How Do You Simplify This Partial Fraction Equation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the simplification of a partial fraction equation involving the expression \(\frac{3s + 1}{(s+2)^2 + 4^2}\). Participants explore various approaches to breaking down the equation, including the use of Laplace transforms and the role of complex numbers in the factorization of the denominator.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the expression can be represented as \(\frac{A}{(s+2)} + \frac{B}{(s+2)^2} + \frac{C}{4} + \frac{D}{4^2}\), while others suggest it should be \(\frac{A}{(s+2)} + \frac{B}{(s+2)^2} + \frac{C}{4^2}\).
  • There is a discussion about the distinction between factors and terms, with some participants questioning whether 4 is a factor or just a term.
  • One participant mentions that the problem resembles a Laplace transform and suggests that algebraic manipulation could yield the transforms without needing partial fractions.
  • Another participant introduces the idea of splitting the denominator into imaginary parts, leading to a different approach involving complex numbers.
  • There are corrections and clarifications regarding the necessity of including certain terms in the partial fraction decomposition, with some participants expressing confusion about the role of constants in the equation.
  • One participant emphasizes avoiding imaginary terms and suggests factoring out constants for simplification.
  • A later reply discusses a specific homework problem involving partial fractions and complex analysis, indicating a broader context for the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on how to approach the simplification of the partial fraction equation, with no consensus reached on the correct method. Multiple competing views remain regarding the treatment of terms and factors in the denominator.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the importance of understanding the definitions of terms and factors, as well as the implications of using complex numbers in the factorization process. There are also references to specific mathematical identities and transformations that may not be universally agreed upon.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and practitioners in mathematics and engineering, particularly those dealing with Laplace transforms, partial fraction decomposition, and complex analysis.

snowJT
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if you have

[tex]\frac{3s + 1}{(s+2)^2 + 4^2}[/tex]

does it become...

[tex]3s + 1 = \frac{A}{(s+2)} + \frac{B}{(s+2)^2} + \frac{C}{4} + \frac{D}{4^2}[/tex]

or...

[tex]3s + 1 = \frac{A}{(s+2)} + \frac{B}{(s+2)^2} + \frac{C}{4^2}[/tex]
 
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What is the difference between a FACTOR, and a TERM?
 
no idea? I take it your saying its just [tex]\frac{C}{4^2}[/tex]

Edit: oh nvm, you just ignore the part after B.. then add it in later...
 
Last edited:
[tex]3s + 1 = \frac{A}{(s+2)} + \frac{B}{(s+2)^2} + \frac{C}{4} + \frac{D}{4^2}[/tex]

seems the more logic answer to me ; but I personally have not yet studies partial fractions . If , underneath you have :
(s+2)² + 4²
, then why would it not be A divided by (s+2) + B divided by (s+2) instead of B being divided by (s+2)² ?

thought Like I said, I have not yet learned these. If anybody can correct me , as I'm probably wrong , it would be appreciated of course.
 
Partial Fractions Only work like that on FACTORS of the denominator. Is 4 a factor or just a term?
 
snowJT said:
if you have

[tex]\frac{3s + 1}{(s+2)^2 + 4^2}[/tex]

does it become...

[tex]3s + 1 = \frac{A}{(s+2)} + \frac{B}{(s+2)^2} + \frac{C}{4} + \frac{D}{4^2}[/tex]

or...

[tex]3s + 1 = \frac{A}{(s+2)} + \frac{B}{(s+2)^2} + \frac{C}{4^2}[/tex]


Looks to me like a Lapace Transform. No partial fractions required, split them and do some algebra work and you shell get your transforms. Yeah, definitely a Lapace Transform, hey If you need any help, you are welcome to pm me, I can help you out. I saw your recent threads, that give me alittle clue. Here is a big hint, there will be a cosine and a sine answer.
 
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This has an interesting solution which comes from splitting (s+2)^2+4^2 into imaginary parts. However we then have a new term in i, so that we need three equations to solve (for the numerical value, for the value in s and for the value in i):

[tex]\frac{3s+1}{(s+2)^2+4^2}=\frac{A}{s+2+4i}+\frac{B}{s+2-4i}+\frac{C}{(s+2)^2+4^2}[/tex]

Then cross multiplying on the first two terms and adding the third gives:
A(s+2-4i)+B(s+2+4i)+C=3s+1. Giving A=B=3/2, C=-5.

