just have no clue how to show it. Another idea I could think of is that there is other way to solve this problem without involving doing those integrals.

Thanks for checking out my problem.
 
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destroyer130 said:
This problem is about Line integral of Vector Field. I believe the equation i need to use is:

\intF.dr = \intF.r'dt, with r = r(t)

I try to solve it like this:
C1: r1= < 1 - t , 3t , 0 >
C2: r2= < 0 , 3 - 3t , t >
C3: r3= < t , 0 , 1 - t >

After some computation, I got stuck at the part that have 2 Gaussian Integrals!

\int(t from 0 -> 1) [-3t + 3t^2 + e^(t^2) - e^[(t-1)^2]]dt

I see the answer is 1/2. I check my integrals and observe somehow these 2 Gaussian either cancel out or both equals 0, but I just have no clue how to show it. Another idea I could think of is that there is other way to solve this problem without involving doing those integrals.

Thanks for checking out my problem.

Yes, you can show they cancel. Take the integral of e^[(1-t)^2] and apply the substitution u=1-t.
 
Dick said:
Yes, you can show they cancel. Take the integral of e^[(1-t)^2] and apply the substitution u=1-t.

Wow i didn't know that there's such technique. This is from my sample final exam about Vector Integral. Could you look at the problem i attached and tell me if there's any other way that didn't have to go through that Gaussian Integrals? Thanks a lot Dick!

problem.jpg
 
destroyer130 said:
Wow i didn't know that there's such technique. This is from my sample final exam about Vector Integral. Could you look at the problem i attached and tell me if there's any other way that didn't have to go through that Gaussian Integrals? Thanks a lot Dick!

View attachment 53941

It's a trick you can use to show some definite integrals are related. It's not much of a general technique. Why not apply Stoke's theorem?
 

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