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For each of the following vector fields F, decide whether it is conservative or not by computing curl F. Type in a potential function f (that is, Vf = F). Assume the potential function has a value of zero at the origin. If the vector field is not conservative, type N.

F (x, y) = (10x + 3y) i + (3x + 10jj f(x,y) = f(x,y) =

User Skfd
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The vector field F(x, y) = (10x + 3y)i + (3x + 10j)j is conservative.

The potential function f(x, y) = 5x^2 + 6xy + 5y^2.

Step-by-step explanation:

A vector field is said to be conservative if its curl is zero.

To determine if the vector field F(x, y) = (10x + 3y)i + (3x + 10j)j is conservative or not, we need to compute its curl.

The curl of a vector field is given by:

curl F = (∂Fy/∂x - ∂Fx/∂y)k

where k is the unit vector in the z-direction.

For the given vector field F, we have:

∂Fx/∂y = 3

∂Fy/∂x = 3

Therefore, curl F = (3 - 3)k = 0

Since the curl is zero, the vector field F is conservative.

To find the potential function f, we need to integrate each component of F(x, y) with respect to its corresponding variable.

So we have:

f(x, y) = ∫(10x + 3y)dx

= 5x^2 + 3xy + C(y)

f(x, y) = ∫(3x + 10y)dy

= 3xy + 5y^2 + C(x)

Since the potential function has a value of zero at the origin, we can set C(x) = C(y) = 0.

Therefore, f(x, y) = 5x^2 + 3xy + 3xy + 5y^2

= 5x^2 + 6xy + 5y^2.

User Noisecapella
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