Chapter 4

Generalized Stokes’
Theorem

“It is very difficult for us, placed as

we have been from earliest childhood
in a condition of training, to say what
would have been our feelings had
such training never taken place.”

Sir George Stokes, 1st Baronet

4.1. Manifolds with Boundary

We have seen in the Chapter 3 that Green’s, Stokes’ and Divergence Theorem in
Multivariable Calculus can be unified together using the language of differential forms.
In this chapter, we will generalize Stokes’ Theorem to higher dimensional and abstract
manifolds.
These classic theorems and their generalizations concern about an integral over a
manifold with an integral over its boundary. In this section, we will first rigorously
define the notion of a boundary for abstract manifolds. Heuristically, an interior point of
a manifold locally looks like a ball in Euclidean space, whereas a boundary point locally
looks like an upper-half space.

4.1.1. Smooth Functions on Upper-Half Spaces. From now on, we denote Rn+ :=
{(u1 , . . . , un ) ∈ Rn : un ≥ 0} which is the upper-half space of Rn . Under the subspace
topology, we say a subset V ⊂ Rn+ is open in Rn+ if there exists a set V e ⊂ Rn open in
R such that V = V ∩ R+ . It is intuitively clear that if V ⊂ R+ is disjoint from the
n e n n

subspace {un = 0} of Rn , then V is open in Rn+ if and only if V is open in Rn .

Now consider a set V ⊂ Rn+ which is open in Rn+ and that V ∩ {un = 0} 6= ∅. We
need to first develop a notion of differentiability for functions such an V as their domain.
Given a vector-valued function G : V → Rm , then near a point u ∈ V ∩ {un = 0},
we can only approach u from one side only, namely from directions with positive
un -coordinates. The usual definition of differentiability does not apply at such a point,
so we define:

99
100 4. Generalized Stokes’ Theorem

Definition 4.1 (Functions of Class C k on Rn+ ). Let V ⊂ Rn+ be open in Rn+ and that
V ∩ {un = 0} 6= ∅. Consider a vector-valued function G : V → Rm . We say G is C k
(resp. smooth) at u ∈ V ∩ {un = 0} if there exists a C k (resp. smooth) local extension
e : Bε (u) → Rm such that G
G e (y) = G(y) for any y ∈ Bε (u) ∩ V. Here Bε (u) ⊂ Rn refers
to an open ball in R .
n

If G is C k (resp. smooth) at every u ∈ V (including those points with un > 0),

then we say G is C k (resp. smooth) on V.

Figure 4.1. G is C k at u if there exists a local extension G

e near u.

Example 4.2. Let V = {( x, y) : y ≥ 0 and x2 + y2 < 1}, which is an open set in R2+
since V = {( x, y) : x2 + y2 < 1} ∩ R2+ . Then f ( x, y) : V → R defined by f ( x, y) =
| {z }
open in R2
p p
1 − x2 − y2 is a smooth function on V since 1 − x2 − y2 is smoothly on the whole
ball x2 + y2 < 1.
√
However, the function g : V → R defined by g( x, y) = y is not smooth at every
point on the y-axis because
∂g
∂y → ∞ as y → 0+ . Any extension ge of g will agree with g
g
on the upper-half plane, and hence will also be true that
∂e
∂y → ∞ as y → 0+ , which is
sufficient to argue that such ge is not smooth. 

Exercise 4.1. Consider f : R2+ → R defined by f ( x, y) = | x |. Is f smooth on R2+ ?

If not, at which point(s) in R2+ is f not smooth? Do the same for g : R2+ → R
defined by g( x, y) = |y|.

4.1.2. Boundary of Manifolds. After understanding the definition of a smooth

function when defined on subsets of the upper-half space, we are ready to introduce
the notion of manifolds with boundary:
4.1. Manifolds with Boundary 101

Definition 4.3 (Manifolds with Boundary). We say M is a smooth manifold with

boundary if there exist two families of local parametrizations Fα : Uα → M where Uα is
open in Rn , and Gβ : V β → M where V β is open in Rn+ such that every Fα and Gβ is a
homeomorphism between its domain and image, and that the transition functions of
all types:
F− 1
α ◦ Fα 0 F− 1
α ◦ Gβ G− 1
β ◦ G β0 G− 1
β ◦ Fα
are smooth on the overlapping domain for any α, α0 , β and β0 .
Moreover, we denote and define the boundary of M by:
[
∂M := { G β ( u 1 , . . . , u n −1 , 0 ) : ( u 1 , . . . , u n −1 , 0 ) ∈ V β } .
β

Remark 4.4. In this course, we will call these Fα ’s to be local parametrizations of

interior type, and these Gβ ’s to be local parametrizations of boundary type. 

Figure 4.2. A manifold with boundary

Example 4.5. Consider the solid ball B2 := {x ∈ R2 : |x| ≤ 1}. It can be locally
parametrized using polar coordinates by:
G : (0, 2π ) × [0, 1) → B2
G(θ, r ) := (1 − r )(cos θ, sin θ )
Note that the domain of G can be regarded as a subset
V := {(θ, r ) : θ ∈ (0, 2π ) and 0 ≤ r < 1} ⊂ R2+ .
Here we used 1 − r instead of r so that the boundary of B2 has zero r-coordinate, and
the interior of B2 has positive r-coordinate.
Note that the image of G does not cover the whole solid ball B2 . Precisely, the
image of G is B2 \{non-negative x-axis}. In order to complete the proof that B2 is a
manifold with boundary, we cover B2 by two more local parametrizations:
e : (−π, π ) × [0, 1) → B2
G
e (θ, r ) := (1 − r )(cos θ, sin θ )
G
and also the inclusion map ι : {u ∈ R2 : |u| < 1} → B2 . We need to show that the
transition maps are smooth. There are six possible transition maps:
e −1 ◦ G,
G G−1 ◦ G,
e ι−1 ◦ G, ι−1 ◦ G,
e G−1 ◦ ι, and e −1 ◦ ι.
G
102 4. Generalized Stokes’ Theorem

The first one is given by (we leave it as an exercise for computing these transition
maps):
Ge −1 ◦ G : ((0, π ) ∪ (π, 2π )) × [0, 1) → ((−π, 0) ∪ (0, π )) × [0, 1)
(
−1 (θ, r ) if θ ∈ (0, π )
G ◦ G(θ, r ) =
e
(θ − 2π, r ) if θ ∈ (π, 2π )
which can be smoothly extended to the domain ((0, π ) ∪ (π, 2π )) × (−1, 1). Therefore,
e −1 ◦ G is smooth. The second transition map G−1 ◦ G
G e can be computed and verified to
be smooth in a similar way.
For ι−1 ◦ G, by examining the overlap part of ι and G on B2 , we see that the domain
of the transition map is an open set (0, 2π ) × (0, 1) in R2 . On this domain, ι−1 ◦ G is
essentially G, which is clearly smooth. Similar for ι−1 ◦ G.
e
To show G−1 ◦ ι is smooth, we use the Inverse Function Theorem. The domain of
ι −1
◦ G is (0, 2π ) × (0, 1). By writing ( x, y) = ι−1 ◦ G(θ, r ) = (1 − r )(cos θ, sin θ ), we
check that on the domain of ι−1 ◦ G, we have:
∂( x, y)
det = 1 − r 6= 0.
∂(θ, r )
Therefore, the inverse G−1 ◦ ι is smooth. Similar for G
e −1 ◦ ι.
Combining all of the above verifications, we conclude that B2 is a 2-dimensional
manifold with boundary. The boundary ∂B2 is given by points with zero r-coordinates,
namely the unit circle {|x| = 1}. 

Exercise 4.2. Compute all transition maps

e −1 ◦ G,
G G−1 ◦ G,
e ι−1 ◦ G, ι−1 ◦ G,
e G−1 ◦ ι, and e −1 ◦ ι
G
in Example 4.5. Indicate clearly their domains, and verify that they are smooth on
their domains.

Exercise 4.3. Let f : Rn → R be a smooth scalar function. The region in Rn+1

above the graph of f is given by:
Γ f := {(u1 , . . . , un+1 ) ∈ Rn+1 : un+1 ≥ f (u1 , . . . , un )}.
Show that Γ f is an n-dimensional manifold with boundary, and the boundary ∂Γ f
is the graph of f in Rn+1 .

Exercise 4.4. Show that ∂M (assumed non-empty) of any n-dimensional manifold

M is an (n − 1)-dimensional manifold without boundary.

From the above example and exercise, we see that verifying a set is a manifold
with boundary may be cumbersome. The following proposition provides us with a
very efficient way to do so.

Proposition 4.6. Let f : Mm → R be a smooth function from a smooth manifold M. Suppose

c ∈ R such that the set Σ := f −1 ([c, ∞)) is non-empty and that f is a submersion at any
p ∈ f −1 (c), then the set Σ is an m-dimensional manifold with boundary. The boundary ∂Σ
is given by f −1 (c).

