Partial fraction decomposition

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of partial fraction decomposition for the expression \(\frac{2x + 2}{(x - 1)^2}\). Participants clarify that when the denominator contains repeated factors, such as \((x - 1)^2\), the decomposition must include terms for each power of the factor. Specifically, the expression is decomposed into \(\frac{A}{(x - 1)} + \frac{B}{(x - 1)^2}\) to account for the squared term, ensuring sufficient degrees of freedom to solve for the coefficients A and B. This method is essential for correctly handling degenerate poles in rational functions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rational functions and their properties
  • Familiarity with the concept of partial fraction decomposition
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
  • Knowledge of polynomial factorization
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of partial fraction decomposition in detail
  • Review the concept of degenerate poles in calculus
  • Explore the application of partial fractions in integration techniques
  • Examine examples of repeated factors in rational expressions
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on integration techniques, as well as educators teaching partial fraction decomposition and its applications in solving rational functions.

HorseBox
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Homework Statement


\frac{2x + 2}{x^2 - 2x + 1}dx

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I factorized the denominator and got \frac{2x + 2}{(x - 1)^2} and I took a look at the solutions manual to see how they handled this but then I see this \frac{2x + 2}{(x - 1)^2} = \frac{A}{(x - 1)} + \frac{B}{(x - 1)^2}. I'm lost how is the denominator of partial fraction B squared?
 
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HorseBox said:

Homework Statement


\frac{2x + 2}{x^2 - 2x + 1}dx


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I factorized the denominator and got \frac{2x + 2}{(x - 1)^2} and I took a look at the solutions manual to see how they handled this but then I see this \frac{2x + 2}{(x - 1)^2} = \frac{A}{(x - 1)} + \frac{B}{(x - 1)^2}. I'm lost how is the denominator of partial fraction B squared?

That is the rule used when you have degenerate poles (factored terms in the denominator with powers greater than one). The simplest way to understand this is to try and find an equality without following this rule. You will not be able to do it.


Take a look at the following link and note the section on repeated factors in the denominator. The use of this rule ensures that you have enough degrees of freedom to solve for the coefficients in all cases.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partial_fraction
 

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