# Homework Help: Path Integrals- Multivariable Calculus

1. May 18, 2013

### Physics_Is_Fun

Path Integrals-- Multivariable Calculus

Hi all-- really stuck here, help would be greatly appreciated. :)
1. Evaluate ∫Fds (over c), where F(x, y, z) = (y, 2x, y) and the path c is de fined by the equation c(t) = (t, t^2, t^3); on [0, 1]:

2. Relevant equations
L = sqrt(f'(t)^2 + g'(t)^2 + h'(t)^2)dt from a to b

3. The attempt at a solution
I thought that F(x,y,z) could be rewritten as (t^2, 2t, t^2), F'(x,y,z) is (2t, 2, 2t)
Then ∫Fds should be ∫√(2(2t)^2 +2^2)dt from 0 to 1.
I don't think this is correct, though, since whenever we have integrals of the type ∫√(x^2+c)dx, our TA sends emails telling us it's okay to use Wolfram Alpha.
Can anyone give me a hint in the right direction?

2. May 18, 2013

### LCKurtz

You appear to be mixing scalars and vectors. You have F as a vector and ds as a scalar. One would expect either a line integral of the type $\int\vec F\cdot d\vec R$ or $\int F(x,y,z)ds$. Which is it?