Proof. We need to construct local parametrizations for the set Σ. Given any point
p ∈ Σ, then by the definition of Σ, we have f ( p) > c or f ( p) = c.
4.1. Manifolds with Boundary 103

For the former case f ( p) > c, we are going to show that near p there is a local
parametrization of Σ of interior type. Regarding p as a point in the manifold M, there
exists a smooth local parametrization F : U ⊂ Rn → M of M covering p. We argue that
such a local parametrization of M induces naturally a local parametrization of Σ near
p. Note that f is continuous and so f −1 (c, ∞) is an open set of M containing p. Denote
O = f −1 (c, ∞), then F restricted to U ∩ F−1 (O) will have its image in O ⊂ Σ, and so is
a local parametrization of Σ near p.
For the later case f ( p) = c, we are going to show that near p there is a local
parametrization of Σ of boundary type. Since f is a submersion at p, by the Submersion
Theorem (Theorem 2.48) there exist a local parametrization G : Ue → M of M near p,
and a local parametrization H of R near c such that G(0) = p and H(0) = c, and:
H−1 ◦ f ◦ G ( u 1 , . . . , u m ) = u m .
Without loss of generality, we assume that H is an increasing function near 0. We argue
that by restricting the domain of G to U ∩ {um ≥ 0}, which is an open set in Rm + , the
restricted G is a boundary-type local parametrization of Σ near p. To argue this, we
note that:
f (G(u1 , . . . , um )) = H(um ) ≥ H(0) = c whenever um ≥ 0.
Therefore, G(u1 , . . . , um ) ∈f −1 ([c, ∞))
= Σ whenever um ≥ 0, and so G (when re-
stricted to U ∩ {um ≥ 0}) is a local parametrization of Σ.
Since all local parametrizations F and G of Σ constructed above are induced from
local parametrizations of M (whether it is of interior or boundary type), their transition
maps are all smooth. This shows Σ is an m-dimensional manifold with boundary. To
identify the boundary, we note that for any boundary-type local parametrization G
constructed above, we have:
H−1 ◦ f ◦ G ( u 1 , . . . , u m −1 , 0 ) = 0
and so f (G(u1 , . . . , um−1 )) = H(0) = c, and therefore:
G ( u 1 , . . . , u m −1 , 0 ) ∈ f −1 ( c ).
This show ∂Σ ⊂ f −1 (c). The other inclusion f −1 (c) ⊂ ∂Σ follows from the fact that
for any p ∈ f −1 (c), the boundary-type local parametrization G has the property that
G(0) = p (and hence p = G(0, . . . , 0, 0) ∈ ∂Σ). 
Remark 4.7. It is worthwhile to note that the above proof only requires that f is a
submersion at any p ∈ f −1 (c), and we do not require that it is a submersion at any
p ∈ Σ = f −1 ([c, ∞)). Furthermore, the codomain of f is R which has dimension 1,
hence f is a submersion at p if and only if the tangent map ( f ∗ ) p at p is non-zero – and
so it is very easy to verify this condition. 

With the help of Proposition 4.6, one can show many sets are manifolds with
boundary by picking a suitable submersion f .
Example 4.8. The n-dimensional ball Bn = {x ∈ Rn : |x| ≤ 1} is an n-manifold with
boundary. To argue this, let f : Rn → R be the function:
f (x) = 1 − |x|2 .
Then Bn = f −1 ([0, ∞)).
The tangent map f ∗ is represented by the matrix:
 
∂f ∂f
[ f∗ ] = , ··· , = −2 [ x1 , · · · , x n ]
∂x1 ∂xn
104 4. Generalized Stokes’ Theorem

which is surjective if and only if ( x1 , . . . , xn ) 6= (0, . . . , 0). For any x ∈ f −1 (0), we have
|x|2 = 1 and so in particular x 6= 0. Therefore, f is a submersion at every x ∈ f −1 (0).
By Proposition 4.6, we proved Bn = f −1 ([0, ∞)) is an n-dimensional manifold with
boundary, and the boundary is f −1 (0) = {x ∈ Rn : |x| = 1}, i.e. the unit circle. 

Exercise 4.5. Suppose f : Mm → R is a smooth function defined on a smooth

manifold M. Suppose a, b ∈ R such that Σ := f −1 ([ a, b]) is non-empty, and that
f is a submersion at any p ∈ f −1 ( a) and any q ∈ f −1 (b). Show that Σ is an
m-manifold with boundary, and ∂Σ = f −1 ( a) ∪ f −1 (b).

4.1.3. Tangent Spaces at Boundary Points. On a manifold Mn without ( bound-

)n
∂
ary, the tangent space Tp M at p is the span of partial differential operators ,
∂ui p
i =1
where (u1 , . . . , un ) are local coordinates of a parametrization F(u1 , . . . , un ) near p.
Now on a manifold Mn with boundary, near any boundary point p ∈ ∂Mn
there exists a local parametrization G(u1 , . . . , un ) : V ⊂ Rn+ → M of boundary type.
Although G is only defined when un ≥ 0, we still define Tp M to be the span of
( )n
∂
. Although such a definition of Tp M (when p ∈ ∂M) is a bit counter-
∂ui p
i =1
intuitive, the perk is that Tp M is still a vector space. Given a vector V ∈ Tp M with
coefficients:
n
∂
V = ∑ Vi .
i =1
∂u i p
We say that V is inward-pointing if V n > 0; and outward-pointing if V n < 0.
Furthermore, the tangent space Tp (∂M ) of the boundary manifold ∂M at p can be
regarded as a subspace of Tp M:
( ) n −1
∂
Tp (∂M ) = span ⊂ Tp M.
∂ui p
i =1
4.2. Orientability 105

4.2. Orientability
In Multivariable Calculus, we learned (or was told) that Stokes’ Theorem requires the
surface to be orientable, meaning that the unit normal vector n̂ varies continuously on
the surface. The Möbius strip is an example of non-orientable surface.
Now we are talking about abstract manifolds which may not sit inside any Eu-
clidean space, and so it does not make sense to define normal vectors to the manifold.
Even when the manifold M is a subset of Rn , if the dimension of the manifold is
dim M ≤ n − 2, the manifold does not have a unique normal vector direction. As such,
in order to generalize the notion of orientability of abstract manifolds, we need to seek
a reasonable definition without using normal vectors.
In this section, we first show that for hypersurfaces Mn in Rn+1 , the notion of
orientability using normal vectors is equivalent to another notion using transition maps.
Then, we extend the notion of orientability to abstract manifolds using transition maps.

4.2.1. Orientable Hypersurfaces. To begin, we first state the definition of ori-

entable hypersurfaces in Rn+1 :

Definition 4.9 (Orientable Hypersurfaces). A regular hypersurface Mn in Rn+1 is

said to be orientable if there exists a continuous unit normal vector n̂ defined on the
whole Mn

Let’s explore the above definition a bit in the easy case n = 2. Given a regular
surface M2 in R3 with a local parametrization ( x, y, z) = F(u1 , u2 ) : U → M, one can
find a normal vector to the surface by taking cross product:
∂F ∂F ∂(y, z) ∂(z, x ) ∂( x, y)
× = det i + det j + det k
∂u1 ∂u2 ∂ ( u1 , u2 ) ∂ ( u1 , u2 ) ∂ ( u1 , u2 )
and hence the unit normal along this direction is given by:
∂(y,z) ∂(z,x ) ∂( x,y)
det ∂(u i + det j + det k
1 ,u2 ) ∂(u1 ,u2 ) ∂(u1 ,u2 )
n̂F = on F(U ).
∂(y,z) ∂(z,x ) ∂( x,y)
det ∂(u1 ,u2 )
i + det ∂(u1 ,u2 )
j + det ∂(u1 ,u2 )
k
Note that the above n̂ is defined locally on the domain F(U ).
Now given another local parametrization ( x, y, z) = G(v1 , v2 ) : V → M, one can
find a unit normal using G as well:
∂(y,z) ∂(z,x ) ∂( x,y)
det ∂(v i + det j + det k
1 ,v2 ) ∂(v1 ,v2 ) ∂(v1 ,v2 )
n̂G = on G(V ).
∂(y,z) ∂(z,x ) ∂( x,y)
det ∂(v1 ,v2 )
i + det ∂(v1 ,v2 )
j + det ∂(v1 ,v2 )
k
Using the chain rule, we have the following relation between the Jacobian determinants:
∂(∗, ∗∗) ∂ ( u1 , u2 ) ∂(∗, ∗∗)
det = det det
∂ ( v1 , v2 ) ∂ ( v1 , v2 ) ∂ ( u1 , u2 )
(here ∗ and ∗∗ mean any of the x, y and z) and therefore n̂F and n̂G are related by:
∂(u1 ,u2 )
det ∂(v1 ,v2 )
n̂G = n̂F .
∂(u1 ,u2 )
det ∂(v1 ,v2 )

Therefore, if there is an overlap between local coordinates (u1 , u2 ) and (v1 , v2 ), the unit
normal vectors n̂F and n̂G agree with each other on the overlap F(U ) ∩ G(V ) if and only
∂ ( u1 , u2 )
if det > 0 (equivalently, det D (F−1 ◦ G) > 0).
∂ ( v1 , v2 )
106 4. Generalized Stokes’ Theorem

From above, we see that consistency of unit normal vector on different local
coordinate charts is closely related to the positivity of the determinants of transition
maps. A consistence choice of unit normal vector n̂ exists if and only if it is possible
to pick a family of local parametrizations Fα : Uα → M2 covering the whole M such
that det D (F− 1 −1 F (U ) ∩ F (U ) for any α and β in the family. The


β ◦ Fα ) > 0 on Fα α α β β
notion of normal vectors makes sense only for hypersurfaces in Rn , while the notion
of transition maps can extend to any abstract manifold.
Note that given two local parametrizations F(u1 , u2 ) and G(v1 , v2 ), it is not always
∂ ( u1 , u2 )
possible to make sure det > 0 on the overlap even by switching v1 and v2 .
∂ ( v1 , v2 )
It is because it sometimes happens that the overlap F(U ) ∩ G(V ) is a disjoint union
of two open sets. If on one open set the determinant is positive, and on another one
the determinant is negative, then switching v1 and v2 cannot make the determinant
positive on both open sets. Let’s illustrate this issue through two contrasting examples:
the cylinder and the Möbius strip:

Example 4.10. The unit cylinder Σ2 in R3 can be covered by two local parametrizations:

F : (0, 2π ) × R → Σ2 e : (−π, π ) × R → Σ2
F
F(θ, z) := (cos θ, sin θ, z) e(θ,
F ee z) := (cos θ,
e sin θ,
ee z)

Then, the transition map F e−1 ◦ F is defined on a disconnected domain θ ∈ (0, π ) ∪

(π, 2π ) and z ∈ R, and it is given by:
(
−1 (θ, z) if θ ∈ (0, π )
F ◦ F(θ, z) =
e
(θ − 2π, z) if θ ∈ (π, 2π )

By direct computations, the Jacobian of this transition map is given by:

e−1 ◦ F)(θ, z) = I
D (F

e−1 ◦ F) > 0 on the overlap.

in either case θ ∈ (0, π ) or θ ∈ (π, 2π ). Therefore, det D (F
The unit normal vectors defined using these F and F: e

∂F
× ∂F
n̂F = ∂r ∂θ
on F((0, 2π ) × R)
∂F
∂r × ∂F
∂θ
∂F ∂F
×
e e
r
∂e ∂θe e((−π, π ) × R)
n̂Fe = on F
∂F ∂F
×
e e
r
∂e ∂θe

will agree with each other on the overlap. Therefore, it defines a global continuous unit
normal vector across the whole cylinder. 

