How do you intergrate a triangle ?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around performing a surface integral over a triangular region defined by the coordinates (1,0,0), (0,1,0), and (0,0,1). The original poster is attempting to compute this integral as part of a larger problem involving Stokes' theorem and a vector field.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster considers the possibility of developing a new coordinate system to facilitate the integration process but expresses concern about the complexity involved. They also contemplate using the area formula for the triangle to simplify the calculation, though they doubt its validity in the context of the problem.
  • Another participant suggests integrating horizontal lines across the triangle, indicating that the length of each line can be expressed as a function of the vertical coordinate, z.
  • The original poster clarifies that their interest lies in the curl of the vector field and the relationship between the integration limits and the direction of the field's rotation.
  • One participant inquires about the original vector function and proposes a change of coordinates that aligns with the triangle's geometry.

Discussion Status

Contextual Notes

The original poster is working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may impose specific requirements or limitations on the methods that can be used. The complexity of the problem and the need for clarity regarding the vector field and its properties are also noted.

Haths
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Basically. How would I even begin to go about doing the surface integral of a triangle bound by the co-ordinates;

(1,0,0)
(0,1,0)
(0,0,1)

This is part of a larger question to compute;

[tex] \int \int \vec{F} \cdot d \vec{r}[/tex]

Around the surface using stokes theorum, the scalar multiplier comes out as 2x+2y+2z so I'm not worried about that, but this last section of the question has dumfounded me completely. I might guess that I am being asked to develop a new co-ordinate referance point, and set of functions to describe it, but that appears like a hell of a lot of work for very little output.

Unless I am meant to cheat at this point and say; area of triangle 1/2 ab sin (theta) plug in sqrt(3) for a and b, to get an area of sqrt(3)/2 then multiply that by the scalar value to get a total of 3sqrt(3).

Yet that sounds very wrong.

Cheers,
Haths
 
Last edited:
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Haths said:
Basically. How would I even begin to go about doing the surface integral of a triangle bound by the co-ordinates;

(1,0,0)
(0,1,0)
(0,0,1)

You could just "scan" across the triangle, that is, integrate horizontal lines across the face of the triangle from 0 to 1 in z, where the length of each line of a function of z. Just add 'em up. You'll have to figure out how to express the length of each line as a function of z, but I'll bet you can do that!
 
Now that would work if I was only interested in the area, but I'm interested in the curl of the vector field. The path around the triangle A-B-C etc. is in the same direction or opposite direction to the 'rotation' of the field. The scalar quanta from before points in the positive r direction, which via the right hand rule means that the field is 'rotating' counter clockwise.

As you see the intergration needs to be done with some respect to this path somehow, and that's where the limits come in.

Haths
 
What is your original vector function? Have you tried a change of coordinates, where one coordinate is parallel to the base of the triangle, the second is parallel to the height of the triangle , and the third is orthogonal to the first two?
 

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