Partial Fractions in Laurent Series Expansion

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of partial fractions in the context of Laurent series expansion for the function f = 1/(z(z-1)(z-2)). Participants explore whether partial fraction decomposition is necessary or if individual expansions could suffice.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster questions the necessity of using partial fractions and considers expanding the terms individually. Some participants suggest that partial fractions may not be required and propose alternative methods of expansion.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's question, providing differing perspectives on the use of partial fractions versus direct expansion. Some guidance has been offered regarding the potential for alternative approaches, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of potential confusion regarding the correctness of the partial fraction expansion, as well as differing opinions on the necessity of including certain terms in the expansion process.

tadf2
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Homework Statement


f = [itex]\frac{1}{z(z-1)(z-2)}[/itex]


Homework Equations


Partial fraction



The Attempt at a Solution


R1 = 0 < z < 1
R2 = 1 < z < 2
R3 = z > 2


f = [itex]\frac{1}{z(z-1)(z-2)}[/itex] = [itex]\frac{1}{z}[/itex] * ([itex]\frac{A}{z-1}[/itex] + [itex]\frac{B}{z-2}[/itex])
Where A = -1 , B = 1.
f = [itex]\frac{1}{z}[/itex] * ([itex]\frac{1}{z-2}[/itex] + [itex]\frac{1}{1-z}[/itex])

My question is, why do you have to use partial fractions?

Can't you just leave the initial multiplication of three terms and expand them individually;
[itex]\frac{1}{z-1}[/itex] (dividing 1/z to numerator and denominator at R2,R3)
and
[itex]\frac{1}{z-2}[/itex] (dividing 1/z to numerator and denominator at R3)

so for example,

for R2,
f = [itex]\frac{1}{z}[/itex] * [itex]\frac{1}{z-2}[/itex] * (-[itex]\frac{1}{z}[/itex]*[itex]\frac{1}{1-z^{-1}}[/itex])

You can expand 1/(1-z) and 1/(z-2) using taylor series.

Should you always use partial fractions?
Or does expanding without using partial fractions still work?
]
 
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I believe your partial fraction expansion is incorrect, you should check it again.

##\frac{A}{z} + \frac{B}{z-1} + \frac{C}{z-2}##
 
[itex]\frac{A}{z}[/itex] this part is not necessarily needed for partial fractions because
it doesn't require any expansions..
 
tadf2 said:
[itex]\frac{A}{z}[/itex] this part is not necessarily needed for partial fractions because
it doesn't require any expansions..

You don't really even need partial fractions at all. You could write it like this:

##(\frac{1}{z})(\frac{1}{z-1})(\frac{1}{z-2})##

Then write the terms as their respective series, for example:

##\frac{1}{z} = \sum_{n=0}^{∞} (-1)^n (-1+z)^n ## where ##|1-z|<1##

I believe that's what you were asking anyway.
 
Cool, I get it now. You answered my question.

Thanks Zondrina!
 

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