Integrating Line Integrals over Ellipses

In summary, the problem is asking to calculate the anti-derivative of ydx where c is in the ellipse 4x^2 + 25y^2 = 100. The student attempted to parameterize the equations but was unsure if they made the right choice. The correct parameterization for the curve is x = (10/2)cos(t) and y = (10/5)sin(t). The student is asked to think about the parametrization of a circle and apply it to this problem to solve for the line integral.
  • #1
shinobi12
16
0

Homework Statement


Calculate the anti-derivative of ydx where c in the ellipse 4x^2 + 25y^2 = 100


Homework Equations


Definition of a line integral


The Attempt at a Solution


I tried parameterizing the equations but I sure if am making the right choice
 
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  • #2
What did you try already for a parametrization, etc?
 
  • #3
I assumed we had a line from (0,0) to (1,1) so we had a vector of <1,1> so...
x=t
y=t
 
  • #4
That would be the parametrization of the line y=x, but your curve that the line integral is over is the ellipse

[tex]4x^2+25y^2=100 \Rightarrow \text{ } \frac{2^2}{10^2}x^2+\frac{5^2}{10^2}y^2=1[/tex]

I wrote it in a more suggestive way; can you see why the parametrization should be the following?

[tex] x=\frac{10}{2}\cos{t} , y=\frac{10}{5}\sin{t}[/tex]

Think of the parametrization of a circle and why that works if it doesn't make sense. Now try to see what you get for the line integral.
 

FAQ: Integrating Line Integrals over Ellipses

What is a line integral?

A line integral is a mathematical concept that calculates the total value of a function along a specific path or curve. It takes into account both the magnitude and direction of the function along the path.

How is a line integral calculated?

A line integral is calculated by breaking down the path into small segments and taking the sum of the function values at each segment, multiplied by the length of the segment. This sum is then taken as the limit of infinitely small segments to get the total value.

What is the purpose of calculating a line integral?

Calculating a line integral is useful in many fields of science, including physics, engineering, and mathematics. It can be used to find the work done by a force along a curved path, the flux of a vector field through a surface, or the average value of a function along a specific curve.

What is the difference between a line integral and a regular integral?

A regular integral calculates the area under a curve on a two-dimensional graph, while a line integral calculates the cumulative value of a function along a one-dimensional path or curve.

Are there any special cases when calculating a line integral?

Yes, there are two types of line integrals: path integrals and closed line integrals. Path integrals are calculated along an open curve, while closed line integrals are calculated along a closed curve. Closed line integrals are also known as line integrals of the second kind.

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