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Problem on a line integral over a circular arc

Find C ( x+y
1
i +
1

x+y
j) dr , where C is the segment of the unit circle going
counterclockwise from (1, 0) to (0, 1).

Solution

We recall:

There are several ways to compute a line integral:

Direct parameterization
Fundamental theorem of line integrals
Green's theorem

If the fundamental theorem is applicable, it is usually more convenient than

other methods.

We begin by trying to apply the fundamental theorem to C F(x, y) dr ,

where F(x, y) . If this approach does not work, we will try one
1 1
= i + j
x+y x+y

of the others.

Recall that:

The fundamental theorem applies if the vector field F(x, y) is

conservative.

The vector field F(x, y) = u(x, y)i + v(x, y)j is conservative if and only
if

y u(x, y) = x v(x, y).

We can compute these derivatives to establish that F(x, y) is conservative.

We recall the fundamental theorem of line integrals:

If F(x, y) = (x, y) and C is a curve going from (x0 , y0 ) to (x1 , y1 ):

F dr = (x1 , y1 ) (x0 , y0 ).
C

Before we can apply the theorem, we need to find .

We can derive that F(x, y) = (x, y) where (x, y) = log(x + y) .

Applying the fundamental theorem of line integrals:

 F(x, y) dr = (0, 1) (1, 0)
C

= log(1) log(1) = 0.

We conclude

1 1
( i + j) dr = 0.
C
x + y x + y

Related topics

Multivariable calculus
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Conservative vector fields and potential functions

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To check if F = u, v is conservative, verify y u(x, y) = x v(x, y).

(5 problems)

If F is conservative, then its potential function can be found by

integrating each component of F(x, y) = (x, y) and combining into
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(8 problems)

Ways of computing a line integral C F(x, y) dr :

Direct parameterization
Fundamental theorem of line integrals
Green's theorem
(4 problems)

Fundamental Theorem of Line Integrals: If C is any curve going from

(x0 , y0 ) to (x1 , y1 ):

dr = (x1 , y1 ) (x0 , y0 ).
C

(3 problems)

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