242t.8.5.9 expand the quotient by partial fractions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the method of expanding a quotient using partial fractions, specifically in the context of integrating the function \( \frac{1}{9-25x^2} \). Participants explore different approaches to determine the coefficients in the partial fraction decomposition and the subsequent integration process.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether there is an alternative method to find the coefficients \( A \) and \( B \) without substituting specific values for \( x \).
  • Another participant clarifies that the equations derived from the partial fraction decomposition must hold for all \( x \), leading to the conclusion that \( B = -A \) and subsequently \( A = \frac{1}{6} \) and \( B = -\frac{1}{6} \).
  • A different participant presents their own method, using specific values for \( x \) to derive the coefficients, which leads to the same result as the previous participant.
  • There is a discussion about the clarity of using specific values for \( x \) in the context of finding coefficients, with some participants expressing confusion over this approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method for determining the coefficients in the partial fraction decomposition. Some prefer using specific values for \( x \), while others find this approach potentially confusing.

Contextual Notes

There is an implicit assumption that the method of partial fractions is applicable, but participants express uncertainty about the clarity and effectiveness of different approaches to finding the coefficients.

karush
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$\tiny{242t.8.5.9}$
$\textsf{expand the quotient by}$ $\textbf{ partial fractions}$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
y&=\int\frac{dx}{9-25x^2} &\tiny{(1)}\\
\end{align*}
$\textit{expand and multiply every term by $(3+5x)(3-5x)$}$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
\frac{1}{9-25x^2}&=\frac{A}{(3-5x)}-\frac{B}{(3+5x)}\\
1&=A(3+5x)-B(3-5x)
\end{align*}
$\textit{ok my question here is.. if you use values to get A0 or B0 you have to use fractions}\\$
$\textit{ is there alt method or just go with $x=\pm \frac{3}{5}$}\\ \\$
$\textit{book answer}$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
y_{pf}&=\frac{1}{30}(\ln\left|5x+3 \right|-\ln|5x-3|)+C
\end{align*}
 
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karush said:
$\tiny{242t.8.5.9}$
$\textsf{expand the quotient by}$ $\textbf{ partial fractions}$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
y&=\int\frac{dx}{9-25x^2} &\tiny{(1)}\\
\end{align*}
$\textit{expand and multiply every term by $(3+5x)(3-5x)$}$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
\frac{1}{9-25x^2}&=\frac{A}{(3-5x)}-\frac{B}{(3+5x)}\\
1&=A(3+5x)-B(3-5x)
\end{align*}
$\textit{ok my question here is.. if you use values to get A0 or B0 you have to use fractions}\\$
$\textit{ is there alt method or just go with $x=\pm \frac{3}{5}$}\\ \\$
$\textit{book answer}$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
y_{pf}&=\frac{1}{30}(\ln\left|5x+3 \right|-\ln|5x-3|)+C
\end{align*}
You aren't setting x to be anything. You have two equations:
1 = 3A - 3B
0 = 5Ax + 5Bx
which has to be satisfied by all x. So the second equation becomes
0 = 5A + 5B

So the second equation gives B = -A, so putting this into the first equation:
1 = 3A - 3(-A) = 6A

or A = 1/6 and B = -1/6.

Your integral then becomes
[math]\int \frac{dx}{9 - 25x^2} = \int \left ( \frac{1/6}{3 - 5x} + \frac{-1/6}{3 + 5x} \right ) ~dx[/math]

and now you can integrate.

-Dan
 
here is what I did but your method better...

expand and multiply every term by $(3+5x)(3-5x)$}
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
\frac{1}{9-25x^2}&=\frac{A}{(3-5x)}-\frac{B}{(3+5x)}\\
1&=A(3+5x)-B(3-5x)
\end{align*}
$\textit{if $\displaystyle x=\frac{3}{5}$}$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
1&=6A \therefore A=\frac{1}{6}
\end{align*}
$\textit{if $\displaystyle x=-\frac{3}{5}$}$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
1&=-6B \therefore B=-\frac{1}{6}
\end{align*}
Integrate and simplify
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
I_{9}&=\frac{1}{6}\int\frac{1}{(3+5x)}
-\frac{1}{6}\int\frac{1}{(3+5x)} \\
&=\color{red}{
\frac{1}{30}(\ln\left|5x+3 \right|-\ln|5x-3|)+C}
\end{align*}
 
karush said:
...if x=3/5...
Okay, I see what you are doing now. Yes, you can do it but I find it to be a bit confusing since you are (temporarily) giving x a value. Since you can use any value for x you can get away with it. But it may wind up causing some confusion.

I don't think I've seen this way of doing it.

-Dan
 

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