Method of Partial Fractions integral help

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of a rational function using the method of partial fractions. The original poster presents a function f(x) = (20 - 2x^2)/((x-1)(x+2)^2) and mentions having determined the constants A, B, and C for the partial fraction decomposition.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correctness of the integration process following the determination of constants. There are questions about the integration of specific terms and the application of logarithmic properties. Some participants suggest using substitutions to clarify the integration steps.

Discussion Status

There is active engagement with participants providing feedback on the original poster's integration attempts. Some guidance has been offered regarding the integration of specific terms, and the original poster has acknowledged a realization of their mistake, indicating progress in understanding.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the expression of the function and the associated constants. Participants also question the assumptions made in the integration process, particularly concerning the use of logarithmic functions.

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.

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

[tex]\int -\frac{4}{(x+2)^{2}} \neq -4\ln|(x+2)^{2} |[/tex]
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
[tex]f(x) = 20 - \frac{2x^2}{(x-1)}(x+2)^2[/tex]
Is that what you meant, or did you want
[tex]f(x) = \frac{20 - 2 x^2}{(x-1)(x+2)^2}?[/tex]
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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