Partial fraction decomposition exercise 2

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the process of partial fraction decomposition for the rational expression (-2x^2 + 20x - 68) / (x^3 + 4x^2 + 4x + 16). The user initially misapplies Cramer's rule due to a determinant of zero and receives guidance on correcting their approach. Key mistakes identified include incorrect equations for A, B, and C, which should be A + B = -2, 4B + C = 20, and 4A + 4C = -68. The conversation emphasizes the importance of using elementary elimination methods over matrices for solving linear systems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of partial fraction decomposition
  • Familiarity with polynomial factoring
  • Knowledge of solving linear equations
  • Basic grasp of matrix operations and determinants
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  • Study the method of partial fraction decomposition in detail
  • Learn how to factor polynomials effectively
  • Practice solving systems of linear equations using elementary elimination
  • Explore the application of Cramer's rule in non-degenerate systems
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Students studying algebra, particularly those focusing on rational functions and partial fraction decomposition, as well as educators looking for common pitfalls in teaching these concepts.

ducmod
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Homework Statement


Hello!
Here is my second post on the subject partial fraction decomposition. The subject looks pretty easy to learn, but when I try exercises, I do not get to the correct answer. Please, take a look at the exercise below and help me to see my mistakes.

Homework Equations


(-2x^2 + 20x - 68) / (x^3 + 4x^2 + 4x + 16)

The Attempt at a Solution


Step 1: create a form for partial fraction decomposition by factoring the denominator:
x^3 + 4x^2 + 4x + 16 = (x^2 + 4) ( x + 4)
x^2 + 4 is in irreducible quadratic form, thus I will work with the above factors
Step 2: clear denominators
(-2x^2 + 20x - 68) (x^2 + 4) ( x + 4) / (x^3 + 4x^2 + 4x + 16) = A (x^2 + 4) ( x + 4) / (x + 4) + (Bx + C) (x^2 + 4) ( x + 4) / (x^2 + 4)
-2x^2 + 20x - 68 = x^2 (A + B) + x ( C + 4B) + 4C + 4A
Step 3: find values of A, B, C
A + C = -2
C + 4B = 20
4C + 4A = -68 (A + C) = -17
Matrix A
1 0 1
0 1 4
1 0 1
Matrix B
-2
20
-17
And the determinant of matrix A is zero, hence I can't solve the task using Cramer's rule. Obviously, there are mistakes in my approach. What are they? Please, help me to see them.
Thank you!
 
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ducmod said:

Homework Statement


Hello!
Here is my second post on the subject partial fraction decomposition. The subject looks pretty easy to learn, but when I try exercises, I do not get to the correct answer. Please, take a look at the exercise below and help me to see my mistakes.

Homework Equations


(-2x^2 + 20x - 68) / (x^3 + 4x^2 + 4x - 68)

The Attempt at a Solution


Step 1: create a form for partial fraction decomposition by factoring the denominator:
x^3 + 4x^2 + 4x - 68 = (x^2 + 4) ( x + 4)
The two sides are not equal. Check if you copied the problem correctly.
ducmod said:
x^2 + 4 is in irreducible quadratic form, thus I will work with the above factors
Step 2: clear denominators
(-2x^2 + 20x - 68) (x^2 + 4) ( x + 4) / (x^3 + 4x^2 + 4x - 68) = A (x^2 + 4) ( x + 4) / (x + 4) + (Bx + C) (x^2 + 4) ( x + 4) / (x^2 + 4)
-2x^2 + 20x - 68 = x^2 (A + B) + x ( C + 4B) + 4C + 4A
Step 3: find values of A, B, C
A + C = -2
C + 4B = 20
4C + 4A = -68 (A + C) = -17
Matrix A
1 0 1
0 1 4
1 0 1
Matrix B
-2
20
-17
And the determinant of matrix A is zero, hence I can't solve the task using Cramer's rule. Obviously, there are mistakes in my approach. What are they? Please, help me to see them.
Thank you!
 
ehild said:
The two sides are not equal. Check if you copied the problem correctly.
sorry, it's a typo; +16 instead of -68 in the denominator, but all calculations are based on +16 value
 
ducmod said:
-2x^2 + 20x - 68 = x^2 (A + B) + x ( C + 4B) + 4C + 4A
Step 3: find values of A, B, C
A + C B= -2
C + 4B = 20
4C + 4A = -68 (A + C) = -17
There is a mistake in your equations. The first one is A+B=-2.
 
ducmod said:

Homework Statement


Hello!
Here is my second post on the subject partial fraction decomposition. The subject looks pretty easy to learn, but when I try exercises, I do not get to the correct answer. Please, take a look at the exercise below and help me to see my mistakes.

Homework Equations


(-2x^2 + 20x - 68) / (x^3 + 4x^2 + 4x + 16)

The Attempt at a Solution


Step 1: create a form for partial fraction decomposition by factoring the denominator:
x^3 + 4x^2 + 4x + 16 = (x^2 + 4) ( x + 4)
x^2 + 4 is in irreducible quadratic form, thus I will work with the above factors
Step 2: clear denominators
(-2x^2 + 20x - 68) (x^2 + 4) ( x + 4) / (x^3 + 4x^2 + 4x + 16) = A (x^2 + 4) ( x + 4) / (x + 4) + (Bx + C) (x^2 + 4) ( x + 4) / (x^2 + 4)
-2x^2 + 20x - 68 = x^2 (A + B) + x ( C + 4B) + 4C + 4A
Step 3: find values of A, B, C
A + C = -2
C + 4B = 20
4C + 4A = -68 (A + C) = -17
Matrix A
1 0 1
0 1 4
1 0 1
Matrix B
-2
20
-17
And the determinant of matrix A is zero, hence I can't solve the task using Cramer's rule. Obviously, there are mistakes in my approach. What are they? Please, help me to see them.
Thank you!

\frac{A}{4+x} + \frac{Bx+C}{x^2+4} = \frac{(A+B)x^2 + (4B+C)x +(4A+4C)}{(x+4)(x^2+4)}
Thus, the equations are
A+B = -2 \\<br /> 4B+C = 20 \\<br /> 4A+4C=-68<br />
Why bother with matrices? It is much easier just to use elementary elimination: the second equation gives ##C = 20-4B##, and putting that into the other two equations gives two linear equations in ##A## and ##B## alone. Solving 2x2 linear systems is pretty easy.
 

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