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How is the line integral on a single small rectangle approximated in the proof of Green's Theorem?

The line integral is approximated using first-order Taylor expansions of the partial derivatives. The horizontal edges yield a term involving −∂P/∂y-\partial P/\partial y, and the vertical edges yield a term involving ∂Q/∂x\partial Q/\partial x. Summing these gives approximately (∂Q/∂x−∂P/∂y)Δσ(\partial Q/\partial x - \partial P/\partial y) \Delta \sigma.

Conditions

  • The rectangle is infinitesimally small.
  • P and Q have continuous first partial derivatives.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Isolate a single small rectangle.
  2. Calculate the circulation of the vector field along its counterclockwise boundary.
  3. Use first-order Taylor approximation for the horizontal bottom and top edges, simplifying their combined integral to −∂P/∂y⋅ΔxΔy-\partial P/\partial y \cdot \Delta x \Delta y.
  4. Use first-order Taylor approximation for the vertical right and left edges, yielding ∂Q/∂x⋅ΔxΔy\partial Q/\partial x \cdot \Delta x \Delta y.
  5. Sum the contributions from all four sides to get the approximate line integral.

Example

The script states: 'Using a first-order Taylor approximation, their combined integral simplifies to -∂P/∂y\partial P/\partial y · Δx Δy. Similarly, the vertical right and left edges yield ∂Q/∂x\partial Q/\partial x · Δx Δy.'

Common misconceptions

  • Confusing the first-order Taylor expansion with higher-order terms.
  • Thinking that the approximation is exact for finite-sized rectangles.

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