Partial fraction decomposition

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the integral of the function 2dx/(2x-3) using partial fraction decomposition. Participants explore the appropriateness of applying partial fraction decomposition in this context, as well as the correct evaluation of the integral.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants suggest using u-substitution instead of partial fractions, questioning the necessity of the latter for this problem. Others express confusion about the integral's evaluation and the application of logarithmic properties.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering alternative methods and questioning the original poster's approach. There is a recognition that the integral can be evaluated without partial fractions, and some participants are exploring the implications of using different techniques.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a requirement to use partial fractions, which some participants challenge as unnecessary. Additionally, confusion arises regarding the evaluation of logarithmic integrals and the application of the chain rule.

Ry122
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Problem: Find the integral of 2dx/(2x-3) using partial fraction decomposition
Attempt:
A/(2x-3)
Compare coefficients A = 2
2 \int (1/(2x-3)) = 2ln(2x-3)
This is wrong. Can someone please tell me what I'm doing wrong?
 
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Use u-substitution. Let u=2x-3.
 
Ry122 said:
Problem: Find the integral of 2dx/(2x-3) using partial fraction decomposition
Attempt:
A/(2x-3)
Compare coefficients A = 2
2 \int (1/(2x-3)) = 2ln(2x-3)
This is wrong. Can someone please tell me what I'm doing wrong?

you don't need partial fractions for this.

just put u=2x-3 and go from there
 
This is just a simple problem that I want to apply the technique to and further my understanding of it so that I can begin using it on more difficult questions.
 
Did the problem tell you that you must use partial fraction for this problem? Because in my opinion, it makes no sense to use it.

Also, \int \frac{1}{2x-3} \neq ln(2x-3)+C therefore 2 \int \frac{1}{2x-3} \neq 2ln(2x-3)+C
 
Last edited:
Ry122 said:
This is just a simple problem that I want to apply the technique to and further my understanding of it so that I can begin using it on more difficult questions.

well in a sense...when you have a linear factor in the denominator like 2x-3, in the question, it kinda already is a partial fraction.
 
The integral of 1/x is lnx + c
So then shouldn't the integral of
1/2x-3 be ln(2x-3) + c
If not then what is it?
And yes the question did ask me to use partial fractions for this problem.
 
Integrals of the form a+bu

\int \frac{1}{a+bu}du=\frac{1}{b}ln|a+bu|+C

So then shouldn't the integral of
1/2x-3 be ln(2x-3) + c
To check that this is false: if you take the derivative with respect to x of "ln(2x-3) + c", it will not equal \frac{1}{2x-3} since you have to use the chain rule.
 
Last edited:
Ry122 said:
The integral of 1/x is lnx + c
So then shouldn't the integral of
1/2x-3 be ln(2x-3) + c
If not then what is it?
And yes the question did ask me to use partial fractions for this problem.

\int \frac{1}{2x-3} dx


if u=2x-3, then \frac{du}{dx}=2 \Rightarrow \frac{du}{2}=dx

now just put that into the integral
 
  • #10
Can partial fraction decomposition even be used in this situation to get a correct answer?
 
  • #11
The partial fraction decomposition of 1/(2x-3) IS 1/(2x-3). Please believe what people are telling you.
 
  • #12
How would i do this one:
integral of ((x^2)+1)/(6x-9x^2)
The highest degree of the denominator is equal to the highest degree of the numerator but it has to be greater than it.
 
  • #13
Do polynomial long division first, to make sure the degree of the denominator is greater than that of the denominator.
 
  • #14
Have no idea how to do that. Can you please show me?
 
  • #15
What, you mean how to divide?

Well, see if you can follow this:

\frac{x^2 +1}{6x-9x^2} = \frac{-1}{9}\left( \frac{9x^2+9}{9x^2 - 6x} \right)<br /> <br /> = \frac{-1}{9}\left( \frac{9x^2 -6x + 6x +9}{9x^2 - 6x} \right)<br /> <br /> = \frac{-1}{9}\left( 1 + \frac{6x+9}{9x^2 - 6x} \right)<br /> <br /> = \frac{-1}{9}\left( 1+ \frac{2x+3}{3x^2 - 2x} \right).

How about now?
 
  • #16
i understand but why did the sign of only the denominator change in the 1st step and not the numerator?
Edit: nevermind, figured it out.
THanks for your help everyone
 
Last edited:
  • #17
http://www.imagehuge.com/images/a7ttelgdzf3crvdsouk.jpg
 
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