Integration of Rational Functions by Partial Fractions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of a rational function, specifically the integral ∫(x³ + 4)/(x² + 4)dx. The subject area is calculus, focusing on techniques such as long division and partial fraction decomposition.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need for long division before applying partial fractions. There are attempts to rewrite the integral and questions about the correct form of the integrand after decomposition. Some participants suggest using u-substitution for parts of the integral.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights on the steps involved in the integration process. There is a focus on clarifying the expressions used in the integrals and addressing potential typographical errors in the original posts.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through the integration process while addressing assumptions about the forms of the integrands. There is mention of confusion regarding a specific term in the integral, which highlights the importance of clarity in mathematical notation.

Jgoshorn1
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Homework Statement



∫(x3+4)/(x2+4)dx

Homework Equations



n/a

The Attempt at a Solution



I know I have to do long division before I can break this one up into partial fractions. So I x3+4 by x2+4 and got x with a remainder of -4x+4 to be written as x+(4-4x/x2+4).

Then I rewrote the initial integral as ∫x + ∫(4-4x)/(x2+4) but then I get stuck from there.
Should the partial fraction be ∫x + ∫(Ax+B)/(x2+4)?
And if so, how would I go about solving that?
 
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##\frac x {x^2+4}## can be done with a u-substitution and ##\frac 2 {x^2+4}##is an Arctan form.
 
LCKurtz said:
##\frac x {x^2+4}## can be done with a u-substitution and ##\frac 2 {x^2+4}##is an Arctan form.

How/where are you getting x/x2+4 and 2/x2+4 from?
 
Long division for
[itex]\frac{x^3+4}{x^2+4}[/itex]

yields
[itex]x - 4(\frac{x-1}{x^2+4})[/itex].

As you mentioned, you now have
[itex]\int x dx - 4\int \frac{x-1}{x^2+4} dx[/itex].

For the second integral, split up the integrand:
[itex]\int x dx - 4(\int \frac{x}{x^2+4} dx - \int \frac{1}{x^2+4} dx)[/itex].

(This is what LCKurtz did, at least.)
 
Last edited:
So do you think it was just a typo that he wrote 2/x2+4 instead of 1/x2+4 because that 2 really confused me
 
Jgoshorn1 said:
So do you think it was just a typo that he wrote 2/x2+4 instead of 1/x2+4 because that 2 really confused me

Yes, the 2 was a typo. At any rate a constant factor wouldn't affect the method of integration.
 

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