Integration by Partial Fractions - Long Problem

In summary, the problem involves finding the coefficients for the partial fractions of the given integrand. This can be done by equating coefficients or using specific values of s to simplify the equations. However, in the given solution, there is an error in the calculation of the coefficient E, which should be 2 instead of 1.
  • #1
RedBarchetta
50
1

Homework Statement


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

The Attempt at a Solution



This is a long one...First, I split the integrand into partial fractions and find the coefficients:

[tex]
\begin{gathered}
\frac{{2s + 2}}
{{(s^2 + 1)(s - 1)^3 }} = \frac{{As + B}}
{{s^2 + 1}} + \frac{C}
{{s - 1}} + \frac{D}
{{(s - 1)^2 }} + \frac{E}
{{(s - 1)^3 }} \hfill \\
2s + 2 = (As + B)(s - 1)^3 + C(s^2 + 1)(s - 1)^2 + D(s^2 + 1)(s - 1) + E(s^2 + 1) \hfill \\
2s + 2 = (As + B)(s^3 - 3s^2 + 3s - 1) + C(s^4 - 2s^3 + 2s^2 - 2s + 1) + D(s^3 - s^2 + s - 1) + E(s^2 + 1) \hfill \\
\end{gathered}
[/tex]
 
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  • #2
Part 2:

Now find the coefficients. I suppose you can use a calculator if you want to check for these. :smile:

[tex]
\begin{gathered}
s^4 :A + C = 0 \hfill \\
s^3 :B - 3A - 2C + D = 0 \hfill \\
s^2 :3A - 3B + 2C - D = 0 \hfill \\
s^1 :3B - A - 2C + D = 2 \hfill \\
s^0 :C - B - D + E = 2 \hfill \\
\end{gathered}
[/tex]

After solving...

[tex]
\begin{gathered}
A: - 1/2 \hfill \\
B:1/2 \hfill \\
C:1/2 \hfill \\
D: - 1 \hfill \\
E:1 \hfill \\
\end{gathered}
[/tex]
 
  • #3
Part 3:

[tex]
\begin{gathered}
\int {\frac{{2s + 2}}
{{(s^2 + 1)(s - 1)^3 }}} = \int {\left[ {\frac{{As + B}}
{{s^2 + 1}} + \frac{C}
{{s - 1}} + \frac{D}
{{(s - 1)^2 }} + \frac{E}
{{(s - 1)^3 }}} \right]} ds \hfill \\
\int {\frac{{2s + 2}}
{{(s^2 + 1)(s - 1)^3 }}} = \int {\left[ {\frac{{( - 1/2)s + (1/2)}}
{{s^2 + 1}} + \frac{{1/2}}
{{s - 1}} + \frac{{ - 1}}
{{(s - 1)^2 }} + \frac{1}
{{(s - 1)^3 }}} \right]} ds \hfill \\
\end{gathered}
[/tex]
 
  • #4
Part 4:

Alright, now just solving the integral:

[tex]
\begin{gathered}
\int {\frac{{2s + 2}}
{{(s^2 + 1)(s - 1)^3 }}} = \frac{1}
{2}\int {\frac{{ds}}
{{s^2 + 1}} - \frac{1}
{2}\int {\frac{{s ds}}
{{s^2 + 1}}} + \int {\frac{{1/2}}
{{s - 1}}ds - } } \int {\frac{{ds}}
{{(s - 1)^2 }} + \int {\frac{{ds}}
{{(s - 1)^3 }}} } \hfill \\
\int {\frac{{2s + 2}}
{{(s^2 + 1)(s - 1)^3 }}} = \frac{1}
{2}\tan ^{ - 1} s - \frac{1}
{4}\ln (s^2 + 1) + \frac{1}
{2}\ln |s - 1| + \frac{1}
{{s - 1}} - \frac{1}
{{2(s - 1)^2 }} + C \hfill \\
\end{gathered}
[/tex]

Here's what the book says:

[tex]
\int {\frac{{2s + 2}}
{{(s^2 + 1)(s - 1)^3 }}} = \frac{{ - 1}}
{{(s - 1)^2 }} + \frac{1}
{{(s - 1)}} + \tan ^{ - 1} s + C
[/tex]

So I'm not quite sure where I went wrong...Any input will be appreciated! :cool:
 
Last edited:
  • #5
While equating coefficients works it is seldom the simplest way to find the coefficients.
from
[tex]2s + 2 = (As + B)(s - 1)^3 + C(s^2 + 1)(s - 1)^2 + D(s^2 + 1)(s - 1) + E(s^2 + 1)[/tex]
If we let s= 1, so that s-1= 0, we get [itex]2+ 2= 4 = B(0)+ C(0)+ D(0)+ E(2)[/itex] so E= 2, not 1.

Unfortunately, no other value of s makes everything collapse so easily but letting s= 0, -1, 2, and -2 should give fairly simple equations for A, B, C, and D.
 

FAQ: Integration by Partial Fractions - Long Problem

1. What is integration by partial fractions?

Integration by partial fractions is a method used in calculus to simplify and solve integrals involving rational functions. It involves breaking down a complex rational function into smaller, simpler fractions that can be integrated more easily.

2. When is integration by partial fractions used?

Integration by partial fractions is typically used when the integral involves a rational function with multiple terms in the denominator. By breaking down the function into smaller fractions, the integral can be solved using basic integration techniques.

3. How do you solve an integration by partial fractions problem?

To solve an integration by partial fractions problem, you first need to factor the denominator of the rational function into its individual terms. Then, you set up equations with unknown coefficients for each term. Finally, you solve for the coefficients and use them to rewrite the original rational function as a sum of smaller fractions, which can then be integrated separately.

4. What are the benefits of using integration by partial fractions?

Integration by partial fractions allows for the integration of complex rational functions that would otherwise be difficult to solve. It also helps to simplify the integral and can make the integration process faster and more efficient.

5. Are there any limitations to using integration by partial fractions?

Integration by partial fractions can only be used for rational functions, meaning that it cannot be applied to other types of functions. It also requires a certain level of algebraic skills and knowledge of basic integration techniques. Additionally, it may not always yield a solution, as some integrals may be too complex to be solved using this method.

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