Is This Partial Fraction Set Up Correct?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the setup of a partial fraction decomposition for the integral of a rational function involving polynomial terms in the denominator. The specific integral in question is \(\int_{a}^{b} \frac{2x-1}{x^2(3x+1)(x^2 + 1)}\).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correctness of the partial fraction setup and explore the values of the coefficients A, B, C, D, and E. There is a focus on verifying calculations and addressing mistakes in the initial assumptions.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes attempts to clarify the setup and correct errors in the coefficient values. Some participants express uncertainty about their calculations, while others provide detailed reasoning to arrive at their results. There is no explicit consensus on the correct values, but several lines of reasoning are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention potential mistakes in their calculations and the importance of correctly interpreting the original function. The discussion reflects the challenges of working through the problem without providing definitive solutions.

RadiationX
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Use partial fraction decompostion to find:
[tex]\int_{a}^{b} \frac{2x-1}{x^2(3x+1)(x^2 + 1)}[/tex]

is this partial fraction set up correct?

[tex]\frac{A}{3x +1} + \frac{Bx + C}{x^2 +1} + \frac{Dx + E}{x^2} = 2x - 1[/tex]

If this is correct i can solve the integral.
 
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Almost. It's

[tex]\frac{A}{3x +1} + \frac{Bx + C}{x^2 +1} + \frac{Dx + E}{x^2} = \frac{2x - 1}{x^2(3x+1)(x^2+1)}[/tex]

I'm sure you meant that anyways, though...
 
yeah that's what i meant. thanks
 
this problem is harder than i thought are the following answers correct:

A = 27/10
B = -1
C = 1/10
D = -7/10
E = 1
 
I get

[tex]A = -\ \frac{27}{2}, \; B = C = - \ \frac{1}{2}, \; D = 5, \; E = -1.[/tex]
 
i don't see how Data. i believe you but i can't reproduce those numbers.
how did you do it?
 
my first number A = 27/10 is wrong so that makes every thing that follows wrong.
 
OMG! I'm using 2x +1 instead of the correct 2x-1
 
First multiply each side through by all three factors in the denominator on the right to get

[tex]Ax^2(x^2+1) \ + \ (Bx+C)(3x+1)x^2 \ + \ (Dx+E)(x^2+1)(3x+1) = 2x-1[/tex]

now sub [itex]x=0[/itex] to immediately give [itex]E=-1[/itex]. Then sub [itex]x=-1/3[/itex] to give

[tex]A\left(-\frac{1}{3}\right)^2\left(\left(-\frac{1}{3}\right)^2+1\right) = -\frac{5}{3} \Longrightarrow A = -\frac{27}{2}[/tex]

After that, look at the coefficient of [itex]x[/itex] on both sides. On the left it is [itex]D+3E[/itex] and on the right [itex]2[/itex], so

[tex]D+3E = D - 3 = 2 \Longrightarrow D = 5.[/tex]

Now look at the coefficient of [itex]x^2[/itex] on both sides. On the left it is [itex]A + C + 3D + E[/itex] and on the right [itex]0[/itex] so

[tex]A + C + 3D + E = -\frac{27}{2} + C + 15 - 1 = 0 \Longrightarrow C = -\frac{1}{2}.[/tex]

Finally look at the coefficient of [itex]x^3[/itex] on both sides. On the left it is [itex]B+3C+D+3E[/itex] and on the right it is [itex]0[/itex] so we get

[tex]B + 3C + D + 3E = B - \frac{3}{2} + 5 - 3 = 0 \Longrightarrow B = -\frac{1}{2}[/tex]

so overall we have found

[tex]E = -1, \; A = -\frac{27}{2}, \; D = 5, \; C = B = -\frac{1}{2}[/tex]

as I said :smile:
 
  • #10
I've been making dumb mistakes all day. thanks for taking the time to latex your replies , and thanks for all the help.
 
  • #11
No problem :smile:

I latex everything that I can anyways, better to get used to it now!
 
  • #12
[tex]\frac{2x-1}{x^2\left( 3x+1\right) \left( x^2+1\right) }=\allowbreak -\frac 1{x^2}+\frac 5x-\frac{27}{2\left( 3x+1\right) }-\frac 12\frac{x+1}{x^2+1}[/tex]

Daniel.

P.S.Just trying my Maple :rolleyes: :-p ...
 

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