Partial Fraction Decomposition: Nominator or Denominator?

  • Thread starter Thread starter myusernameis
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Fraction Partial
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the process of Partial Fraction Decomposition, specifically addressing whether to analyze the numerator or the denominator. Participants confirm that the denominator should be factored, and they discuss the appropriate forms to use based on the type of denominator. For linear denominators, a simple constant is used in the numerator, while for quadratic denominators, a linear expression is required. The conversation emphasizes the need to adapt the decomposition method based on the characteristics of the denominator.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Partial Fraction Decomposition
  • Familiarity with factoring polynomials
  • Knowledge of linear and quadratic expressions
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of Partial Fraction Decomposition in detail
  • Practice factoring polynomials, including quadratic expressions
  • Learn how to apply the method to complex rational functions
  • Explore examples of Partial Fraction Decomposition with multiple quadratic factors
USEFUL FOR

Students studying algebra, particularly those focusing on calculus or differential equations, as well as educators teaching these concepts in mathematics.

myusernameis
Messages
56
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



do we look at the nominator or the denominator? are we trying to separate them? factoring them?

thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi myusernameis! :wink:
myusernameis said:
do we look at the nominator or the denominator? are we trying to separate them? factoring them?

The denominator. And you factor it. :smile:
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi myusernameis! :wink:


The denominator. And you factor it. :smile:

thanks for the answers!

so let's say i have this long equation in denom.

\frac{1}{(s^2+1)(s^2+4s-12)}

i can factor one of them to look like:

\frac{1}{(s^2+1)(s+6)(s-4)}

but then how do I know if I should use A +B or As+B, Cs+D, etc..?
 
myusernameis said:
i can factor one of them to look like:

\frac{1}{(s^2+1)(s+6)(s-4)}

erm :redface: … nooo!
but then how do I know if I should use A +B or As+B, Cs+D, etc..?

sorry, not following you …

for a linear denominator, it's just a number on the top,

for a quadratic denominator, it's a linear top :smile:
 
tiny-tim said:
erm :redface: … nooo!


sorry, not following you …

for a linear denominator, it's just a number on the top,

for a quadratic denominator, it's a linear top :smile:


haha made a mistake... so with that, do i use As+ B?

what if it's (s^2+2)(s^2+3)(s^2+5), ie, several s squares?
 
tiny-tim said:
erm :redface: … nooo!


sorry, not following you …

for a linear denominator, it's just a number on the top,

for a quadratic denominator, it's a linear top :smile:


if was supposed to be a (s+6)(s-2)...
 
myusernameis said:
what if it's (s^2+2)(s^2+3)(s^2+5), ie, several s squares?

each one has a linear top :smile:
myusernameis said:
if was supposed to be a (s+6)(s-2)...

each one has a number on the top
 
tiny-tim said:
each one has a linear top :smile:

ok,

taking this example again: (s^2+2)(s^2+3)(s^2+5)

would it be: 1 = (As+B)/(s^2+2)(s^2+3)(s^2+5) + (Cs+D)/(s^2+2)(s^2+3)(s^2+5) + (Es+F)/(s^2+2)(s^2+3)(s^2+5) ?
 
myusernameis said:
ok,

taking this example again: (s^2+2)(s^2+3)(s^2+5)

would it be: 1 = (As+B)/(s^2+2)(s^2+3)(s^2+5) + (Cs+D)/(s^2+2)(s^2+3)(s^2+5) + (Es+F)/(s^2+2)(s^2+3)(s^2+5) ?

uhh? :confused:

it's 1/(s2+2)(s2+3)(s2+5)

= (As+B)/(s2+2) + (Cs+D)/(s2+3) + (Es+F)/(s2+5)
 
  • #10
tiny-tim said:
uhh? :confused:

it's 1/(s2+2)(s2+3)(s2+5)

= (As+B)/(s2+2) + (Cs+D)/(s2+3) + (Es+F)/(s2+5)

haha brain fart on my part(i hope)


thanks
 
  • #11
myusernameis said:
haha brain fart on my part(i hope)

wow! where's your brain? :biggrin:
 
  • #12
are you a math teacher?
if you don't mind me asking!
 
  • #13
i'm just a little goldfish …

trying to make sense of the bowliverse! :smile:
 
  • #14
tiny-tim said:
i'm just a little goldfish …

trying to make sense of the bowliverse! :smile:

haha! well, thanks for the help!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 48 ·
2
Replies
48
Views
6K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K