Finding limits of line integral

In summary, the conversation is about finding the line integral along a segment from (0,0) to (\pi,-1) using the formula \int_{a}^{b}[f(x(t),y(t))x'(t) + g(x(t),y(t))y'(t)]dt with a given parameterization. The problem arises when trying to change the limits from the original variables (x,y) to the parameter t, and the individual is seeking help in finding the correct limits for t. They also mention that the question states the integral is independent of path and they are trying to verify this by integrating along the initial line segment.
  • #1
boneill3
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0

Homework Statement



Integrate along the line segment from (0,0) to [itex](\pi,-1)[/itex]
The integral

[itex]\int_{(0,1)}^{(\pi,-1)} [y sin(x) dx - (cos(x))]dy[/itex]



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I have used the parameterization of [itex]x=\pi t [/itex] and [itex]y= 1-2t [/itex]
To get the integral:
[itex]\int_{(0,1)}^{(\pi,-1)} [1-2t sin(\pi t) -(cos(\pi t))]dt[/itex]

But now because it is an integral of variable t I need to change the limits .

I'm not sure if I just have to put the limits of t just from 0 to [itex] \pi [/itex]

I suppose I'm having trouble with getting from the limit of 2 variables (x,y) to a limit of one variable t

Thanks
 
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  • #2
If x=pi*t and y=1-2t, then if you put t=0 then x=0 and y=1, right? If you put t=1 then x=pi and y=(-1), also right? As you came up with that fine parametrization what's the problem with finding limits for t?
 
  • #3
Thank you for your help.
I will need to go back and study more about parametrization.
 
  • #4
When calculating this line integral

[itex]\int_{(0,1)}^{(\pi,-1)} [y sin(x) dx - (cos(x))]dy[/itex]

I'm using the formula
[itex]\int_{a}^{b}[f(x(t),y(t))x'(t) + g(x(t),y(t))y'(t)]dt [/itex]

with parameterization

I have [itex]x = \pi t [/itex]
[itex]y = 1-2t[/itex]
so
[itex]x' = \pi [/itex]
and
[itex]y' = -2 [/itex]

plugging into the integral I get

[itex]\int_{(0)}^{(1)} [1-2y sin(\pi t) \pi - (cos(\pi t))-2][/itex]
[itex] = -1[/itex]

The question states that the integral is independant of path.

So if I integrate along the initial line segment [itex](0,1)[/itex]to [itex](0,\pi)[/itex]
I should be able to plug in the values f([itex](-1,\pi)[/itex])-f([itex](0,1)[/itex])
And it should equal my original integral vaue of -1.

However I get 0

Could someone please check what I've done I show me where I am going wrong ?
 

FAQ: Finding limits of line integral

What is a line integral?

A line integral is a mathematical tool used to calculate the total value of a function along a specific path. It is typically used in calculus and physics to study the relationship between a function and its path.

What is the purpose of finding limits of line integrals?

The purpose of finding limits of line integrals is to determine the total value of a function along a specific path as the path becomes increasingly smaller. This allows us to understand the behavior of the function and make more accurate predictions or calculations.

How do you find the limits of a line integral?

To find the limits of a line integral, you must first parameterize the path of the function. Then, you can use the fundamental theorem of calculus or other integration techniques to calculate the integral. Finally, you take the limit as the path approaches zero to find the total value of the function.

What is the relationship between line integrals and multivariable calculus?

Line integrals are an important tool in multivariable calculus as they allow us to integrate functions over a path in multiple dimensions. This is useful in many scientific fields, such as physics and engineering, where we need to understand the behavior of a function in three-dimensional space.

Are there any real-world applications for finding limits of line integrals?

Yes, there are many real-world applications for finding limits of line integrals. For example, in physics, line integrals are used to calculate work and energy along a path, and in engineering, they are used to calculate the distribution of forces along a structure. They are also used in fields such as fluid mechanics and electromagnetism to study the behavior of physical systems.

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