Integration of Rational Functions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of a rational function, specifically the integral of (7x² + 22x - 54) divided by the product of three linear factors (x - 2)(x + 4)(x - 1). Participants are exploring the method of partial fraction decomposition as a means to simplify the integral.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup of partial fractions and question the correctness of their separation of the numerator and denominators. There is uncertainty about the values of coefficients A, B, and C in the decomposition. Some participants express confusion about the process and seek clarification on how to derive these coefficients.

Discussion Status

Several participants have attempted to set up the partial fraction decomposition and have derived equations to solve for the coefficients. There is ongoing exploration of the method, with some participants providing hints and others expressing frustration or confusion. A few participants have made progress in finding values for A, B, and C, but there is no clear consensus on the final steps or outcomes yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the extent of guidance provided. There is a focus on understanding the decomposition process rather than arriving at a final answer.

Biosyn
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Homework Statement


∫(7x^2+22x-54)/((x-2)(x+4)(x-1)) dx


Homework Equations



Partial functions

The Attempt at a Solution



∫(7x^2+22x-54)/((x-2)(x+4)(x-1)) dx = ∫(Ax)/(x2+2x-8) + B/(x-1)

= ∫A(x-1)dx + ∫B(x^2+2x-8)dx

Or is it:
= ∫(AX+B)/(x^2-2x-8) dx + ∫ C/(x-1)dx

Have I done the separation of the numerator and denominators right? I'm stuck right about here..I don't know what Bx2 equals to. 7? That doesn't seem to make sense, I must have done something wrong earlier.
Please help, thanks!
 
Last edited:
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Biosyn said:

Homework Statement


∫(7x^2+22x-54)/((x-2)(x+4)(x-1)) dx

Homework Equations



Partial functions

The Attempt at a Solution



∫(7x^2+22x-54)/((x-2)(x+4)(x-1)) dx = ∫(Ax)/(x2+2x-8) + B/(x-1)

= ∫A(x-1)dx + ∫B(x^2+2x-8)dx

Or is it:
= ∫(AX+B)/(x^2-2x-8) dx + ∫ C/(x-1)dx

Have I done the separation of the numerator and denominators right? I'm stuck right about here..I don't know what Bx2 equals to. 7? That doesn't seem to make sense, I must have done something wrong earlier.
Please help, thanks!
Do a complete partial fraction decomposition.

[itex]\displaystyle \frac{7x^2+22x-54}{(x-2)(x+4)(x-1)}=\frac{A}{x-2}+\frac{B}{x+4}+\frac{C}{x-1}\,.[/itex]
 
SammyS said:
Do a complete partial fraction decomposition.

[itex]\displaystyle \frac{7x^2+22x-54}{(x-2)(x+4)(x-1)}=\frac{A}{x-2}+\frac{B}{x+4}+\frac{C}{x-1}\,.[/itex]

Okay, so I did that.

= ∫ [itex]\frac{A(x+4)(x-1) + B(x-2)(x-1) + C(x-2)(x+4)}{(x-2)(x+4)(x-1)}[/itex]

and this is what I get after multiplying everything out. Three equations. Now I just need to solve for A,B,C...

-4A+B-8C=-54

3A-3B+2C=22

A+B+C =7
 
Last edited:
Biosyn said:
Okay, so I did that.

= ∫ [itex]\frac{A(x+4)(x-1) + B(x-2)(x-1) + C(x-2)(x+4)}{(x-2)(x+4)(x-1)}[/itex]  equals What?

and this is what I get after multiplying everything out. Three equations. Now I just need to solve for A,B,C...

-4A+B-8C=-54

3A-3B+2C=22

A+B+C =7
Do you know how to do partial fraction decomposition?
 
[itex]\displaystyle \frac{7x^2+22x-54}{(x-2)(x+4)(x-1)}=\frac{A(x+4)(x-1) + B(x-2)(x-1) + C(x-2)(x+4)}{(x-2)(x+4)(x-1)}[/itex]

So that   [itex]\displaystyle 7x^2+22x-54=A(x+4)(x-1) + B(x-2)(x-1) + C(x-2)(x+4)\,.[/itex]

There's a neat trick to finishing this.

Let x=2 to find A.

Let x=-4 to find B.

Let x=1 to find C.
 
∫ [itex]\frac{A(x+4)(x-1) + B(x-2)(x-1) + C(x-2)(x+4)}{(x-2)(x+4)(x-1)}[/itex] = ∫ [itex]\frac{7x^2+22x-54}{(x-2)(x+4)(x-1)}[/itex]dx ?The values for X are the zeroes, could you explain to me how they are used to find A,B,C? (the trick you typed above)
 
Last edited:
See post #5.
 
SammyS said:
See post #5.
[STRIKE]Okay,

I multiplied everything out: Ax^2+3AX-4A+Bx^2-3Bx+2B+Cx^2+2Cx-8C

and ...I'm back to what I did in post #3 solving for A,B,C ?

Sorry, it's getting late and I'm getting a little frustrated, maybe I'm not thinking.[/STRIKE]nevermind, I got it now :)

A = 3
B = -1
C = 5

So the answer should be ∫f(x)dx = 3ln|x-2|-ln|x+4|+5ln|x-1| + C

I made a calculation error in post #3.

Thanks for your help Sammy! :)
 
Last edited:

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