Integration by partial fractions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of a rational function using partial fractions, specifically focusing on the integration of the expression involving both linear and quadratic factors in the denominator.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the process of long division and the subsequent use of partial fractions. There are attempts to identify errors in the calculation of coefficients and the handling of remainders. Questions arise about the proper use of the remainder after division and how it affects the integration process.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on splitting the remainder into partial fractions for integration. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct approach to the problem, with participants reflecting on their calculations and identifying potential mistakes.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the correctness of their answers and the steps taken, particularly in relation to the integration of the remainder and the application of trigonometric substitutions.

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I started this section off quite well and I did very well on the problems where there are only linear factors but when I got to the problems with quadratic factors, I began getting wrong answers. I though that perhaps I would receive some advice or my error/mistake could be corrected if possible.

The problem is:
[tex]\int\frac{4x^4-43x^3+200x^2-442x+383}{(x-3)(x^2-6x+13)}dx[/tex]

It comes with a small help thing that says: [tex](x-3)(x^2-6x+13) = <br /> x^3-9x^2+31x-39[/tex]

Ok so the first thing I did was use long division and I got [tex]4x-7[/tex] as the answer of the long division. Next I proceeded to do:
[tex]4x^4-43x^3+200x^2-442x+383 = A(x^2-6x+13) + (Cx+D)(x-3)[/tex].
Next, I plugged in 3 for the value of x so that I could solve for A and I got its value to be 5. Next, I plugged in 0 for the value of x so that I could get A and D alone and solve for D. I got its value to be -106, which is horribly wrong for some reason, I think. Next I plugged in 1 for the value of x and solved for C nd its value came out to be 75, which is also horribly wrong probably..I made a mistake somewhere in there I think...after that, I set up the new integral:
[/tex]\int\(4x-7+\frac{5}{x-3}+\frac{75x-106}{x^2-6x+13})dx[/tex].
I solved that and got my final answer to be:
[tex]2x^2-7x+5\ln|x-3|+\frac{75}{2}\ln|x^2-6x+13|+<br /> \frac{119}{2}\arctan(\frac{x-3}{2})+C[/tex].

This answer is wrong and the correct answer is:
[tex]2x^2-7x+5\ln|x-3|+4\ln|x^2-6x+13|+<br /> \frac{9}{2}\arctan(\frac{x-3}{2})+C[/tex].If I am making some kind of mistake, then I must be inherently making it because all my other answers to problems with quadratic factors is coming out wrong...please help me.
 
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You should have a remainder after you divide:
[tex]4 x - 7 + \frac{13 x^2 - 69 x + 10}{x^3 - 9 x + 31 - 39}[/tex]
That's an awfully tedious problem.
 
Yes, I do have a remainder after I divide. After the long division, I have:
[tex]4 x - 7 + \frac{13 x^2 - 69 x + 110}{x^3 - 9 x^2 + 31x - 39}[/tex]

What do I do with it? I was just looking over that because I noticed something about it in the book, but I can't quite grasp what the remainder would be used for..
 
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You'll want to split the remainder into partial fractions and then you can integrate everything.
 
Ok, I just tried that and I finally got the right answer...I guess that's what my error was. After the long division, I need to use the remainder..heh..
 
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Upon further analysis, I realized that the answer is still wrong, this is why:

after the division and the [tex]a^2 + x^2[/tex] trig substitution, the integral is:
[tex]2x^2-7x+5\ln|x-3|+<br /> \int\frac{16\tan\theta+24-15}{4\sec^2\theta}2\sec^2\theta d\theta[/tex]
then:
[tex]x^2-7x+5\ln|x-3|+8\ln|sec\theta|+\frac{9}{2}\theta[/tex]

The 8 in front of the natural log is supposed to be a four, anyone know why I have an 8?...
 

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