Section 17.

2: Line Integrals

By a “line,” we mean
MATH 233 Fall 2020 17.2: Line Integrals

To compute line integrals:

∫
1. Evaluate xy 2 z ds where C is the line segment from (1, 0, 1) to (0, 3, 6).
C
MATH 233 Fall 2020 17.2: Line Integrals

2. Set up a definite integral that gives the lateral surface area under the paraboloid z = 2x2 + 3y 2 above the curve C shown.

∫
Note: If C is parameterized differently (faster, slower, in reverse, etc), f ds does not change.
C
Alternate forms of line integrals:
∫
f dx =
C

∫
f dy =
C

∫
f dz =
C

∫
f dx + g dy
C
Poll If C is traversed in the opposite orientation, do you think any of these line integrals changes?
MATH 233 Fall 2020 17.2: Line Integrals

Line Integrals of Vector Fields

Recall: the work done by a variable force F in moving an object along D is
Now, consider the work done by a variable forc F in moving an object along a curve C:
MATH 233 Fall 2020 17.2: Line Integrals
∫
3. Evaluate (−yi − x2 j)·dr, where C is the upper semicircle from (2, 0) to (−2, 0) followed by the line segment (−2, 0) to
C
(2, 0).

-1

-2

-3

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
MATH 233 Fall 2020 17.2: Line Integrals

4. Determine which line integral has the greatest value:

∫ ∫ ∫
F· dr F· dr F· dr
R G B

-1

-2

-3

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

Definitions: Let F be a continuous vector field on a region D ⊆ R3 and let C be a closed smooth oriented curve in D.
The circulation of F on C is

Let F be a continuous vector field on a region R ⊆ R2 and let C be a smooth oriented curve in R that does not intersect
itself (a simple curve). The flux of F across C is