How to Correctly Approach Partial Fraction Decomposition?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the correct approach to Partial Fraction Decomposition for the expression (x^3 + 4) / ((x^2 - 1)(x^2 + 3x + 2)). Participants emphasize the importance of factoring the denominator correctly and suggest separating the expression into terms of the form Ax + B and Cx + D. The correct decomposition must account for repeated factors, leading to a system of equations to solve for the coefficients A, B, C, and D. The necessity of including a term for the repeated factor is highlighted as crucial for accurate decomposition.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Partial Fraction Decomposition
  • Familiarity with polynomial long division
  • Knowledge of factoring quadratic expressions
  • Ability to solve systems of linear equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of factoring polynomials, specifically quadratic expressions.
  • Learn how to set up and solve systems of equations derived from polynomial identities.
  • Explore the concept of repeated factors in Partial Fraction Decomposition.
  • Practice additional examples of Partial Fraction Decomposition with varying degrees of polynomials.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus or algebra, particularly those tackling Partial Fraction Decomposition in their coursework. This discussion is beneficial for anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of polynomial expressions and their decomposition.

kai92
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Homework Statement


(x^3+4)/((x^2-1)(x^2+3x+2))

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


Try separating them into Ax+B and Cx+D, then expand until
(A+C)x3+(3A+B+D)x2+(2A+3B-C)x+(2B-D)
then, I was stuck. I can't find any value for A,B,C or D. Is my attempt correct or is there other way to solve it?
 
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Look at your expansion. What must A+C equal to match the original numerator? Follow this line of reasoning for the other factors. You will wind up with a system of equations to solve.
 
kai92 said:

Homework Statement


(x^3+4)/((x^2-1)(x^2+3x+2))


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Try separating them into Ax+B and Cx+D, then expand until
(A+C)x3+(3A+B+D)x2+(2A+3B-C)x+(2B-D)
then, I was stuck. I can't find any value for A,B,C or D. Is my attempt correct or is there other way to solve it?

Did you factor the denominator? It's not clear to me from your work that you did. The right side should look something like this:
$$ \frac{A}{x - r_1} + \frac{B}{x - r_2} + \frac{C}{(x - r_2)^2} + \frac{D}{x - r_3}$$
The reason for the 3rd term above is that there is a repeated factor that is shared by the two quadratics in the denominator.
 

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