Integrating Rational Functions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral of a rational function, specifically ∫dx/(x³ + 2x), using partial fraction decomposition. Participants are exploring the steps involved in the decomposition and subsequent integration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of partial fraction decomposition and the identification of coefficients A, B, and C. There are questions regarding the treatment of the variable x in the decomposition and concerns about the formatting of mathematical expressions.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided their evaluations of the integral and are questioning the correctness of their results. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of their findings, with suggestions to verify the results through differentiation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating issues related to the formatting of mathematical expressions in the forum, which may affect clarity. There is also an emphasis on ensuring that the integration process aligns with the original integrand.

Mosaness
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1. ∫[itex]\frac{dx}{x<sup>3</sup> + 2x}[/itex]

We're suppose to evaluate the integral.

Use Partial Fraction Decomposition:

[itex]\frac{1}{x<sup>3</sup> + 2x}[/itex] = [itex]\frac{A}{x}[/itex] + [itex]\frac{Bx + C}{x<sup>2</sup> + 2}[/itex]

1 = A(x2 + 2) + (Bx + C)(x)
1 = Ax2 + 2A + Bx2 + Cx
1 = x2( A + B) + Cx + 2A

Solving for A gives [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex]
Solving for B gives -[itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex]
Solving for C gives 0

∫[itex]\frac{dx}{x(x<sup>2</sup> + 2}[/itex] = [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex]∫[itex]\frac{dx}{x}[/itex] - [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex]∫[itex]\frac{dx}{x<sup>2</sup> + 2}[/itex]

When we evaluate this, I get:

[itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex]ln x - [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex]tan-1[itex]\frac{x}{\sqrt{2}}[/itex]

Or should it be:

[itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex]ln x - [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex]ln (x2 + 2)
 
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Mosaness said:
1. ∫[itex]\frac{dx}{x<sup>3</sup> + 2x}[/itex]

We're suppose to evaluate the integral.

Use Partial Fraction Decomposition:

[itex]\frac{1}{x<sup>3</sup> + 2x}[/itex] = [itex]\frac{A}{x}[/itex] + [itex]\frac{Bx + C}{x<sup>2</sup> + 2}[/itex]

1 = A(x2 + 2) + (Bx + C)(x)
1 = Ax2 + 2A + Bx2 + Cx
1 = x2( A + B) + Cx + 2A

Solving for A gives [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex]
Solving for B gives -[itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex]
Solving for C gives 0

∫[itex]\frac{dx}{x(x<sup>2</sup> + 2}[/itex] = [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex]∫[itex]\frac{dx}{x}[/itex] - [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex]∫[itex]\frac{dx}{x<sup>2</sup> + 2}[/itex]
B was the coefficient of x in the numerator. What happened to x?

Also, don't mix tags inside of [itex]expressions. It is causing what you wrote to not render correctly.<br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="" data-quote="Mosaness" data-source="post: 4004137" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> Mosaness said: </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> When we evaluate this, I get:<br /> <br /> [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex]ln x - [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex]tan<sup>-1</sup>[itex]\frac{x}{\sqrt{2}}[/itex]<br /> <br /> Or should it be:<br /> <br /> [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex]ln x - [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex]ln (x<sup>2</sup> + 2) </div> </div> </blockquote>[/itex]
 
Mark44 said:
B was the coefficient of x in the numerator. What happened to x?

Also, don't mix tags inside of [itex]expressions. It is causing what you wrote to not render correctly.[/itex]
[itex] <br /> I fixed it:<br /> <br /> And I got <br /> <br /> \frac{1}{2}ln x - \frac{1}{4}ln(x<sup>2</sup> + 2)<br /> <br /> Is this correct?[/itex]
 
Why don't you check for yourself? If your answer is correct, it should be true that
d/dx[1/2 * ln(x) - (1/4) * ln(x2 + 2)] = 1/(x3 + 2x), the original integrand.
 

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