Chapter 15: Problem 39
Show that if \(R\) is a region in the plane bounded by a piecewise smooth, simple closed curve \(C\), then $$ \text { Area of } R=\oint x d y=-\oint y d x $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Both expressions, \( \oint x \, dy \) and \( -\oint y \, dx \), equal the area of region \( R \).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Notation and Context
The curve \( C \) is closed and piecewise smooth, meaning it does not intersect itself and is made up of a finite number of smooth segments. We are to find the area \( A \) of the region \( R \) it encloses using line integrals.
02
Using Green's Theorem
Apply Green's Theorem, which relates the line integral around a simple closed curve to a double integral over the region it encloses. Green's Theorem states: \[ \oint_C (L dx + M dy) = \iint_R \left( \frac{\partial M}{\partial x} - \frac{\partial L}{\partial y} \right) \, dx \, dy. \] Here, we choose \( L = 0 \) and \( M = x \), yielding: \[ \oint_C x \, dy = \iint_R \left( 1 \right) dx \, dy = \text{Area of } R. \]
03
Calculating the Line Integral \( \oint x \, dy \)
Compute \( \oint x \, dy \), which, by Green's Theorem, gives us the area of the region \( R \). Thus, \( A = \oint_C x \, dy \).
04
Using Green's Theorem Again
Now, consider the line integral \( - \oint y \, dx \). We apply Green's Theorem again with \( L = -y \) and \( M = 0 \), giving: \[ \oint_C (-y) dx = \iint_R \left( 1 \right) dx \, dy = \text{Area of } R. \]
05
Equating Both Expressions for Area
Since both expressions, \( \oint x \, dy \) and \( -\oint y \, dx \), equal the area \( A \), we conclude \( \oint x \, dy = -\oint y \, dx = \text{Area of } R \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Line Integrals
Line integrals extend the concept of integration to functions over a curve. They are crucial in fields like physics and engineering, providing a way to sum quantities along a curve. When calculating a line integral,
- We consider functions depending on position along the curve.
- Integrate these functions over each segment of the curve.
- The expression \( \oint x \, dy \) explores how the "x-component" evolves along the curve.
- Similarly, \( \oint y \, dx \) provides insights into the "y-component's" journey.
Piecewise Smooth Curve
A piecewise smooth curve is made up of multiple smooth segments joined together. It’s important in calculus and analysis since not all curves in real-life applications are perfectly smooth.
This kind of curve:
- Is finite in nature, meaning it consists of a finite number of distinct smooth pieces.
- May change direction sharply at specific points or joins.
- Closed: The curve forms a complete loop without breaks.
- Non-intersecting: The curve doesn't cross itself, ensuring a clearly defined enclosed region.
Double Integral
Double integrals are the extension of single-variable integrals but over a two-dimensional area. They help calculate quantities spread over regions in the plane, such as mass or area itself. Here's how they generally work:
- You pick a region, say \( R \), and a function \( f(x, y) \).
- The double integral then sums up the function's values over every point in the region, \( \iint_R f(x, y) \, dx \, dy \).
Area of a Region
The area of a region in a plane is typically calculated using geometric or calculus methods. When the region is defined by a curve, especially a "piecewise smooth" closed curve, like in our exercise, Green's Theorem becomes a powerful tool for finding this area through line integrals.The area \( A \) of a region \( R \) can be calculated by:
- Employing line integral expressions like \( \oint x \, dy \) or \( -\oint y \, dx \).
- Using Green's Theorem to relate these line integrals to a double integral over \( R \).