Why Does Green's Theorem Have a Negative Sign in the Area Integral?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the negative sign in Green's Theorem, specifically in the area integral represented as ##-\frac {\partial f}{\partial y}dA##. The user explains that when integrating over a type I region, the orientation of the curves ##g_2(x)## and ##g_1(x)## necessitates a negative sign when reversing the limits of integration from b to a. Conversely, for a type II region, the orientation of ##h_2(x)## and ##h_1(x)## allows for a positive sign when integrating from c to d. The conclusion emphasizes that the sign in the integral is determined by the direction of the higher value function.

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  • Understanding of Green's Theorem
  • Familiarity with double integrals
  • Knowledge of curve orientation in calculus
  • Concept of type I and type II regions in integration
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Students and educators in calculus, mathematicians analyzing vector fields, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Green's Theorem and its applications in integration.

yungman
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This is a copy of the book:
[PLAIN]http://i38.tinypic.com/20faqnc.jpg[/PLAIN]

I know the derivation part, I just want to see whether I understand why the -ve sign of ##-\frac {\partial f}{\partial y}dA## in a more common sense way.

From looking at the graph for type I region, ##g_2(x)## is above ##g_1(x)## referenced to y axis. So the integral has to be ##g_2(x)-g_1(x)##. BUT the orientation of curve of ##g_2(x)## is from b to a. So if we want to integrate from a to b, we need to put a -ve sign.

From the type II region, ##h_2(x)## is above ##h_1(x)## referenced to x axis. So the integral has to be ##h_2(x)-h_1(x)##. The orientation of curve of ##h_2(x)## is from c to d. So if we want to integrate from c to d, it would be +ve sign.

Am I getting it right?

Bottom line is the sign depends on the direction of the higher value function of the two ( ie. ##g_2(t)≥g_1(t)##). If the direction is from high value to low value, then the sign has to be change to make it from low to high ( ie. ##g_2(t)## oriented from b to a. So sign needed to be change to integrate from a to b).
 
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Anyone please?
 
Anyone can comment? Even opinions are really appreciated.

Thanks
 
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