Method of Partial Fractions integral help

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The discussion focuses on solving the integral of the function f(x) = (20 - 2x^2)/((x-1)(x+2)^2) using the method of partial fractions. The user correctly identified the constants A, B, and C but struggled with the integration process, particularly with the term involving (x+2)^{-2}. The correct integration should not involve logarithmic functions for that term, and a substitution u = x + 2 is suggested for clarity. After some guidance, the user realizes their mistake and corrects the integral to include the proper terms. The final correct answer includes both logarithmic and rational components.
King_Silver
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Moved from a technical forum, so homework template missing
I have a question where f(x) = 20-2x^2/(x-1)(x+2)^2 and have solved for constants A,B and C.
A = 2
B = -4
C = -4
I have worked this out myself. Now I am told to compute the indefinite integral and I am getting this answer but apparently it is wrong and I don't understand how?
My answer: 2ln(abs(x-1))-4ln(x+2)-4ln(abs(x+2)^2)

Help?
 
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Your constants are right but you're integration isn't correct.

\int -\frac{4}{(x+2)^{2}} \neq -4\ln|(x+2)^{2} |
 
Morgan Chafe said:
Your constants are right but you're integration isn't correct.

\int -\frac{4}{(x+2)^{2}} \neq -4\ln|(x+2)^{2} |
Yea that is the part I am stuck on, I don't know what part of that integration is going wrong.
 
In general, for ##p\neq-1## and ##a## a constant, ##\int (x+a)^pdx=\frac {1}{p+1} (x+a)^{p+1} + C##
 
King_Silver said:
I have a question where f(x) = 20-2x^2/(x-1)(x+2)^2 and have solved for constants A,B and C.
A = 2
B = -4
C = -4
I have worked this out myself. Now I am told to compute the indefinite integral and I am getting this answer but apparently it is wrong and I don't understand how?
My answer: 2ln(abs(x-1))-4ln(x+2)-4ln(abs(x+2)^2)

Help?
Actually it's called the "Method of Partial Fractions".

To evaluate the integral, ##\displaystyle \int -\,\frac{4}{(x+2)^{2}}dx \, ,\ ## use the substitution u = x+2 .
 
King_Silver said:
I have a question where f(x) = 20-2x^2/(x-1)(x+2)^2 and have solved for constants A,B and C.
A = 2
B = -4
C = -4
I have worked this out myself. Now I am told to compute the indefinite integral and I am getting this answer but apparently it is wrong and I don't understand how?
My answer: 2ln(abs(x-1))-4ln(x+2)-4ln(abs(x+2)^2)

Help?

First: you have written
f(x) = 20 - \frac{2x^2}{(x-1)}(x+2)^2
Is that what you meant, or did you want
f(x) = \frac{20 - 2 x^2}{(x-1)(x+2)^2}?
If you meant the latter, you need to use parentheses, like this: (20 - 2 x^2)/[(x-1)(x+2)^2].

Second: what denominators go with the constants A,B,C? We can guess, but we should not need to.

Third: ##\int (x+2)^{-2} \, dx## does not involve logarithms.
 
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Hi King_Silver! :)

What's the derivative of ##\frac{1}{x+2}##?
Does that give us a clue?
 
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Thanks everyone I actually realized my mistake it was fairly stupid :) fixed it now and got it right!
it was (4/(x+2))+2ln(abs(x-1))-4ln(abs(x+2))
 
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