Partial Fractions: Integrating a Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around integrating a rational function using partial fractions, specifically the integral ∫(x³ - 4x² + x + 6)/(x² - x + 2) dx. Participants are exploring methods to simplify and solve the integral.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use long division and split the integral into simpler parts but is uncertain about how to handle the denominator x² - x + 2. Some participants suggest considering the derivative of the denominator and splitting the integrand further.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the steps taken so far, with one offering a suggestion to split the integrand into two parts for further integration. There is acknowledgment of the correctness of the initial steps, but no consensus on the next steps has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of homework constraints and the need to adhere to specific methods, such as partial fractions, which may influence the approaches discussed.

schapman22
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Homework Statement



We were given a worksheet to integrate some problems using partial fractions. This one however I cannot figure out what to do with it. This is the problem.

∫(x3-4x2+x+6)/(x2-x+2) dx

The Attempt at a Solution



using long division i got ∫(x-3) (-4(x-3)/(x2-x+2) dx
split it up into ∫xdx - 3∫dx - 4∫(x-3)/(x2-x+2)
now I don't know what to do with the x2-x+2?
any suggestions on how to proceed from here? Thanks in advance!
 
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schapman22 said:

Homework Statement



We were given a worksheet to integrate some problems using partial fractions. This one however I cannot figure out what to do with it. This is the problem.

∫(x3-4x2+x+6)/(x2-x+2) dx

The Attempt at a Solution



using long division i got ∫(x-3) + (-4(x-3)/(x2-x+2) dx
split it up into ∫xdx - 3∫dx - 4∫(x-3)/(x2-x+2)
now I don't know what to do with the x2-x+2?
any suggestions on how to proceed from here? Thanks in advance!
What you have done so far looks correct.

For the integral [itex]\displaystyle \int 2\frac{2x-6}{x^2-x+2}\,dx\,,[/itex] notice that the derivative of the denominator is 2x-1.

Split the integrand up into [itex]\displaystyle <br /> 2\frac{2x-1}{x^2-x+2}+2\frac{-5}{x^2-x+2}\,.[/itex]

So you get two integrals. The first results in a logarithm. For the second one, complete the square in the denominator.
 
So I'm allowed to multiple the integrand by 2?
 
thank you
 

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