Example 4.11. The Möbius strip Σ2 in R3 can be covered by two local parametrizations:

F : (−1, 1) × (0, 2π ) → Σ2 e : (−1, 1) × (−π, π ) → Σ2

F
     
3 + u cos 2θ cos θ 3 + ue cos 2θ cos θe
e
     
F(u, θ ) =  θ
 3 + u cos 2 sin θ 
 e(ue, θe) =  3 + ue cos θe sin θe
F  2 
u sin 2θ ue sin 2θ
e
4.2. Orientability 107

In order to compute the transition map F e−1 ◦ F(u, θ ), we need to solve the system of
equations, i.e. find (ue, θe) in terms of (u, θ ):
  !
θ θe
(4.1) 3 + u cos cos θ = 3 + ue cos cos θe
2 2
  !
θ θe
(4.2) 3 + u cos sin θ = 3 + ue cos sin θe
2 2
θ θe
(4.3) u sin = ue sin
2 2
By considering (4.1)2 + (4.2)2 , we get:

θ θe
(4.4) u cos = ue cos
2 2
We leave it as an exercise for readers to check that θ 6= π in order for the system to
be solvable. Therefore, θ ∈ (0, π ) ∪ (π, 2π ) and so the domain of overlap is a disjoint
union of two open sets.
When θ ∈ (0, π ), from (4.3) and (4.4) we can conclude that ue = u and θe = θ.
When θ ∈ (π, 2π ), we cannot have θe = θ since θe ∈ (−π, π ). However, one can have
ue = −u so that (4.3) and (4.4) become:

θ θe θ θe
sin = − sin and cos = − cos
2 2 2 2
which implies θe = θ − 2π.
To conclude, we have:
(
e −1 (u, θ ) if θ ∈ (0, π )
F ◦ F(u, θ ) =
(−u, θ − 2π ) if θ ∈ (π, 2π )

By direct computations, we get:

(
e −1 1 if θ ∈ (0, π )
det D (F ◦ F)(u, θ ) =
−1 if θ ∈ (π, 2π )

Therefore, no matter how we switch the order of u and θ, or ue and θ, e we can never
− 1
allow det D (F ◦ F) > 0 everywhere on the overlap. In other words, even if the unit
e
normal vectors n̂F and n̂Fe agree with each other when θ ∈ (0, π ), it would point in
opposite direction when θ ∈ (π, 2π ). 

Next, we are back to hypersurfaces Mn in Rn+1 and prove the equivalence between
consistency of unit normal and positivity of transition maps. To begin, we need the
following result about normal vectors (which is left as an exercise for readers):

Exercise 4.6. Let Mn be a smooth hypersurface in Rn+1 whose coordinates are

denoted by ( x1 , . . . , xn+1 ), and the unit vector along the xi -direction is denoted
by ei . Let F(u1 , . . . , un ) : U → Mn be a local parametrization of M. Show that the
following vector defined on F(U ) is normal to the hypersurface Mn :
n +1
∂ ( x i +1 , . . . , x n +1 , x 1 , . . . , x i −1 )
∑ det ∂ ( u1 , . . . , u n )
ei .
i =1
108 4. Generalized Stokes’ Theorem

Proposition 4.12. Given a smooth hypersurface Mn in Rn+1 , the following are equivalent:
(i) Mn is orientable;
(ii) There exists a family of local parametrizations Fα : Uα → M covering M such that for
any Fα , Fβ in the family with Fβ (U β ) ∩ Fα (Uα ) 6= ∅, we have:
det D (F− 1
on F− 1


α ◦ Fβ ) > 0 β Fβ (U β ) ∩ Fα (Uα ) .

Proof. We first prove (ii) =⇒ (i). Denote (u1α , . . . , uαn ) to be the local coordinates of M
under the parametrization Fα . On every Fα (Uα ), using the result from Exercise 4.6, one
can construct a unit normal vector locally defined on Fα (Uα ):
∂( xi+1 ,...,xn+1 ,x1 ,...,xi−1 )
∑in=+11 det ∂(u1α ,...,uαn )
ei
n̂α =
∂( xi+1 ,...,xn+1 ,x1 ,...,xi−1 )
∑in=+11 det ∂(u1α ,...,uαn )
ei

Similarly, on Fβ (U β ), we have another locally defined unit normal vectors:

∂( xi+1 ,...,xn+1 ,x1 ,...,xi−1 )
∑in=+11 det β β ei
∂(u1 ,...,un )
n̂β =
∂( xi+1 ,...,xn+1 ,x1 ,...,xi−1 )
∑in=+11 det β β ei
∂(u1 ,...,un )

Then on the overlap F− 1

β Fα (Uα ) ∩ Fβ (U β ) , the chain rule asserts that:

∂ ( x i +1 , . . . , x n +1 , x 1 , . . . , x i −1 )
det β β
∂ ( u1 , . . . , u n )
∂(u1α , . . . , uαn ) ∂ ( x i +1 , . . . , x n +1 , x 1 , . . . , x i −1 )
= det det
β β
∂ ( u1 , . . . , u n ) ∂(u1α , . . . , uαn )
∂ ( x i +1 , . . . , x n +1 , x 1 , . . . , x i −1 )
= det D (F− 1
α ◦ F β ) det
∂(u1α , . . . , uαn )
and so the two unit normal vectors are related by:

det D (F− 1
α ◦ Fβ )
n̂β = n̂α .
det D (F− 1
α ◦ Fβ )

By the condition that det D (F− 1

α ◦ F β ) > 0, we have n̂ β = n̂α on the overlap. Define
n̂ := n̂α on every Fα (Uα ), it is then a continuous unit normal vector globally defined on
M. This proves (i).
Now we show (i) =⇒ (ii). Suppose n̂ is a continuous unit normal vector defined on
the whole M. Suppose Fα (u1α , . . . , uαn ) : Uα → M is any family of local parametrizations
that cover the whole M. On every Fα (Uα ), we consider the locally defined unit normal
vector:
∂( xi+1 ,...,xn+1 ,x1 ,...,xi−1 )
∑in=+11 det ∂(u1α ,...,uαn )
ei
n̂α = .
∂( xi+1 ,...,xn+1 ,x1 ,...,xi−1 )
∑in=+11 det ∂(u1α ,...,uαn )
ei

As a hypersurface Mn in Rn+1 , there is only one direction of normal vectors, and so

we have either n̂α = n̂ or n̂α = −n̂ on Fα (Uα ). For the latter case, one can modify the
parametrization Fα by switching any pair of uiα ’s such that n̂α = n̂.
4.2. Orientability 109

After making suitable modification on every Fα , we can assume without loss of

generality that Fα ’s are local parametrizations such that n̂α = n̂ on every Fα (Uα ). In
particular, on the overlap F− 1


β Fα (Uα ) ∩ Fβ (U β ) , we have n̂α = n̂β .
det D (F− 1
α ◦ Fβ )
By n̂β = n̂α , we conclude that det D (F− 1
α ◦ F β ) > 0, proving (ii).
det D (F− 1
α ◦ Fβ )

Remark 4.13. According to Proposition 4.12, the cylinder in Example 4.10 is orientable,
while the Möbius strip in Example 4.11 is not orientable. 

Exercise 4.7. Show that the unit sphere S2 in R3 is orientable.

Exercise 4.8. Let f : R3 → R be a smooth function. Suppose c ∈ R such that

f −1 (c) is non-empty and f is a submersion at every p ∈ f −1 (c). Show that f −1 (c)
is an orientable hypersurface in R3 .

4.2.2. Orientable Manifolds. On an abstract manifold M, it is not possible to

define normal vectors on M, and so the notion of orientability cannot be defined using
normal vectors. However, thanks to Proposition 4.12, the notion of orientability of
hypersurfaces is equivalent to positivity of Jacobians of transition maps, which we can
also talk about on abstract manifolds. Therefore, motivated by Proposition 4.12, we
define:

Definition 4.14 (Orientable Manifolds). A smooth manifold M is said to be orientable

if there exists a family of local parametrizations Fα : Uα → M covering M such that
for any Fα and Fβ in the family with Fβ (U β ) ∩ Fα (Uα ) 6= ∅, we have:
det D (F− 1
on F− 1


α ◦ Fβ ) > 0 β Fβ (U β ) ∩ Fα (Uα ) .
In this case, we call the family A = {Fα : Uα → M } of local parametrizations to be an
oriented atlas of M.

