Measuring the Length of a Parabolic Path with Line Integral

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of line integrals and their application in measuring the length of a parabolic path. Participants explore the relationship between line integrals and arc length, particularly in the context of calculus and geometry.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the definition of line integrals and how to measure the length of a parabolic path using integration.
  • Another participant provides the formula for arc length, indicating that it can be calculated by integrating the differential of arc length between two values of x.
  • A third participant distinguishes between line integrals and arc length, suggesting that line integrals are a more complex concept that extends beyond two dimensions.
  • A later reply expresses gratitude for the clarification provided, indicating that their query has been resolved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the relationship between line integrals and arc length, as there are differing views on the complexity and dimensionality of line integrals compared to arc length calculations.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address potential limitations or assumptions regarding the definitions of line integrals or arc length, nor does it explore the implications of these concepts in higher dimensions.

wasi-uz-zaman
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Hi experts
what is line integral - for example if I can draw graph of parabola and i can calculate the area under the graph. But how can i measure the length of parabolic path.
 
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Let s be arc length. Then the differential of arc length is given by:

ds=√(dx2+dy2)=√(1+(dy/dx)2)dx.

To get the arc length between 2 values of x, integrate ds between those values.
 
Two entirely different concepts
A line integral is more complex idea than the area under a curve in 2 dimensions.
It is done in 3 dimensions [or more]
The arc length is an application of integration in 2 D and the formula was given to yoou in the previous post.
 
thanks a lot you have solved my query.
 

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