Line integral over a given curve C

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The discussion focuses on evaluating the line integral ∫-ydx+3xdy over a specified curve defined by y^2=x. A participant suggests using parametric equations, initially proposing x=t^4 and y=t^2, while another recommends a simpler approach with x=y^2 and y=y. The importance of determining the correct limits of integration using the given points on the curve is emphasized. The derivatives dx and dy are calculated, and participants confirm that substituting these into the integral will yield the correct result. The conversation concludes with a consensus on the method to solve the integral effectively.
nmelott
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Homework Statement


Evaluate the line integral over the curve http://webwork.math.ttu.edu/webwork2_files/tmp/equations/33/92ca0e3b907f876e5a974ad1457d1f1.png from
7c0c57c09fd2ddefc5e4bd47ccf5351.png
to http://webwork.math.ttu.edu/webwork2_files/tmp/equations/6f/bccf9dd59b9c22450c590a042bb77d1.png .

∫-ydx+3xdy (over the curve C)

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm really stuck on this problem not doing very well with line integrals.
I started by changing y^2=x to parametric --> x=t^4 y=t^2
Then I took the derivate of each one --> dx=4t^3dt dy=2tdt
I then plugged in each term into the given integral --> ∫-ydx+3xdy (over the curve C) = ∫-(t^2)(4t^3)+3(t^4)(2t)dt

Would I use the points given to get my limits of integration or am I way off?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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nmelott said:

Homework Statement


Evaluate the line integral over the curve http://webwork.math.ttu.edu/webwork2_files/tmp/equations/33/92ca0e3b907f876e5a974ad1457d1f1.png from
7c0c57c09fd2ddefc5e4bd47ccf5351.png
to http://webwork.math.ttu.edu/webwork2_files/tmp/equations/6f/bccf9dd59b9c22450c590a042bb77d1.png .

∫-ydx+3xdy (over the curve C)

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm really stuck on this problem not doing very well with line integrals.
I started by changing y^2=x to parametric --> x=t^4 y=t^2
A simpler set would be x = t2, y = t. You can use the given points on C to figure out the interval for t values.
nmelott said:
Then I took the derivate of each one --> dx=4t^3dt dy=2tdt
I then plugged in each term into the given integral --> ∫-ydx+3xdy (over the curve C) = ∫-(t^2)(4t^3)+3(t^4)(2t)dt

Would I use the points given to get my limits of integration or am I way off?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Got it,
Thank you!
 
You could have just chosen ##x = y^2## and ##y = y## (where ##y## is the parameter). Then you can see that ##1 \leq y \leq 3##.

Then computing ##\frac{dx}{dy} = 2y## will give you ##dx = 2y dy##.

Subbing everything in you should find the same answer.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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