Example 4.15. Recall that the real projective space RP2 consists of homogeneous triples
[ x0 : x1 : x2 ] where ( x0 , x1 , x2 ) 6= (0, 0, 0). The standard parametrizations are given by:
F0 ( x 1 , x 2 ) = [ 1 : x 1 : x 2 ]
F1 ( y 0 , y 2 ) = [ y 0 : 1 : y 2 ]
F2 ( z 0 , z 1 ) = [ z 0 : z 1 : 1 ]
By the fact that [y0 : 1 : y2 ] = [1 : y0−1 : y2 y0−1 ], the transition map F0−1 ◦ F1 is defined
on {(y0 , y2 ) ∈ R2 : y0 6= 0}, and is given by: ( x1 , x2 ) = (y0−1 , y2 y0−1 ). Hence,
−y0−2
 
∂ ( x1 , x2 ) 0
D (F0−1 ◦ F1 ) = =
∂ ( y0 , y2 ) −y2 y0−2 y0−1
1
det D (F0−1 ◦ F1 ) = − 3
y0
Therefore, it is impossible for det D (F0−1 ◦ F1 ) > 0 on the overlap domain {(y0 , y2 ) ∈
R2 : y0 6= 0}. We conclude that RP2 is not orientable. 
110 4. Generalized Stokes’ Theorem

Exercise 4.9. Show that RP3 is orientable. Propose a conjecture about the ori-
entability of RPn .

Exercise 4.10. Show that for any smooth manifold M (whether or not it is ori-
entable), the tangent bundle TM must be orientable.

Exercise 4.11. Show that for a smooth orientable manifold M with boundary, the
boundary manifold ∂M must also be orientable.
4.3. Integrations of Differential Forms 111

4.3. Integrations of Differential Forms

Generalized Stokes’ Theorem concerns about integrals of differential forms. In this
section, we will give a rigorous definition of these integrals.

4.3.1. Single Parametrization. In the simplest case if a manifold M can be covered

by a single parametrization:
F(u1 , . . . , un ) : (α1 , β 1 ) × · · · × (αn , β n ) → M,
then given an n-form ϕ(u1 , . . . , un ) du1 ∧ du2 ∧ · · · ∧ dun , the integral of ω over the
manifold M is given by:
Z Z βn Z β
1
ϕ(u1 , . . . , un ) du1 ∧ du2 ∧ · · · ∧ dun := ··· ϕ(u1 , . . . , un ) du1 du2 · · · dun
M αn α1
| {z } | {z }
integral of differential form ordinary integral in Multivariable Calculus

From the definition, we see that it only makes sense to integrate an n-form on an
n-dimensional manifold.
Very few manifolds can be covered by a single parametrization. Of course, Rn
is an example. One less trivial example is the graph of a smooth function. Suppose
f ( x, y) : R2 → R is a smooth function. Consider its graph:
Γ f := {( x, y, f ( x, y)) ∈ R3 : ( x, y) ∈ R2 }
which can be globally parametrized by F : R2 → Γ f where
F( x, y) = ( x, y, f ( x, y)).
2 − y2
Let ω = e− x dx ∧ dy be a 2-form on Γ f , then its integral over Γ f is given by:
Z Z Z ∞ Z ∞
2 − y2 2 − y2
ω= e− x dx ∧ dy = e− x dx dy = π.
Γf Γf −∞ −∞

Here we leave the computational detail as an exercise for readers.

It appears that integrating a differential form is just like “erasing the wedges”, yet
there are two subtle (but important) issues:
(1) In the above example, note that ω can also be written as:
2 − y2
ω = −e− x dy ∧ dx.
It suggests that we also have:
Z Z ∞ Z ∞
2 − y2
ω= −e− x dy dx = −π,
Γf −∞ −∞

which is not consistent with the previous result. How shall we fix it?
(2) Even if a manifold can be covered by one single parametrization, such a parametriza-
tion may not be unique. If both (u1 , . . . , un ) and (v1 , . . . , vn ) are global coordinates
of M, then a differential form ω can be expressed in terms of either ui ’s or vi ’s. Is
the integral independent of the chosen coordinate system?
The first issue can be resolved easily. Whenever we talk about integration of differential
forms, we need to first fix the order of the coordinates. Say on R2 we fix the order to
be ( x, y), then for any given 2-form we should express it in terms of dx ∧ dy before
“erasing the wedges”. For the 2-form ω above, we must first express it as:
2 − y2
ω = e− x dx ∧ dy
before integrating it.
112 4. Generalized Stokes’ Theorem

For higher (say dim = 4) dimensional manifolds M4 covered by a single parametriza-

tion F(u1 , . . . , u4 ) : U → M, if we choose (u1 , u2 , u3 , u4 ) to be the order of coordinates
and given a 4-form:
Ω = f (u1 , . . . , u4 ) du1 ∧ du3 ∧ du2 ∧ du4 + g(u1 , . . . , u4 ) du4 ∧ du3 ∧ du2 ∧ du1 ,
then we need to re-order the wedge product so that:
Ω = − f (u1 , . . . , u4 ) du1 ∧ du2 ∧ du3 ∧ du4 + g(u1 , . . . , u4 )du1 ∧ du2 ∧ du3 ∧ du4 .
The integral of ω over M4 with respect to the order (u1 , u2 , u3 , u4 ) is given by:
Z Z
Ω= (− f (u1 , . . . , u4 ) + g(u1 , . . . , u4 )) du1 du2 du3 du4 .
M U

Let’s examine the second issue. Suppose M is an n-manifold with two different
global parametrizations F(u1 , . . . , un ) : U → M and G(v1 , . . . , vn ) : V → M. Given an
n-form ω which can be expressed as:
ω = ϕ du1 ∧ · · · ∧ dun ,
then from Proposition 3.49, ω can be expressed in terms of vi ’s by:
∂ ( u1 , . . . , u n ) 1
ω = ϕ det dv ∧ · · · ∧ dvn .
∂ ( v1 , . . . , v n )
Recall that the change-of-variable formula in Multivariable Calculus asserts that:
∂ ( u1 , . . . , u n )
Z Z
ϕ du1 · · · dun = ϕ det dv1 · · · dvn .
U V ∂ ( v1 , . . . , v n )
Z
Therefore, in order for ω to be well-defined, we need
M
∂ ( u1 , . . . , u n ) 1
Z Z
ϕ du1 ∧ · · · ∧ dun and ϕ det dv ∧ · · · ∧ dvn
U V ∂ ( v1 , . . . , v n )
to be equal, and so we require:
∂ ( u1 , . . . , u n )
det > 0.
∂ ( v1 , . . . , v n )
When defining an integral of a differential form, we not only need to choose a
convention on the order of coordinates, say (u1 , . . . , un ), but also we shall only consider
∂ ( u1 , . . . , u n )
those coordinate systems (v1 , . . . , vn ) such that det > 0. Therefore, in
∂ ( v1 , . . . , v n )
order to integrate a differential form, we require the manifold to be orientable.

4.3.2. Multiple Parametrizations. A majority of smooth manifolds are covered by

more than one parametrizations. Integrating a differential form over such a manifold
is not as straight-forward as previously discussed.
In case M can be “almost” covered by a single parametrization F : U → M (i.e. the
set M \F(U ) Zhas measure zero) and
Z the n-form ω is continuous, then it is still possible
to compute ω by computing ω. Let’s consider the example of a sphere:
M F(U )

Example 4.16. Let S2 be the unit sphere in R3 centered at the origin. Consider the
2-form ω on R3 defined as:
ω = dx ∧ dy.
Let ι : S2 → R3 be the inclusion
Z map, then ι∗ ω is a 2-form on S2 . We are interested in
the value of the integral ι∗ ω.
S2
4.3. Integrations of Differential Forms 113

Note that S2 can be covered almost everywhere by spherical coordinate parametriza-

tion F( ϕ, θ ) : (0, π ) × (0, 2π ) → S2 given by:
F( ϕ, θ ) = (sin ϕ cos θ, sin ϕ sin θ, cos ϕ).
Under the local coordinates ( ϕ, θ ), we have:
ι∗ (dx ) = d(sin ϕ cos θ ) = cos ϕ cos θ dϕ − sin ϕ sin θ dθ
ι∗ (dy) = d(sin ϕ sin θ ) = cos ϕ sin θ dϕ + sin ϕ cos θ dθ
ι∗ ω = ι∗ (dx ) ∧ ι∗ (dy)
= sin ϕ cos ϕ dϕ ∧ dθ.
Therefore,
Z Z Z 2π Z π
ι∗ ω = sin ϕ cos ϕ dϕ ∧ dθ = sin ϕ cos ϕ dϕ dθ = 0.
M M 0 0

Here we pick ( ϕ, θ ) as the order of coordinates. 

Exercise 4.12. Let ω = x dy ∧ dz + y dz ∧ dx + z dx ∧ dy. Compute

Z
ι∗ ω
S2
where S2 is the unit sphere in R3 centered at the origin, and ι : S2 → R3 is the
inclusion map.

Exercise 4.13. Let T2 be the torus in R4 defined as:

 
2 4 2 2 2 2 1
T : = ( x1 , x2 , x3 , x4 ) ∈ R : x1 + x2 = x3 + x4 = .
2
Let ι : T2 → R4 be the inclusion map. Compute the following integral:
Z  
ι∗ x1 x2 x3 dx4 ∧ dx3 .
T2

FYI: Clifford Torus

The torus T2 in Exercise 4.13 is a well-known object in Differential Geometry called the
Clifford Torus. A famous conjecture called the Hsiang-Lawson’s Conjecture concerns about
this torus. One of the proposers Wu-Yi Hsiang is a retired faculty of HKUST Math. This
conjecture was recently solved by Simon Brendle in 2012.

