Troubleshooting Homework: Identifying and Addressing Mistakes

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem related to conservative fields and path independence in the context of vector calculus. Participants are attempting to identify mistakes in their approaches and clarify their understanding of the concepts involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants are questioning their understanding of the problem and whether they are missing key steps. Others are discussing the implications of path independence and the integral of a gradient function.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing hints and guidance without reaching a consensus. Some are exploring different interpretations of the problem, while others are trying to clarify their reasoning and calculations.

Contextual Notes

There are references to specific calculations and results that may not align, indicating potential misunderstandings or errors in the original poster's approach. The discussion includes a focus on the importance of completing the problem and verifying results against provided answers.

Shackleford
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Homework Statement



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Homework Equations



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The Attempt at a Solution



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You're right, it is a conservative field - that's the key to the solution.
I think you're trying to use path independence, which is also key, but try it another way.
you're looking for the integral of F; and F = grad f... well... what's the integral of grad f?
 
Actually, I can't really see a problem. So...am I really just that rusty? What's the answer supposed to be?
 
The only thing you are doing wrong is that you have not finished the problem!

You have (9- 12+ 4)- (1/4+ 1- 1). Okay, what number is that?
 
HallsofIvy said:
The only thing you are doing wrong is that you have not finished the problem!

You have (9- 12+ 4)- (1/4+ 1- 1). Okay, what number is that?

Well, that answer is 3/4, but the answer in the back of the review has -27/4.
 
lzkelley said:
You're right, it is a conservative field - that's the key to the solution.
I think you're trying to use path independence, which is also key, but try it another way.
you're looking for the integral of F; and F = grad f... well... what's the integral of grad f?

I have that written out.
 

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