Math problem integration by partial fractions

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves integrating the function (4x+3)/(x^2+4x+5)^2, which is situated within the context of calculus, specifically focusing on integration techniques such as partial fractions and substitution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the necessity of using partial fractions and question the rationale behind taking the derivative of the denominator. Some suggest that substitution may be a more appropriate approach given the structure of the problem.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of different methods to tackle the integration problem. Some participants have provided insights into the relationship between the numerator and the derivative of the denominator, while others have noted the potential complexity of using partial fractions in this case. Guidance has been offered regarding substitution as a viable alternative.

Contextual Notes

Participants have noted that the denominator is squared, which may complicate the use of partial fractions. There is also a recognition of the need to clarify the relationship between the numerator and the derivative of the denominator in the context of integration.

tessa127
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


integrate (4x+3)/(x^2+4x+5)^2

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I know to solve this problem you have to work with partial fractions, in the solution we were given they solve as followed

4x+3=A(x^2+4x+5)'+B

I don't know why they take the derivative of x^2+4x+5

thank you in advance!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
tessa127 said:

Homework Statement


integrate (4x+3)/(x^2+4x+5)^2

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I know to solve this problem you have to work with partial fractions, in the solution we were given they solve as followed

4x+3=A(x^2+4x+5)'+B

I don't know why they take the derivative of x^2+4x+5

thank you in advance!
From what you show here they are not using partial fractions. What they're doing is an ordinary substitution, with ##u = x^2 + 4x + 5##. In this substitution, what is du? That's where the derivative you're asking about comes in.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: tessa127
tessa127 said:

Homework Statement


integrate (4x+3)/(x^2+4x+5)^2

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I know to solve this problem you have to work with partial fractions, in the solution we were given they solve as followed

4x+3=A(x^2+4x+5)'+B

I don't know why they take the derivative of x^2+4x+5

thank you in advance!

In order to solve the problem! I think I remember doing this myself for some recent problem on here.

You have a linear divided by a quadratic. The derivative of a quadratic is a linear. If you are lucky, i.e. in the simplest case the numerator will be the derivative of the denominator (multiplied by a number). In general however the derivative of the quadratic will be the numerator (multiplied by a number) plus a constant. So you will get to integrate something of form

C1Q'/ Q + C2/Q, where the C's are known constants.

The integral of the first fraction is C1 ln Q , and the second fraction you expresse as partial fractions, and will get further ln 's .
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: tessa127
epenguin said:
In order to solve the problem! I think I remember doing this myself for some recent problem on here.

You have a linear divided by a quadratic. The derivative of a quadratic is a linear. If you are lucky, i.e. in the simplest case the numerator will be the derivative of the denominator (multiplied by a number). In general however the derivative of the quadratic will be the numerator (multiplied by a number) plus a constant. So you will get to integrate something of form

C1Q'/ Q + C2/Q, where the C's are known constants.

The integral of the first fraction is C1 ln Q , and the second fraction you expresse as partial fractions, and will get further ln 's .

thank you very much for the explanation, I will try the exercise with your method
 
tessa127 said:
I will try the exercise with your method

I expect someone else discovered it first. :oldsmile:
 
To be sure, you have a linear polynomial divided by a quadratic polynomial squared. There might be a partial fraction expansion, but it will probably be messy.

When the denominator is raised to a power, it's better to see if substitution can be used.
 
SteamKing said:
To be sure, you have a linear polynomial divided by a quadratic polynomial squared. There might be a partial fraction expansion, but it will probably be messy.

When the denominator is raised to a power, it's better to see if substitution can be used.

Oops yes :redface: I had missed that the denominator was squared. So it seems they want to get it in the form Q'/Q2 (multiplied by a number) which is -(1/Q)' .
So that bit can be integrated to -1/Q and you are left with some number multiplying 1/Q2 which is a standard form to integrate.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K