Next, we will discuss how to define integrals of differential forms when M is

covered by multiple parametrizations none of which can almost cover the whole
manifold. The key idea is to break down the n-form into small pieces, so that each
piece is completely covered by one single parametrization. It will be done using
partition of unity to be discussed.
We first introduce the notion of support which appears often in the rest of the
course (as well as in advanced PDE courses).

Definition 4.17 (Support). Let M be a smooth manifold. Given a k-form ω (where

0 ≤ k ≤ n) defined on M, we denote and define the support of ω to be:
supp ω := { p ∈ M : ω ( p) 6= 0},
i.e. the closure of the set { p ∈ M : ω ( p) 6= 0}.
114 4. Generalized Stokes’ Theorem

Suppose Mn is an oriented manifold with F(u1 , . . . , un ) : U → M as one of (many)

local parametrizations. If an n-form ω on Mn only has “stuff” inside F(U ), or precisely:
supp ω ⊂ F(U ),
Z
then one can define ω as in the previous subsection. Namely, if on F(U ) we have
M
ω = ϕ du1 ∧ · · · ∧ dun , then we define:
Z Z Z
ω= ω= ϕ du1 · · · dun .
M F(U ) U
Here we pick the order of coordinates to be (u1 , . . . , un ).
The following important tool called partitions of unity will “chop” a differential form
into “little pieces” such that each piece has support covered by a single parametrization.

Definition 4.18 (Partitions of Unity).[ Let M be a smooth manifold with an atlas

A = {Fα : Uα → M} such that M = Fα (Uα ). A partition of unity subordinate to the
all α
atlas A is a family of smooth functions ρα : M → [0, 1] with the following properties:
(i) supp ρα ⊂ Fα (Uα ) for any α.
(ii) For any p ∈ M, there exists an open set O ⊂ M containing p such that
supp ρα ∩ O 6= ∅
for finitely many α’s only.
(iii) ∑ ρα ≡ 1 on M.
all α

Remark 4.19. It can be shown that given any smooth manifold with any atlas, partitions
of unity subordinate to that given atlas must exist. The proof is very technical and is
not in the same spirit with other parts of the course, so we omit the proof here. It is
more important to know what partitions of unity are for, than to know the proof of
existence. 
Remark 4.20. Note that partitions of unity subordinate to a given atlas may not be
unique! 
Remark 4.21. Condition (ii) in Definition 4.18 is merely a technical analytic condition
to make sure the sum ∑all α ρα ( p) is a finite sum for each fixed p ∈ M, so that we do
not need to worry about convergence issues. If the manifold can be covered by finitely
many local parametrizations, then condition (ii) automatically holds (and we do not
need to worry about). 

Now, take an n-form ω defined on an orientable manifold Mn , which is parametrized

by an oriented atlas A = {Fα : Uα → M }. Let {ρα : M → [0, 1]} be a partition of unity
subordinate to A, then by condition (iii) in Definition 4.18, we get:
!
ω= ∑ ρα ω= ∑ ρα ω.
all α all α
| {z }
=1
Condition (i) says that supp ρα ⊂ Fα (Uα ), or heuristically speaking ρα vanishes outside
Fα (Uα ). Naturally, we have supp (ρα ω ) ⊂ Fα (Uα ) for each α. Therefore, as previously
discussed, we can integrate ρα ω for each individual α:
Z Z
ρα ω := ρα ω.
M Fα (Uα )
4.3. Integrations of Differential Forms 115

Given that we can integrate each ρα ω, we define the integral of ω as:

Z Z Z
(4.5)
M
ω := ∑ ρα ω = ∑ ρα ω.
all α M all α Fα (Uα )

However, the sum involved in (4.5) is in general an infinite (possible uncountable!)

sum. To avoid convergence issue, from now on we will only consider n-forms ω which
have compact support, i.e.
supp ω is a compact set.

Recall that every open cover of a compact set has a finite sub-cover. Together with
condition (ii) in Definition 4.18, one can show that ρα ω are identically zero for all except
finitely many α’s. The argument goes as follows: at each p ∈ supp ω, by condition (ii)
in Definition 4.18, there exists an open set O p ⊂ M containing p such that the set:

S p := {α : supp ρα ∩ O p 6= ∅}

is finite. Evidently, we have

[
supp ω ⊂ Op
p∈supp ω

and by compactness of supp ω, there exists p1 , . . . , p N ∈ supp ω such that

N
[
supp ω ⊂ O pi .
i =1

Since {q ∈ M : ρα (q)ω (q) 6= 0} ⊂ {q ∈ M : ρα (q) 6= 0} ∩ {q ∈ M : ω (q) 6= 0}, we have:

supp (ρα ω ) = {q ∈ M : ρα (q)ω (q) 6= 0}

⊂ { q ∈ M : ρ α ( q ) 6 = 0} ∩ { q ∈ M : ω ( q ) 6 = 0}
⊂ { q ∈ M : ρ α ( q ) 6 = 0} ∩ { q ∈ M : ω ( q ) 6 = 0}
N
[

= supp ρα ∩ supp ω ⊂ supp ρα ∩ O pi .
i =1

Therefore, if α is an index such that supp (ρα ω ) 6= ∅, then there exists i ∈ {1, . . . , N }
such that supp ρα ∩ O pi 6= ∅, or in other words, α ∈ S pi for some i, and so:

N
{α : supp (ρα ω ) 6= ∅} ⊂
[
S pi .
i =1

Since each S pi is a finite set, the set {αZ : supp (ρα ω ) 6= ∅} is also finite. Therefore, there
are only finitely many α’s such that is non-zero, and so the sum stated in (4.5)
Fα (Uα )
is in fact a finite sum.
Now we have understood that there is no convergence issue for (4.5) provided
that ω has compact support (which is automatically true if the manifold M is itself
compact). There are still two well-definedness issues to resolve, namely whether the
integral in (4.5) is independent of oriented atlas A, and for each atlas whether the
integral is independent of the choice of partitions of unity.
116 4. Generalized Stokes’ Theorem

Proposition 4.22. Let Mn be an orientable smooth manifold with two oriented atlas
A = {Fα : Uα → M} and B = {Gβ : V β → M}
such that det D (F− 1
α ◦ G β ) > 0 on the overlap for any pair of α and β. Suppose { ρα : M →
[0, 1]} and {σβ : M → [0, 1]} are partitions of unity subordinate to A and B respectively.
Then, given any compactly supported differential n-form ω on Mn , we have:
Z Z
∑ ρα ω = ∑ σβ ω.
all α Fα (Uα ) all β Gβ (V β )

Proof. By the fact that ∑ σβ ≡ 1 on M, we have:

all β
Z Z
! Z
∑ ρα ω = ∑ ∑ σβ ρα ω = ∑ ∑ ρα σβ ω.
all α Fα (Uα ) all α Fα (Uα ) all β all α all β Fα (Uα )∩Gβ (V β )

The last equality follows from the fact that supp σβ ⊂ Gβ (V β ).

One can similarly work out that
Z Z
∑ σβ ω = ∑ ∑ ρα σβ ω.
all β Gβ (V β ) all β all α Fα (Uα )∩Gβ (V β )

Note that ∑α ∑ β is a finite double sum and so there is no issue of switching them. It
completes the proof. 

By Proposition 4.22, we justified that (4.5) is independent of oriented atlas and the
choice of partitions of unity. We can now define:

Definition 4.23. Let Mn be an orientable smooth manifold with an oriented atlas

A = {Fα (u1α , . . . , unα ) : Uα → M} where (u1α , . . . , unα ) is the chosen order of local
coordinates. Pick a partition of unity {ρα : M → [0, 1]} subordinate to the atlas A.
Then, given any n-form ω, we define its integral over M as:
Z Z

M
ω := ∑ ρα ω.
all α Fα (Uα )

If ω = ϕα du1α ∧ · · · ∧ dunα on each Fα (Uα ), then:

Z Z
ω= ∑ ρα ϕα du1α · · · dunα .
M all α Uα

Remark 4.24. It is generally impossible to compute such an integral, as we know only

the existence of ρα ’s but typically not the exact expressions. Even if such a partition of
2
unity ρα ’s can be found, it often involves some terms such as e−1/x , which is almost
impossible to integrate. To conclude, we do not attempt compute such an integral, but
we will study the properties of it based on the definition. 

4.3.3. Orientation of Manifolds. Partition of unity is a powerful tool to construct

a smooth global item from local ones. For integrals of differential forms, we first defines
integral of forms with support contained in a single parametrization chart, then we
uses a partition of unity to glue each chart together. There are some other uses in this
spirit. The following beautiful statement can be proved using partitions of unity:

Proposition 4.25. A smooth n-dimensional manifold M is orientable if and only if there

exists a non-vanishing smooth n-form globally defined on M.
4.3. Integrations of Differential Forms 117

Proof. Suppose M is orientable, then by definition there exists an oriented atlas

A = {Fα : Uα → M} such that det D (F− 1
β ◦ Fα ) > 0 for any α and β. For each local
parametrization Fα , we denote (u1α , . . . , unα ) to be its local coordinates, then the n-form:
ηα := du1α ∧ · · · ∧ dunα
is locally defined on Fα (Uα ).
Let {ρα : M → [0, 1]} be a partition of unity subordinate to A. We define:
ω= ∑ ρα ηα = ∑ ρα du1α ∧ · · · ∧ dunα .
all α all α

We claim ω ( p) 6= 0 at every point p ∈ M. Suppose p ∈ Fβ (U β ) for some β in the atlas.

