Tricky to 2 variable line/path integral

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a line integral of the function f(x,y) = y^3/x^7 along a specified path defined by y = x^4/4, with x ranging from 1 to 2. Participants are exploring the setup and integration process for this problem.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to parameterize the curve and calculate the integral using the magnitude of the derivative. Some participants suggest using a substitution method to simplify the integration process.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing various approaches to the integration, including substitution and the use of the product rule. There is no explicit consensus on the correct method, but guidance has been provided regarding the substitution and integration steps.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about their integration skills and the application of the product rule, indicating a potential gap in foundational understanding. The original poster is also questioning whether they have made a mathematical error in their approach.

Unart
Messages
25
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Compute ∫f ds for [tex]f(x,y)=\frac {y^3}{x^7}[/tex] [tex]y=\frac {x^4}{4}[/tex] for [itex]1≤x≤2[/itex]

Homework Equations



∫f ds= ∫f(c(t))||c'(t)||

||c'(t)|| is the magnitude of ∇c'(t)

The Attempt at a Solution



From this... I gathered the following, by saying x=t
[tex]c(t)= <t,\frac {t^4}{4}>[/tex]
[itex]c'(t)= <1, t^3>[/itex]

That gave me a magnitude of [tex]\sqrt{1+t^6}[/tex]

so now I get that ∫f ds... through plugging in the magnitude and c(t) in the integral... this

[itex]∫\frac{t^5 \sqrt{1+t^6}}{64}[/itex] where [itex]x=t\, and\, 1≤t≤2[/itex]

This is the part where I'm particularly stuck... am I missing a step or did I make a math error? How do I integrate this?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Let ##u = 1+t^6##.
 
I am completely lost... my anti-derivative and integration is shaky at best.
so
u= 1+t^6
so do I just take the anti-derivative of t^5... and get t^6/(6*64) and then take the and then the anti-derivative of u which would [tex]\frac{2u^\frac{3}{2}}{3}[/tex] then anti-derivative of U which would t+t^7/7
 
no wait, there would be a product rule... too wouldn't it.

or am I wrong
 
Ignoring the ##\frac 1 {64}##, you have$$
\int t^5\sqrt{1+t^6}\, dt$$If you let ##u = 1+t^6## then ##du = 6t^5dt##. That gives you$$
\frac 1 6\int u^{\frac 1 2}\, du$$You integrate that and substitute ##u = 1+t^6## in your answer. Then put in your limits.
 

Similar threads

Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
11K
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
2K