MHB Partial fractions (5x^2+1)/[(3x+2)(x^2+3)]

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on solving the partial fraction decomposition of the expression (5x^2+1)/[(3x+2)(x^2+3)]. Participants identify a typo in the setup of the equation, clarifying that the correct form should include (Bx+C)(3x+2) in the numerator. They suggest substituting x=-2/3 to find the value of A, leading to the calculation of coefficients through comparison. The final values determined for the constants are A=-1, B=2, and C=2. This process highlights the importance of accurate notation and methodical coefficient comparison in partial fraction decomposition.
mathlearn
Messages
331
Reaction score
0
Trouble here in the below partial fraction (Bug)

$\frac{5x^2+1}{(3x+2)(x^2+3)}$

One factor in the denominator is a quadratic expression

Split this into two parts A&B

$\frac{5x^2+1}{(3x+2)(x^2+3)}=\frac{A}{(3x+2)}+\frac{Bx+c}{(x^2+3)}$

$\frac{5x^2+1}{(3x+2)(x^2+3)}=\frac{A(x^2+3)}{(3x+2)}+\frac{Bx+c (3x+2)}{(x^2+3)}$

${5x^2+1}={A(x^2+3)}+{Bx+c (3x+2)}{}$

and cannot take it from here
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Hi mathlearn,

I believe you have a typo in your last line, it should be:
${5x^2+1}={A(x^2+3)}+(Bx+C) (3x+2)$

One way to move forward is to substitute $x=-2/3$, effectively zeroing the last term (which allows you to solve for $A$). Once we have $A$, unfortunately, we'll have to expand out all the terms and compare the coefficients of both sides of the equation.
 
Let's use a better method;

(5x^2+1)/(3x+2)(x^2+3) = A/(3x+2) + (Bx+C)/(x^2+3)

To find A,multiplying both sides of the equality by (3x+2) ;

(5x^2+1)/(x^2+3) =A + (3x+2)(Bx+C)/(x^2+3) (1)

Now,setting x=-2/3 or 3x+2=0,makes the expression on the right containing (3x+2) vanish,so(5(-2/3)^2+1)/((-2/3)^2+3) =A + 0 .Then,

A=29/31To find C,set x=0 in (1),so we get rid of b.Then,

1/3=29/31 +2C/3

So,c can be easily calculated.

To find b,plugging any number but -2/3 & 0 into x,say 1,

6/5=29/31 + 5(B+C)/4

We have found C,then B can be easily calculated.
 
Actually there are a number of mistakes- though probably mostly typos.

mathlearn said:
Trouble here in the below partial fraction (Bug)

$\frac{5x^2+1}{(3x+2)(x^2+3)}$

One factor in the denominator is a quadratic expression

Split this into two parts A&B

$\frac{5x^2+1}{(3x+2)(x^2+3)}=\frac{A}{(3x+2)}+\frac{Bx+c}{(x^2+3)}$
Okay.

$\frac{5x^2+1}{(3x+2)(x^2+3)}=\frac{A(x^2+3)}{(3x+2)}+\frac{Bx+c (3x+2)}{(x^2+3)}$
No, the fractions on the right must both have "$(x^2+ 3)(3x+ 2)$" as denominator and the final fraction should have numerator (Bx+c)(3x+ 2) not "Bx+ c(3x+ 2)".

\frac{5x^2+1}{(3x+2)(x^2+3)}=\frac{A(x^2+3)}{(3x+2)}+\frac{Bx+c (3x+2)}{(x^2+3)}$

${5x^2+1}={A(x^2+3)}+{Bx+c (3x+2)}{}$
Again that should be (Bx+ c)(3x+ 2).

and cannot take it from here
$5x^2+ 1= Ax^2+ 3A+ 3Bx^2+ 3cx+ 2Bx+ 2c$
$5x^2+ 0x+ 1= (A+ 3B)x^2+ (3c+ 2B)x+ (3A+ 2c)$
Since this is t0 be true for all x, "corresponding coefficients must be equal:
5= A+ 3B, 0= 3c+ 2B, and 1= 3A+ 2c

Subtract 3 times the second equation from twice the first:
10- 0= 2A+ 6B- 6c- 6B= 2A- 6c
Subtract 3(1= 3A+ 2c), 3= 9A- 6c from that:
7= -7A so A= -1. Then -3+ 2c= 1 so 2c= 4 and c= 2.
5= -1+ 3B so 3B= 6, B= 2.

A= -1, B= 2, and c= 2.
 
I have been insisting to my statistics students that for probabilities, the rule is the number of significant figures is the number of digits past the leading zeros or leading nines. For example to give 4 significant figures for a probability: 0.000001234 and 0.99999991234 are the correct number of decimal places. That way the complementary probability can also be given to the same significant figures ( 0.999998766 and 0.00000008766 respectively). More generally if you have a value that...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K