What is the equation for line integrals involving the gradient of a function?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of the equation for line integrals involving the gradient of a function, specifically using the identity ##\nabla fg = f\nabla g + g\nabla f##. Participants confirm that for any closed curve C in R, the integral ##\displaystyle\oint_C \nabla (fg) \cdot d\vec{r} = 0## holds true. Consequently, it is established that ##\displaystyle\oint_C f\nabla g \cdot d\vec{r} = -\displaystyle\oint_C g\nabla f \cdot d\vec{r}##, confirming the validity of the logic presented in the discussion.

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  • Understanding of vector calculus, specifically line integrals
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WMDhamnekar
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TL;DR
Let f (x, y) and g(x, y) be continuously differentiable real-valued functions in a region R.
Show that ##\displaystyle\oint_C f\nabla g \cdot dr = -\displaystyle\oint_C g\nabla f \cdot dr## for any closed curve in R
I don't have any idea to answer this question. So, any math help will be accepted.
I know ##\nabla fg = f\nabla g + g\nabla f \rightarrow (1) ## But I don't understand to how to use (1) here?
 
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What will ## \displaystyle\oint_C \vec \nabla (fg) \cdot d \vec r ## become?
 
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drmalawi said:
What will ## \displaystyle\oint_C \vec \nabla (fg) \cdot d \vec r ## become?
I think ## \displaystyle\oint_C \nabla (fg) \cdot dr = \displaystyle\oint_C f\nabla g \cdot dr + \displaystyle\oint_C g\nabla f \cdot dr ## for any closed curve.

But, for any closed curve in R , ##\displaystyle\oint_C \nabla (fg) \cdot dr = 0,## Hence, we can deduce that ##\displaystyle\oint_C f\nabla g \cdot dr = -\displaystyle\oint_C g\nabla f \cdot dr ##
Is that logic correct?
 
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WMDhamnekar said:
I think ∮C∇(fg)⋅dr=∮Cf∇g⋅dr+∮Cg∇f⋅dr for any closed curve.
This is valid for all lines.
 
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