By (3.12), for each α, locally near p we have:
∂(u1α , . . . , unα ) 1
du1α ∧ · · · ∧ dunα = det du ∧ · · · ∧ dunβ ,
∂(u1β , . . . , unβ ) β
and so: !
∂ ( u1 , . . . , u n )
ω= ∑ ρα det ∂(u1α , . . . , uαn ) du1β ∧ · · · ∧ dunβ .
all α β β

∂ ( u1 , . . . , u n )
Since ρα ≥ 0, ∑ ρα ≡ 1 and det ∂(u1α , . . . , uαn ) > 0, we must have:
all α β β

∂(u1α , . . . , unα )
∑ ρα det
∂(u1β , . . . , unβ )
>0 near p.
all α

This shows ω is a non-vanishing n-form on M.

Conversely, suppose Ω is a non-vanishing n-form on M. Let C = {Gα : Vα → M }
be any atlas on M, and for each α we denote (v1α , . . . , vnα ) to be its local coordinates.
Express Ω in terms of local coordinates:
Ω = ϕα dv1α ∧ · · · ∧ dvnα .
Since Ω is non-vanishing, ϕα must be either positive on Vα , or negative on Vα . Re-define
the local coordinates by:
(
1 2 n (v1α , v2α , . . . , vnα ) if ϕα > 0
(veα , veα , . . . , veα ) := 1 2 n
(−vα , vα , . . . , vα ) if ϕα < 0
Then, under these new local coordinates, we have:
vnα .
v1α ∧ · · · ∧ de
Ω = | ϕα | de
From (3.12), we can deduce:
∂(ve1α , . . . , venα ) 1
Ω = | ϕα | de vnα = | ϕα | det
v1α ∧ · · · ∧ de vnβ
v ∧ · · · ∧ de
de
∂(ve1β , . . . , venβ ) β

on the overlap of any two local coordinates (ve1α , . . . , venα ) and (ve1β , . . . , venβ ). On the other
hand, we have:
Ω = ϕ β de v1β ∧ · · · ∧ de vnβ .
This shows:
∂(ve1α , . . . , venα ) ϕβ
det 1 n
= >0 for any α, β.
∂(veβ , . . . , veβ ) ϕα
Therefore, M is orientable. 
118 4. Generalized Stokes’ Theorem

The significance of Proposition 4.25 is that it relates the orientability of an n-

manifold (which was defined in a rather local way) with the existence of a non-vanishing
n-form (which is a global object). For abstract manifolds, unit normal vectors cannot
be defined. Here the non-vanishing global n-form plays a similar role as a continuous
unit normal does for hypersurfaces. In the rest of the course we will call:

Definition 4.26 (Orientation of Manifolds). Given an orientable manifold Mn , a non-

vanishing global n-form Ω is called an orientation of M. A basis of tangent vectors
{ T1 , . . . , Tn } ∈ Tp M is said to be Ω-oriented if Ω( T1 , . . . , Tn ) > 0. A local coordinate
system (u1 , . . . , un ) is said to be Ω-oriented if Ω ∂ ∂
∂u1 , . . . , ∂un > 0.

Recall that when we integrate an n-form, we need to first pick an order of local
coordinates (u1 , . . . , un ), then express the n-form according to this order, and locally
define the integral as:
Z Z
ϕ du1 ∧ · · · ∧ dun = ϕ du1 · · · dun .
F(U ) U
Note that picking the order of coordinates is a local notion. To rephrase it using global
terms, we can first pick an orientation Ω (which is a global object on M), then we
require the order of any local coordinates (u1 , . . . , un ) to be Ω-oriented. Any pair of
local coordinate systems (u1 , . . . , un ) and (v1 , . . . , vn ) which are both Ω-oriented will
∂ ( u1 , . . . , u n )
automatically satisfy det > 0 on the overlap.
∂ ( v1 , . . . , v n )
To summarize, given an orientable manifold Mn with a chosen orientation Ω, then
for any local coordinate system F(u1 , . . . , un ) : U → M, we define:
(R
1
URϕ du · · · du
n if (u1 , . . . , un ) is Ω-oriented
Z
1 n
ϕ du ∧ · · · ∧ du =
F(U ) − U ϕ du · · · du1 n if (u1 , . . . , un ) is not Ω-oriented
or to put it in a more elegant (yet equivalent) way:
Z    Z
n ∂ ∂
1
ϕ du ∧ · · · ∧ du = sgn Ω , ..., ϕ du1 · · · dun .
F(U ) ∂u1 ∂un U

Exercise 4.14. Let Ω := dx ∧ dy ∧ dz be the orientation of R3 . Which of the

following is Ω-oriented?
(a) local coordiantes ( x, y, z)
(b) vectors {i, k, j}
(c) vectors {u, v, u × v} where u and v are linearly independent vectors in R3 .

Exercise 4.15. Consider three linearly independent vectors {u, v, w} in R3 such

that u ⊥ w and v ⊥ w. Show that {u, v, w} has the same orientation as {i, j, k} if
and only if w = cu × v for some positive constant c.
4.4. Generalized Stokes’ Theorem 119

4.4. Generalized Stokes’ Theorem

In this section, we (finally) state and give a proof of an elegant theorem, Generalized
Stokes’ Theorem. It not only unifies Green’s, Stokes’ and Divergence Theorems which
we learned in Multivariable Calculus, but also generalize it to higher dimensional
abstract manifolds.

4.4.1. Boundary Orientation. Since the statement of Generalized Stokes’ Theo-

rem involves integration on differential forms, we will assume all manifolds discussed
in this section to be orientable. Let’s fix an orientation Ω of Mn , which is a non-vanishing
n-form, and this orientation determines how local coordinates on M are ordered as
discussed in the previous section.
Now we deal with the orientation of the boundary manifold ∂M. Given a local
parametrization G(u1 , . . . , un ) : V ⊂ Rn+ → M of boundary type. The tangent space
∂ n
 
Tp M for points p ∈ ∂M is defined as the span of . As V is a subset of the
∂ui i=1
upper half-space {un ≥ 0}, the vector ν := − ∂u∂ n in Tp M is often called an outward-
pointing “normal” vector to ∂M.
An orientation Ω of Mn is a non-vanishing n-form. The boundary manifold
∂Mn is an (n − 1)-manifold, and so an orientation of ∂Mn should be a non-vanishing
(n − 1)-form. Using the outward-pointing normal vector ν, one can produce such an
(n − 1)-form in a natural way. Given any tangent vectors T1 , . . . , Tn−1 on T (∂M), we
define the following multilinear map:

(iν Ω)( T1 , . . . , Tn−1 ) := Ω(ν, T1 , . . . , Tn−1 ).

Then iν Ω is an alternating multilinear map in ∧n−1 T ∗ (∂M ).

Locally, given a local coordinate system (u1 , . . . , un ), by recalling that ν = − ∂u∂ n we
can compute:
   
∂ ∂ ∂ ∂
(i ν Ω ) ,..., = Ω ν, ,...,
∂u1 ∂un−1 ∂u1 ∂un−1
 
∂ ∂ ∂
=Ω − , ,...,
∂un ∂u1 ∂un−1
 
∂ ∂ ∂
= (−1)n Ω ,..., ,
∂u1 ∂un−1 ∂un

which is non-zero. Therefore, iν Ω is a non-vanishing (n − 1)-form on ∂M, and we can

take it as an orientation for ∂M. From now on, whenever we pick an orientation Ω for
Mn , we will by-default pick iν Ω to be the orientation for ∂M.
Given an Ω-oriented local coordinate system G(u1 , . . . , un ) : V → M of boundary
type for Mn , then (u1 , . . . , un−1 ) is iν Ω-oriented if n is even; and is not iν Ω-oriented if
n is odd. Therefore, when integrating an (n − 1)-form ϕ du1 ∧ · · · ∧ dun−1 on ∂M, we
need to take into account of the parity of n, i.e.
Z Z
(4.6) ϕ du1 ∧ · · · ∧ dun−1 = (−1)n ϕ du1 · · · dun−1 .
G(V )∩∂M V ∩{un =0}

The “extra” factor of (−1)n does not look nice at the first glance, but as we will
see later, it will make Generalized Stokes’ Theorem nicer. We are now ready to state
Generalized Stokes’ Theorem in a precise way:
120 4. Generalized Stokes’ Theorem

Theorem 4.27 (Generalized Stokes’ Theorem). Let M be an orientable smooth n-manifold,

and let ω be a compactly supported smooth (n − 1)-form on M. Then, we have:
Z Z
(4.7) dω = ω.
M ∂M
Here if Ω is a chosen to be an orientation of M, then we will take iν Ω to be the orientation of
∂M where ν is an outward-point normal vector of ∂M.
Z
In particular, if ∂M = ∅, then dω = 0.
M

4.4.2. Proof of Generalized Stokes’ Theorem. The proof consists of three steps:
Step 1: a special case where supp ω is contained inside a single parametrization
chart of interior type;
Step 2: another special case where supp ω is contained inside a single parametriza-
tion chart of boundary type;
Step 3: use partitions of unity to deduce the general case.

