Integration with Partial Fraction Decomposition

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of a rational function using partial fraction decomposition, specifically the integral of \(\frac{-2x + 4}{(x-1)^{2}(x^{2}+1)}\). Participants are exploring the correct setup for the partial fraction decomposition.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to set up the partial fraction decomposition correctly, with various formulations being proposed. Questions are raised about the correctness of the setup and the notation used, particularly regarding the placement of parentheses and the structure of the terms.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of different setups for the partial fraction decomposition. Some participants suggest alternative forms and question the assumptions made in the original setup. Guidance has been offered regarding the correct structure of the decomposition, but no consensus has been reached on the final approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants are noting discrepancies in their setups and results, indicating potential misunderstandings or misapplications of the method. The discussion includes references to previous knowledge and external resources for clarification.

m0gh
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Homework Statement


\int \frac{-2x + 4}{(x-1)^{(2)}(x^{(2)}+1)}

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I've done the problem a couple times but the answers keep coming out differently so I'm assuming I am messing up the setup.

This is what I have for the first part of the setup:

-2x + 4 = A(x-1)^{(2)}(x^{(2)}+1) + B(x-1)(x^{(2)}+1) + (Cx+D)*(x-1)(x-1)^{(2)}

Once expanded :

-2x + 4 = Ax^4 - A2x^3 + A2x^2 - A2x + A + Bx^3 -Bx^2 +Bx - B + Cx^4 - C3x^3 + C3x^2 - Cx
+Dx^3 - D3x^2 + D3x - DCan anyone let me know if I'm right up to this point?
 
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It's not clear why some exponents are enclosed with parentheses () while others are not.

Given that the denominator of the original rational expression is (x - 1)^{2}(x^{2}+1), your partial fraction decomposition should have individual factors
of A/(x^{2}+1), B/(x - 1), and C/(x - 1)^{2}.
 
Just talked to an old teacher/friend and she said it should be set up as A/x-1 + (Bx+C)/(x-1)^(2) + (Cx + D)/(x^(2) + 1) so I'm not sure what you mean, Steam King
 
After talking with the old teacher/friend I am here:

-2x + 4 = (A+B+D)x^{3} + (-A +C - 2D + E)x^{2} + (A + B + D -2E)x -A + C + E

Still working towards the answer. Please let me know if you see any mistakes
 
m0gh said:
Just talked to an old teacher/friend and she said it should be set up as A/x-1 + (Bx+C)/(x-1)^(2) + (Cx + D)/(x^(2) + 1) so I'm not sure what you mean, Steam King
No, this isn't correct. The second term should be B/(x - 1)2.

Also, you are missing some needed parentheses in your first term, which should be A/(x - 1), when written on a single line.
 
m0gh said:

Homework Statement


\int \frac{-2x + 4}{(x-1)^{(2)}(x^{(2)}+1)}

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I've done the problem a couple times but the answers keep coming out differently so I'm assuming I am messing up the setup.

This is what I have for the first part of the setup:

-2x + 4 = A(x-1)^{(2)}(x^{(2)}+1) + B(x-1)(x^{(2)}+1) + (Cx+D)*(x-1)(x-1)^{(2)}

Once expanded :

-2x + 4 = Ax^4 - A2x^3 + A2x^2 - A2x + A + Bx^3 -Bx^2 +Bx - B + Cx^4 - C3x^3 + C3x^2 - Cx
+Dx^3 - D3x^2 + D3x - DCan anyone let me know if I'm right up to this point?

Setup: ##\frac{-2x+4}{(x-1)^2(x^2+1)}## and work that out, granting:
##\frac{-2x+4}{(x-1)^2(x^2+1)}=\frac{A}{x-1} + \frac{B}{(x-1)^2} + \frac{Cx+D}{x^2+1}##
now multiply both sides by ## (x-1)^2(x^2+1) ## which grants
##-2x+4 = A\frac{(x-1)}{(x-1)}(x-1)(x^2+1) + B\frac{(x-1)^2}{(x-1)^2 }(x^2+1) +(Cx+D) \frac{(x^2+1)}{ (x^2+1) }(x-1)^2 ##
I don't know whether what you did was right or not, but it looks as though you didn't cancel your same terms (judging by the ##x^4##) but do this and you should end up with the right answer.

Also (for future reference)
http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/Alg/PartialFractions.aspx
That has a nice little reference sheet on it.
 
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