Partial Fraction Decomposition

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the partial fraction decomposition of the expression \(\frac{1}{(x^2-1)^2}\), which falls under the subject area of algebra and rational functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to solve for constants A and C but encounters a true statement at the end of their process. Some participants suggest revisiting the simultaneous equations used to find these constants, indicating a potential issue with the chosen equations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different approaches to solving the simultaneous equations. Guidance has been offered regarding the selection of equations to ensure they provide useful information about the constants involved.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of attached images that illustrate the original poster's thought process, which may contain additional context or details relevant to the problem.

opus
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Homework Statement


Find the partial fraction decomposition for:

##\frac{1}{\left(x^2-1\right)^2}##

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Please see my attached images. I think the image shows my thought process better and it would take me well over an hour to type all that out!

Im stuck at the very end, where it results in a true statement, yet I'm trying to get values for A and C (Step iv-c)
 
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Please see attached. The second image is Page 1.
 

Attachments

  • 0958D8E0-A450-4049-88FD-4F08FBA8B3E5.jpeg
    0958D8E0-A450-4049-88FD-4F08FBA8B3E5.jpeg
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  • EDF5BF1D-73D9-46AF-8129-6A82AAC8CCDA.jpeg
    EDF5BF1D-73D9-46AF-8129-6A82AAC8CCDA.jpeg
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Try solving the simultaneous equations
## -A - 2B - C + 2D = 0##
## A + B - C + D = 1 ##
instead of the two you choose.

If you add the two equations you choose, you can see that ##A## and ##C## are eliminated from the result, which suggests the two you selected don't provide information about the individual values of ##A## and ##C##.
 
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Great thank you!
 
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