Proof of Theorem 4.27. Throughout the proof, we will let Ω be the orientation of M,
and iν Ω be the orientation of ∂M with ν being an outward-point normal vector to ∂M.
All local coordinate system (u1 , . . . , un ) of M is assumed to be Ω-oriented.
Step 1: Suppose supp ω is contained in a single parametrization chart of interior type.
Let F(u1 , . . . , un ) : U ⊂ Rn → M be a local parametrization of interior type such
that supp ω ⊂ F(U ). Denote:
ci ∧ · · · ∧ dun := du1 ∧ · · · ∧ dui−1 ∧ dui+1 ∧ · · · ∧ dun ,
du1 ∧ · · · ∧ du
or in other words, it means the form with dui removed.
In terms of local coordinates, the (n − 1)-form ω can be expressed as:
n
ω= ∑ ωi du1 ∧ · · · ∧ du
ci ∧ · · · ∧ dun .
i =1

Taking the exterior derivative, we get:

n n
∂ωi j
dω = ∑∑ ∂u j
ci ∧ · · · ∧ dun
du ∧ du1 ∧ · · · ∧ du
i =1 j =1

For each i, the wedge product du j ∧ du1 ∧ · · · ∧ du

ci ∧ · · · ∧ dun is zero if j 6= i. Therefore,
n
∂ωi i
dω = ∑ ∂u i
ci ∧ · · · ∧ dun
du ∧ du1 ∧ · · · ∧ du
i =1
n
∂ω
= ∑ (−1)i−1 ∂uii du1 ∧ · · · ∧ dui ∧ · · · ∧ dun
i =1

By definition of integrals of differential forms, we get:

Z Z n
∂ω
M
dω =
U
∑ (−1)i−1 ∂uii du1 · · · dun .
i =1

Since supp ω ⊂ F(U ), the functions ωi ’s are identically zero near and outside the
boundary of U ⊂ Rn . Therefore, we can replace the domain of integration U of the
RHS integral by a rectangle [− R, R] × · · · × [− R, R] in Rn where R > 0 is a sufficiently
4.4. Generalized Stokes’ Theorem 121

large number. The value of the integral is unchanged. Therefore, using the Fubini’s
Theorem, we get:
Z Z R Z R n
∂ω
M
dω =
−R
···
−R
∑ (−1)i ∂uii du1 · · · dun
i =1
n Z R Z R
∂ωi
= ∑ (−1)i−1 −R
···
−R ∂ui
dui du1 · · · du
ci · · · dun
i =1
n Z R Z R
∑ (−1)i−1
u =R ci · · · dun .
= ··· [ωi ]uii =− R du1 · · · du
i =1 −R −R

Since ωi ’s vanish at the boundaryZof the rectangle [− R, R]n , we have ωi = 0 when

ui = ± R. As a result, we proved dω = 0. Since supp ω is contained in a single
M
parametrization
Z chart of interior type, we have ω = 0 on the boundary ∂M. Evidently,
we have ω = 0 in this case. Hence, we proved
∂M
Z Z
dω = ω=0
M ∂M
in this case.
Step 2: Suppose supp ω is contained inside a single parametrization chart of boundary type.
Let G(u1 , . . . , un ) : V ⊂ Rn+ → M be a local parametrization of boundary type such
that supp ω ⊂ G(V ). As in Step 1, we express
n
ω= ∑ ωi du1 ∧ · · · ∧ du
ci ∧ · · · ∧ dun .
i =1
Proceed exactly in the same way as before, we arrive at:
Z Z n
∂ω
M
dω =
V
∑ (−1)i−1 ∂uii du1 · · · dun .
i =1
Now V is an open set in Rn+
instead of Rn . Recall that the boundary is the set of
points with un = 0. Therefore, this time we replace V by the half-space rectangle
[− R, R] × · · · × [− R, R] × [0, R] where R > 0 again is a sufficiently large number.
One key difference from Step 1 is that even though ωi ’s has compact support
inside V , it may not vanish on the boundary of M. Therefore, we can only guarantee
ωi (u1 , . . . , un ) = 0 when un = R, but we cannot claim ωi = 0 when un = 0. Some more
work needs to be done:
Z Z n
∂ω
M
dω =
V
∑ (−1)i−1 ∂uii du1 · · · dun
i =1
Z RZ R Z R n
∂ω
=
0 −R
···
−R
∑ (−1)i−1 ∂uii du1 · · · dun
i =1
n −1 Z RZ R Z R
∂ωi 1
= ∑ (−1)i−1 0 −R
···
−R
(−1)i−1
∂ui
du · · · dun
i =1
Z RZ R Z R
∂ωn
+ (−1)n−1 ··· du1 · · · dun
0 −R −R ∂un
One can proceed as in Step 1 to show that the first term:
n −1 Z RZ R Z R
∂ωi 1
∑ (−1)i−1 0 −R
···
−R
(−1)i−1
∂ui
du · · · dun = 0,
i =1
122 4. Generalized Stokes’ Theorem

which follows from the fact that whenever 1 ≤ i ≤ n − 1, we have ωi = 0 on ui = ± R.

The second term:
Z RZ R Z R
∂ωn
(−1)n−1 ··· du1 · · · dun
0 −R −R ∂un
is handled in a different way:
Z RZ R Z R
∂ωn
(−1)n−1 ··· du1 · · · dun
0 −R − R ∂un
Z R Z R Z R
∂ω n
= (−1)n−1 ··· dun du1 · · · dun−1
−R −R 0 ∂un
Z R Z R
= (−1)n−1 ··· [ωn ]uunn = R 1
=0 du · · · du
n −1
−R −R
Z R Z R
= (−1) n
··· ωn (u1 , . . . , un−1 , 0) du1 · · · dun−1
−R −R
where we have used the following fact:

[ωn (u1 , . . . , un )]uunn = R

=0 = ω n ( u 1 , . . . , u n −1 , R ) − ωi ( u 1 , . . . , u n −1 , 0 )
= 0 − ω n ( u 1 , . . . , u n −1 , 0 ).
Combining all results proved so far, we have:
Z Z R Z R
dω = (−1)n ··· ωn (u1 , . . . , un−1 , 0) du1 · · · dun−1
M −R −R
Z Z
On the other hand, we compute ω and then compare it with dω. Note that
∂M M
the boundary ∂M are points with un = 0. Therefore, across the boundary ∂M, we have
dun ≡ 0, and so on ∂M we have:
n
ω= ∑ ωi (u1 , . . . , un−1 , 0) du1 ∧ · · · ∧ du
ci ∧ · · · ∧ dun
|{z}
i =1 =0
1 n −1
= ωn (u1 , . . . , un−1 , 0) du ∧ · · · ∧ du
Z Z
ω= ωn (u1 , . . . , un−1 , 0) du1 ∧ · · · ∧ dun−1
∂M G(V )∩∂M
Z
= (−1)n ωn (u1 , . . . , un−1 , 0) du1 · · · dun−1
V ∩{un =0}
Z R Z R
= (−1)n ··· ωn (u1 , . . . , un−1 , 0) du1 · · · dun−1
−R −R
Recall that we have a factor of (−1)n because the local coordinate system (u1 , . . . , un−1 )
for ∂M is iν Ω if and only if n is even, as discussed in the previous subsection.
Consequently, we have proved
Z Z
dω = ω
M ∂M
in this case.
Step 3: Use partitions of unity to deduce the general case
Finally, we “glue” the previous two steps together and deduce the general case.
Let A = {Fα : Uα → M } be an atlas of M where all local coordinates are Ω-oriented.
Here A contain both interior and boundary types of local parametrizations. Suppose
{ρα : M → [0, 1]} is a partition of unity subordinate to A. Then, we have:
4.4. Generalized Stokes’ Theorem 123

!
ω= ∑ ρα ω= ∑ ρα ω
α α
| {z }
≡1
Z Z Z

∂M
ω=
∂M
∑ ρα ω = ∑ ∂M
ρα ω.
α α
For each α, the (n − 1)-form ρα ω is compactly supported in a single parametrization
chart (either of interior or boundary type). From Step 1 and Step 2, we have already
proved that Generalized Stokes’ Theorem is true for each ρα ω. Therefore, we have:
Z Z
∑ ∂M
ρα ω = ∑ M
d(ρα ω )
α α
Z
=∑ (dρα ∧ ω + ρα dω )
α M
Z
! !
=
M
d ∑ ρα ∧ω+ ∑ ρα dω.
α α
!
Since ∑ ρα ≡ 1 and hence d ∑ ρα ≡ 0, we have proved:
α α
Z Z Z Z

∂M
ω= ∑ ∂M
ρα ω =
M
0 ∧ ω + 1 dω =
M
dω.
α
It completes the proof of Generalized Stokes’ Theorem. 
Remark 4.28. As we can see from that the proof (Step 2), if we simply choose an
orientation for ∂M such that (u1 , . . . , un−1 ) becomes the order of local coordinates for
∂M, then (4.7) would have a factor of (−1)n on the RHS, which does not look nice.
Moreover, if we pick i−ν Ω to be the orientation of ∂M (here −ν is then an inward-
pointing normal to ∂M), then the RHS of (4.7) would have a minus sign, which is not
nice either. 

4.4.3. Fundamental Theorems in Vector Calculus. We briefly discussed at the

end of Chapter 3 how the three fundamental theorems in Vector Calculus, namely
Green’s, Stokes’ and Divergence Theorems, can be formulated using differential forms.
Given that we now have proved Generalized Stokes’ Theorem (Theorem 4.27), we are
going to give a formal proof of the three Vector Calculus theorems in MATH 2023
using the Theorem 4.27.

Corollary 4.29 (Green’s Theorem). Let R be a closed and bounded smooth 2-submanifold
in R2 with boundary ∂R. Given any smooth vector field V = ( P( x, y), Q( x, y)) defined in R,
then we have: I Z  
∂Q ∂P
V · dr = − dx dy,
∂R R ∂x ∂y
The line integral on the LHS is oriented such that { ∂x , ∂y } has the same orientation as {ν, T}
∂ ∂

where ν is the outward-pointing normal of R, and T is the velocity vector of the curve ∂R. See
Figure 4.3.

