281 7.5.9 int with partail fractions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral $$\displaystyle \int_2^4 \dfrac{x+2}{x^2+3x-4}\, dx$$ using partial fraction decomposition. Participants explore the derivation of coefficients A and B in the partial fractions, as well as the steps involved in solving the integral.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Post 1 presents the integral and notes confusion regarding the coefficients A=2 and B=3 in the partial fraction decomposition.
  • Post 2 provides a detailed breakdown of the partial fraction decomposition process, including matching coefficients and using strategic values to isolate variables.
  • Post 2 also describes two methods for finding A and B: matching coefficients and the Heaviside method.
  • Post 3 acknowledges understanding of the method used to isolate variables in the equations.
  • Posts 4 and 5 express appreciation for the clarity of the steps provided and the usefulness of LaTeX formatting for readability.
  • Post 6 reflects on nostalgia for earlier computing days, diverging from the main mathematical discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the methods for finding the coefficients A and B, but there is no explicit consensus on the overall evaluation of the integral or its final form.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various methods for solving the integral, but some assumptions and steps may remain unresolved, particularly regarding the interpretation of results and the application of techniques.

karush
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Evaluate the integral.
$$\displaystyle \int_2^4
\dfrac{x+2}{x^2+3x-4}\, dx$$
W|A returned these partial fractions but I don't know where the the A=2 B=3 and 5 came from
$$
\dfrac{x+2}{(x+4)(x-1)}
=\dfrac{2}{5(x+4)}+\dfrac{3}{5(x-1)}$$

the book answer was
$$\dfrac{4}{5}\ln{2}+\dfrac{1}{5}\ln {3}
=\dfrac{1}{5}\ln{48}$$
 
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Re: 281 7.5.9 int wiht partail fractions

$\dfrac{x+2}{x^2+3x-4} = \dfrac{x+2}{(x+4)(x-1)} = \dfrac{A}{x+4} + \dfrac{B}{x-1}$

$ \dfrac{x+2}{(x+4)(x-1)} = \dfrac{A(x-1)}{(x+4)(x-1)} + \dfrac{B(x+4)}{(x+4)(x-1)}$

common denominator for all terms $\implies$ numerators form the equation ...$x+2 = A(x-1) + B(x+4)$

two methods ...

(1) matching coefficients

$x+2 = (A+B)x + (4B-A) \implies A+B = 1 \text{ and } 4B-A = 2$

solving the system by elimination yields $5B = 3 \implies B = \dfrac{3}{5} \text{ and } A = \dfrac{2}{5}$

$ \dfrac{x+2}{(x+4)(x-1)} = \dfrac{2}{5(x+4)} + \dfrac{3}{5(x-1)}$(2) Heaviside method ... pick strategic values for $x$ to eliminate $A$ or $B$

$x+2 = A(x-1) + B(x+4)$

let $x=1$ ...

$1+2 = A(1-1) + B(1+4) \implies B = \dfrac{3}{5}$

let $x=-4$ ...

$-4+2 = A(-4-1) + B(-4+4) \implies A = \dfrac{2}{5}$$$\int \dfrac{2}{5(x+4)} + \dfrac{3}{5(x-1)} \, dx = \dfrac{2}{5}\ln(x+4) + \dfrac{3}{5}\ln(x-1) = \dfrac{\ln[(x+4)^2(x-1)^3]}{5}$$$\bigg[ \dfrac{\ln[(x+4)^2(x-1)^3]}{5} \bigg]_2^4 = \dfrac{\ln(64 \cdot 27) - \ln(36)}{5} = \dfrac{\ln(48)}{5}$
 
Re: 281 7.5.9 int wiht partail fractions

OK I see

you let on of the variables be multiplied by zero to isolate the the other one

:cool:
 
Re: 281 7.5.9 int wiht partail fractions

wow with 377 views that was a great help

they did one in class but I got lost on getting A and B

really appreciate the steps

if this were yahoo it would be torture to read without the latex

Mahalo
 
Re: 281 7.5.9 int wiht partail fractions

karush said:
wow with 377 views that was a great help

they did one in class but I got lost on getting A and B

really appreciate the steps

if this were yahoo it would be torture to read without the latex

Mahalo
Yeah but I still sometimes miss those old days where DOS was high tech and Windows hadn't been invented yet.

-Dan
 
Re: 281 7.5.9 int wiht partail fractions

topsquark said:
Yeah but I still sometimes miss those old days where DOS was high tech and Windows hadn't been invented yet.

-Dan

Well I miss the pre transistor days...
 

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