Solving an Integral Problem Using Green's Theorem

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of Green's Theorem in proving an expression involving line integrals and functions $G$, $H$, and $f$. Application of the product rule is necessary, but there may be a mistake in the original problem.
  • #1
Usagi
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http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/3171/integralbo.jpg

For the above expression, I was told that it can be proven using Green's Theorem on the line integral on the RHS, however I can't seem the prove the equality.

Note that $G$, $H$, $f$ are functions of $x_1$ and $x_2$.

So I apply Green's Theorem:

$\displaystyle{\oint_C f\left(Gdx_1 - H dx_2\right) = \oint_C fG dx_1 + \left(-fH\right)dx_2 = \iint_D -\frac{\partial \left(fH\right)}{\partial x_1} - \frac{\partial \left(fG\right)}{\partial x_2} dA}$

But then what? I can't seem to get the RHS to equal the LHS.

Any help would be appreciated :)
 
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  • #2
Usagi said:
http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/3171/integralbo.jpg

For the above expression, I was told that it can be proven using Green's Theorem on the line integral on the RHS, however I can't seem the prove the equality.

Note that $G$, $H$, $f$ are functions of $x_1$ and $x_2$.

So I apply Green's Theorem:

$\displaystyle{\oint_C f\left(Gdx_1 - H dx_2\right) = \oint_C fG dx_1 + \left(-fH\right)dx_2 = \iint_D -\frac{\partial \left(fH\right)}{\partial x_1} - \frac{\partial \left(fG\right)}{\partial x_2} dA}$

But then what? I can't seem to get the RHS to equal the LHS.

Any help would be appreciated :)
This is just the product rule: $\dfrac{\partial(fH)}{\partial x_1} = \dfrac{\partial f}{\partial x_1}H + f\dfrac{\partial H}{\partial x_1}$ and $\dfrac{\partial (fG)}{\partial x_2} = \dfrac{\partial f}{\partial x_2}G + f\dfrac{\partial G}{\partial x_2}.$
 
  • #3
Opalg said:
This is just the product rule: $\dfrac{\partial(fH)}{\partial x_1} = \dfrac{\partial f}{\partial x_1}H + f\dfrac{\partial H}{\partial x_1}$ and $\dfrac{\partial (fG)}{\partial x_2} = \dfrac{\partial f}{\partial x_2}G + f\dfrac{\partial G}{\partial x_2}.$

Thanks, Yup I did that however how does it simplify down the RHS to equal the LHS?
 
  • #4
Usagi said:
Thanks, Yup I did that however how does it simplify down the RHS to equal the LHS?
$$\begin{aligned}\oint_C f(Gdx_1 - H dx_2) &= \iint_D \Bigl(-\frac{\partial (fH)}{\partial x_1} - \frac{\partial (fG)}{\partial x_2}\Bigr)\, dA \\ &= \iint_D \Bigl(-\dfrac{\partial f}{\partial x_1}H - f\dfrac{\partial H}{\partial x_1} - \dfrac{\partial f}{\partial x_2}G - f\dfrac{\partial G}{\partial x_2} \Bigr)\,dA \\ &= \iint_D \Bigl(-f\Bigl[\dfrac{\partial H}{\partial x_1} + \dfrac{\partial G}{\partial x_2}\Bigr] -\Bigl[G\dfrac{\partial f}{\partial x_2} + H\dfrac{\partial f}{\partial x_1}\Bigr]\Bigr)\,dA, \end{aligned}$$ from which it appears that $$\iint_D\Bigl[G\dfrac{\partial f}{\partial x_2} + H\dfrac{\partial f}{\partial x_1}\Bigr]\,dA = -\iint_D f\Bigl[\dfrac{\partial H}{\partial x_1} + \dfrac{\partial G}{\partial x_2}\Bigr]\,dA -\oint_C f(Gdx_1 - H dx_2). $$ Hmm, it looks as though the sign of that last term is wrong – not sure where that happened (or maybe the original problem had the wrong sign).
 
  • #5
Awesome, thanks Opalg, I had a feeling the initial question had a mistake in it :)
 

FAQ: Solving an Integral Problem Using Green's Theorem

What is Green's Theorem?

Green's Theorem is a fundamental theorem in vector calculus that relates the line integral of a two-dimensional vector field over a closed curve to the double integral of the curl of the vector field over the region enclosed by the curve.

When is Green's Theorem used?

Green's Theorem is used to solve problems involving the calculation of line integrals over closed curves, such as calculating the work done by a conservative force or the circulation of a fluid around a closed loop.

How is Green's Theorem applied to solve an integral problem?

To solve an integral problem using Green's Theorem, the region of the curve must be divided into smaller regions. The line integral of the vector field over each smaller region is then calculated and added together to find the total line integral. The double integral of the curl of the vector field over the entire region is also calculated and compared to the total line integral to solve the problem.

What are the advantages of using Green's Theorem to solve an integral problem?

Green's Theorem allows for the simplification of complex line integrals into easier to solve double integrals. It also allows for the use of standard techniques from multivariable calculus, making it a powerful tool for solving integral problems.

Are there any limitations to using Green's Theorem?

While Green's Theorem is a useful tool for solving many integral problems, it does have its limitations. It can only be applied to two-dimensional vector fields and closed curves, and the curve must be smooth and oriented counterclockwise. Additionally, the vector field must have continuous partial derivatives in order for the theorem to hold.

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