Proof. Consider the 1-form ω := P dx + Q dy defined on R, then we have:

 
∂Q ∂P
dω = − dx ∧ dy.
∂x ∂y
124 4. Generalized Stokes’ Theorem

Suppose we fix an orientation Ω = dx ∧ dy for R so that the order of coordinates is

( x, y), then by generalized Stokes’ Theorem we get:
I Z   Z  
∂Q ∂P ∂Q ∂P
P dx + Q dy = − dx ∧ dy = − dx dy.
∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y
| ∂R H {z } |R R
R {z } | {z }
∂R ω
R dω ( x,y) is the orientation

The only thing left to figure out is the orientation of the line integral. Locally param-
etrize R by local coordinates (s, t) so that {t = 0} is the boundary ∂R and {t > 0} is
the interior of R (see Figure 4.3). By convention, the local coordinate s for ∂R must
be chosen so that Ω(ν, ∂s∂
) > 0 where ν is a outward-pointing normal vector to ∂R. In
other words, the pair {ν, ∂s∂
} should have the same orientation as { ∂x , ∂y }. According
∂ ∂

to Figure 4.3, we must choose the local coordinate s for ∂R such that for the outer
boundary, s goes counter-clockwisely as it increases; whereas for each inner boundary,
s goes clockwisely as it increases. 

Figure 4.3. Orientation of Green’s Theorem

Next we show that Stokes’ Theorem in Multivariable Calculus is also a consequence

of Generalized Stokes’ Theorem. Recall that in MATH 2023 we learned about surface
integrals. If F(u, v) : U → Σ ⊂ R3 is a parametrization of the whole surface Σ, then we
define the surface element as:
∂F ∂F
dS = × du dv,
∂u ∂v
and the surface integral of a scalar function ϕ is defined as:
Z Z
∂F ∂F
ϕ dS = ϕ(u, v) × du dv.
Σ U ∂u ∂v
However, not every surface can be covered (or almost covered) by a single parametriza-
tion chart. Generally, if A = {Fα (uα , vα ) : Uα → R3 } is an oriented atlas of Σ with a
partition of unity {ρα : Σ → [0, 1]} subordinate to A, we then define:
∂Fα ∂Fα
dS := ∑ ρα ∂uα
×
∂vα
duα dvα .
α
4.4. Generalized Stokes’ Theorem 125

Corollary 4.30 (Stokes’ Theorem). Let Σ be a closed and bounded smooth 2-submanifold in
R3 with boundary ∂Σ, and V = ( P( x, y, z), Q( x, y, z), R( x, y, z)) be a vector field which is
smooth on Σ, then we have:
I Z
V · dr = (∇ × V) · N dS.
∂Σ Σ
Here {i, j, k} has the same orientation as {ν, T, N}, where ν is the outward-point normal
vector of Σ at points of ∂Σ, T is the velocity vector of ∂Σ, and N is the unit normal vector to
Σ in R3 . See Figure 4.4.

Proof. Define:
ω = P dx + Q dy + R dz
which is viewed as a 1-form on Σ. Then,
I I
(4.8) ω= V · dr.
∂Σ ∂Σ

By direct computation, the 2-form dω is given by:

     
∂Q ∂P ∂P ∂R ∂R ∂Q
dω = − dx ∧ dy + − dz ∧ dx + − dy ∧ dz.
∂x ∂y ∂z ∂x ∂y ∂z
Now consider an oriented atlas A = {Fα (uα , vα ) : Uα → R3 } of Σ with a partition of
unity {ρα : Σ → [0, 1]}, then according to the discussion near the end of Chapter 3, we
can express each of dx ∧ dy, dz ∧ dx and dy ∧ dz in terms of duα ∧ dvα , and obtain:
dω = ∑ ρα dω
α
      
∂Q ∂P ∂P ∂R ∂R ∂Q
= ∑ ρα − dx ∧ dy + − dz ∧ dx + − dy ∧ dz
α ∂x ∂y ∂z ∂x ∂y ∂z
   
∂Q ∂P ∂(y, z) ∂P ∂R ∂(z, x )
= ∑ ρα − det + − det
α ∂x ∂y ∂ ( u ,
α αv ) ∂z ∂x ∂ ( uα , vα )
  
∂R ∂Q ∂( x, y)
+ − det duα ∧ dvα .
∂y ∂z ∂(uα , vα )
On each local coordinate chart Fα (Uα ), a normal vector to Σ in R3 can be found using
cross products:
∂Fα ∂Fα ∂(y, z) ∂(z, x ) ∂( x, y)
× = det i + det j + det k
∂uα ∂vα ∂(uα , vα ) ∂(uα , vα ) ∂(uα , vα )
     
∂Q ∂P ∂P ∂R ∂R ∂Q
∇×V = − i+ − j+ − k.
∂x ∂y ∂z ∂x ∂y ∂z
Hence,  
∂Fα ∂Fα
dω = ∑ (∇ × V) · ∂uα
×
∂vα
ρα duα ∧ dvα ,
α
and so Z Z  
∂Fα ∂Fα
Σ
dω = ∑ Uα
(∇ × V) ·
∂uα
×
∂vα
ρα duα dvα .
α
∂Fα ∂Fα
× ∂Fα ∂Fα
∑ ρα
∂uα ∂vα
Denote N = , and recall the fact that dS := × duα dvα , we
∂F
× ∂F α ∂uα ∂vα
∂uα ∂vα
get:
Z Z
(4.9) dω = (∇ × V) · N dS.
Σ Σ
126 4. Generalized Stokes’ Theorem

Combining the results of (4.8) and (4.9), using Generalized Stokes’ Theorem (Theorem
4.7, we get: I Z
V · dr = (∇ × V) · N dS
∂Σ Σ
as desired.
To see the orientation of ∂Σ, we locally parametrize Σ by coordinates (s, t) such that
{t = 0} are points on ∂Σ, and so ∂Σ is locally parametrized by s. The outward-pointing
n o
normal of ∂Σ in Σ is given by ν := − ∂t ∂
. By convention, the orientation of ν, ∂s ∂
is
n o
the same as ∂u∂ α , ∂v∂α , and hence:
   
∂ ∂ ∂
ν, , N has the same orientation as , ,N .
∂s ∂uα ∂vα
∂Fα ∂Fα
∂uα × ∂vα
n o
As N = , the set ∂ ∂
∂uα , ∂vα , N has the same orientation as {i, j, k}. As a
∂Fα ∂Fα
∂uα × ∂vα
result, the set {ν, ∂s
∂
, N} is oriented in the way as in Figure 4.4. 

Figure 4.4. Orientation of Stokes’ Theorem

Finally, we discuss how to use Generalized Stokes’ Theorem to prove Divergence

Theorem in Multivariable Calculus.

Corollary 4.31 (Divergence Theorem). Let D be a closed and bounded 3-submanifold of

R3 with boundary ∂D, and V = ( P( x, y, z), Q( x, y, z), R( x, y, z)) be a smooth vector field
defined on D. Then, we have:
I Z
V · N dS = ∇ · V dx dy dz.
∂D D
Here N is the unit normal vector of ∂D in R3 which points away from D.

Proof. Let ω := P dy ∧ dz + Q dz ∧ dx + R dx ∧ dy. Then by direct computations, we

get:  
∂P ∂Q ∂R
dω = + + dx ∧ dy ∧ dz = ∇ · V dx ∧ dy ∧ dz.
∂x ∂y ∂z
Using {i, j, k} as the orientation for D, then it is clear that:
Z Z
(4.10) dω = ∇ · V dx dy dz.
D D
4.4. Generalized Stokes’ Theorem 127

Consider an atlas A = {Fα (uα , vα , wα ) : Uα → R3 } of D such that for the local

parametrization of boundary type, the boundary points are given by {wα = 0}, and
interior points are {wα > 0}. Then, ∂D is locally parametrized by (uα , vα ).
As a convention, the orientation of (uα , vα ) is chosen such that {− ∂w∂ α , ∂u∂ α , ∂v∂α }
has the same orientation as {i, j, k}, or equivalently, { ∂u∂ α , ∂v∂α , − ∂w∂ α } has the same
orientation as {i, j, k}.
Furthermore, let N be the unit normal of ∂D given by:
∂Fα ∂Fα
∂uα × ∂vα
N= .
∂Fα ∂Fα
∂uα × ∂vα

By the convention of cross products, { ∂F α ∂Fα

∂uα , ∂vα , N} must have the same orientation
as {i, j, k}. Now that { ∂u∂ α , ∂v∂α , − ∂w∂ α } and { ∂F α ∂Fα
∂uα , ∂vα , N} have the same orientation,
so N and − ∂w∂ α are both pointing in the same direction. In other words, N is the
outward-point normal.
The rest of the proof goes by writing ω in terms of duα ∧ dvα on each local
coordinate chart:
ω= ∑ ρα ω
α
 
∂(y, z) ∂(z, x ) ∂( x, y)
= ∑ ρα P det + Q det + R det duα ∧ dvα
α ∂ ( u ,
α αv ) ∂ ( u ,
α αv ) ∂ (uα , vα )
 
∂Fα ∂Fα
= ∑V· × ρα duα ∧ dvα
α ∂uα ∂vα
∂Fα ∂Fα
= ∑ V · N ρα × duα ∧ dvα
α ∂uα ∂vα
Therefore, we get:
I I I
∂Fα ∂Fα
(4.11)
∂D
ω=
∂D
∑ V · N ρα ∂uα
×
∂vα
duα dvα =
∂D
V · N dS.
α
Combining with (4.10), (4.11) and Generalized Stokes’ Theorem, the proof of this
corollary is completed.