Green’s Theorem and Its Proof
• A Fundamental Result in Vector Calculus
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Introduction
• • Green’s Theorem connects a line integral
around a simple closed curve to a double
integral over the region it encloses.
• • Fundamental in converting between
circulation/flux and area integrals.
• • Applies to planar regions.
Statement of Green’s Theorem
• Let C be a positively oriented, piecewise
smooth, simple closed curve in the plane, and
let D be the region bounded by C. If P(x, y) and
Q(x, y) have continuous partial derivatives on
an open region containing D, then:
• ∮_C (P dx + Q dy) = ∬_D (∂Q/∂x − ∂P/∂y) dA
Geometric Interpretation
• • LHS: Line integral (circulation around
boundary C)
• • RHS: Double integral (total “curl” inside
region D)
• • The theorem relates local rotation (curl) to
global circulation.
Proof Outline
• To prove Green’s Theorem, we:
• 1. Consider D to be a type I (bounded between
two functions of x) or type II (functions of y)
region.
• 2. Prove it separately for the P dx and Q dy
parts.
• 3. Use the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
and Fubini’s Theorem.
Proof – Part 1 (Q dy)
• Let D be a type I region:
• D = {(x, y) | a ≤ x ≤ b, g₁(x) ≤ y ≤ g₂(x)}
• Compute the line integral over C and convert
it to a double integral using Fubini’s Theorem:
• ∮_C Q dy = ∬_D ∂Q/∂x dA
Proof – Part 2 (P dx)
• Let D be a type II region:
• D = {(x, y) | c ≤ y ≤ d, h₁(y) ≤ x ≤ h₂(y)}
• Similarly, compute:
• ∮_C P dx = − ∬_D ∂P/∂y dA
• Note the negative sign arises from orientation.
Combining Results
• Putting the two parts together:
• ∮_C (P dx + Q dy) = ∬_D (∂Q/∂x − ∂P/∂y) dA
• Thus, Green’s Theorem is proven for regions of
type I and II.
Extension to General Regions
• • Any simple region can be broken into type I
and II regions.
• • Apply the proof to each subregion and sum
the results.
• • The boundary integrals over shared internal
curves cancel.
Conclusion
• • Green’s Theorem is a special case of Stokes’
Theorem in 2D.
• • Extremely useful in physics and engineering
(e.g., fluid flow, electromagnetism).
• • Bridges the gap between local and global
properties of vector fields.