Now should this be done in order to facilate integration, since A and B are the same, by cross multiplying the first two terms, we can eliminate the i term and are left with:

[tex]\frac{3(s+2)}{(s+2)^2+4^2}-\frac{5}{(s+2)^2+4^2}[/tex] So that integration is easy to perform, the first resulting in a log form and the second ,with the substitution 4u=s+2, in an arctangent form:

(3/2)In(s+2)^2+4^2) -(5/4)arctangent((s+2)/4)

Of course for integration it is now clear the only form needed is: [tex]\frac{3(s+2)}{(s+2)^2+4^2}-\frac{5}{(s+2)^2+4^2}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
Umm Tiny error robert, (s+2)^2 + 4^2 factors into (s+2+2i)(s+2-2i). And Why did you put the 3rd fraction?
 
My bad, I didn't mean separate them into two equations. I mean split them and use the Lapace Transform identity of sine and cosine functions.
 
  • #10
Ahh actually I see Why We need the C, because I tried it without that and It turned out 3 had to equal 1/2, So i needed a constant term..Let me do it one second
 
  • #11
why go through all that robert? you can do it so much quicker by separation?
 
  • #12
[tex]\frac{3s+1}{(s+2)^2+4^2}=\frac{A}{s+2+4i}+\frac{B} {s+2-4i}+\frac{C}{(s+2)^2+4^2}[/tex]

Cross multiply, equate co efficents.

[tex]3s+1 = (A+B)s + (2A+2B + C) + (4B-4A)i[/tex]

A+B=3
2A+2B + C =1
Since there are no imaginary terms in 3s+1, 4B-4A = 0.

Since 4B-4A=0, B=A. But A+B=3, A=B=1.5
Putting those values is to 2A+2B+C=1 gives C= -5.

[tex]\frac{3s+1}{(s+2)^2+4^2}=\frac{3}{2(s+2+4i)}+\frac{3} {2(s+2-4i)}-\frac{5}{(s+2)^2+4^2}[/tex]
 
  • #13
Ok thanks for that, I just thought i could be treated like any other constant therefore didnt need any special treatment, but I see why I am wrong thanks.
 
  • #14
mathPimpDaddy:why go through all that robert? you can do it so much quicker by separation?

I don't know, except the original question ask to find a partial fraction form. I am adding the assumption that this is for integration, since that is frequently the case.
 
  • #15
I've checked his previous threads, they are all forms of laplace transforms. Look at his original form, doesn't it look familiar?
 
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  • #16
Personally, I avoid imaginary terms whenever possible, so factor the 3 out of the numerator and proceed with the common denominator.

[tex]3\(\frac{s+\frac{1}{3}} {(s+2)^2+4^2}\)[/tex]
 
Last edited:
  • #17
simple partial fractions help (warning complex analysis :P )

Homework Statement


the question can be ignored - it involves laplace and Z transforms of RLC ckts.

Code:
Vc(s) =          0.2
           -----------------
             s^2 + 0.2s + 1

find the partial fraction equivalent such that it is :
Code:
  -j(0.1005)     +    j (0.1005)
--------------    ------------------
s + 0.1-(0.995)    s + 0.1 + j(0.995)

Homework Equations



none

The Attempt at a Solution


Code:
      0.2                      A                     B
---------------  =  ---------------------  +  -------------------
s^2 + 0.25 + 1      s + (0.1 - j(0.995)))     s + (0.1 + j(0.995))

0.2 = A(s + 0.1 + j(0.995)) + B(s + (0.1 - j0.995))

0.2 = As + A(0.1 + j(0.995)) + Bs + B(0.1 - j0.995)

so As + Bs = 0
or (A + B) = 0
or A = -B
so
0.2 = j(0.995A) - j(0.995B)

somethings not right - if i evaluate this I don't get anywhere near the answer
 
  • #18
snowJT said:
if you have

[tex]\frac{3s + 1}{(s+2)^2 + 4^2}[/tex]

does it become...

[tex]3s + 1 = \frac{A}{(s+2)} + \frac{B}{(s+2)^2} + \frac{C}{4} + \frac{D}{4^2}[/tex]

or...

[tex]3s + 1 = \frac{A}{(s+2)} + \frac{B}{(s+2)^2} + \frac{C}{4^2}[/tex]

The first one seems right, but I think you should simplify the denominator:

[tex]\frac{3s + 1}{s^2 + 2s + 4 + 16} = \frac{3s + 1}{s^2 + 2s + 20} = \frac{3s + 1}{(s + 1 + \sqrt{19}j)(s + 1 - \sqrt{19}j)}[/tex]

So now you can do partial fractions:

[tex]\frac{3s + 1}{(s + 1 + \sqrt{19}j)(s + 1 - \sqrt{19}j)} = \frac{A}{(s + 1 + \sqrt{19}j)} + \frac{A^*}{(s + 1 - \sqrt{19}j)}[/tex]

I'm going to assume you know how to solve for A and A* so i'll just post the answer that I got:

[tex]3.078e^{-t}cos(\sqrt{19}t - 0.225)[/tex]
 

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