Partial Fractions - Integration

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating the integral of a rational function using partial fraction decomposition. The integrand is given as \(\frac {5x^2 - 20x +45}{(2x+1)(x-2)^2}\), and the original poster is attempting to find the integral while ensuring to apply logarithmic properties correctly.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to decompose the rational function into partial fractions and subsequently integrate each term. They express concern about the correctness of their calculations for the coefficients A, B, and C.
  • Some participants question the accuracy of the original poster's calculations and suggest revisiting the decomposition process.
  • Others note the potential impact of logarithmic properties on the final answer, indicating that the appearance of the solution may differ from expected results.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the importance of maintaining consistency in factoring and the application of logarithmic identities. The original poster acknowledges a mistake in their calculations, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions this is their first attempt at using LaTeX, which may contribute to formatting issues in their presentation of the problem.

emmaerin
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Homework Statement



Evaluate the integral. (Remember to use ln |u| where appropriate. Use C for the constant of integration.)

\int \frac {5x^2 - 20x +45}{(2x+1)(x-2)^2}\, dx

Homework Equations



5x^2 - 20x +45 = 5 (x^2 -4x +9)

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm able to come up with an answer, but it's not correct. I'd really appreciate it if someone could tell me where I'm going wrong. Thanks! (Also this is my first attempt at LaTeX, so forgive me if it's not formatted properly!)

First to solve for the partial fractions:
\frac {A}{2x+1} + \frac {B}{x-2} + \frac {C}{(x-2)^2}

x^2 - 4x +9 = A (x-2)^2 + B (2x+1) (x-2) + C (2x+1)
x^2 - 4x + 9 = A (x^2 - 4x + 4) + B (2x^2 - 3x - 2) + C (2x+1)

x^2 = x^2 (A+2B)
-4x = x (-4A - 3B + 2C)
9 = 4A -2B +C

Therefore,
C = 9-4A +2B
-4x = x ( -4A - 3B + 2(9-4A+2B))
-4 = -12A + B +18
-22 = -12A + B

and

1 = A + 2B
-22 = -22A - 44B

Gives me,

-12A + B = -22A - 44B
A = \frac {-9}{2} B
1 = \frac {-9}{2}B + 2B

*\mathbf B = \frac{-2}{5}

1 = A + 2B

*\mathbf A = \frac{9}{5}

C = 9 - 4A + 2B

*\mathbf C = 1

Substituting in A, B, and C gives me:

\int \frac {\frac{9}{5}}{2x+1}\,dx + \int \frac {\frac{-2}{5}}{x-2} \,dx + \int \frac {1}{(x-2)^2}\,dx

= \frac{9}{5} \int \frac {1}{2x+1}\,dx - \frac{2}{5} \int \frac {1}{x-2}\,dx + \int \frac {1}{(x-2)^2} \, dxFor the first integral, = \frac{9}{5} \int \frac {1}{2x+1}\,dx
u = 2x+1, du = 2 dx
\frac {9}{10} \int \frac {1}{u}\, du
= \frac {9}{10} ln |2x+1|For the second integral, \int \frac {\frac{-2}{5}}{x-2} \,dx
\frac{-2}{5} \int \frac {1}{x-2} \, dx
= \frac{-2}{5} ln |x-2| For the third integral, \int \frac {1}{(x-2)^2} \, dx
\int (x-2)^{-2} \, dx
= \frac {-1}{x-2}This gives me the following answer, but it's wrong :( I know this is a long problem, so any help would be appreciated!

\frac {9}{10} ln |2x+1| + \frac{-2}{5} ln |x-2| + \frac {-1}{x-2} +C
 
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Revise your calculations of A, B and C, when you decompose your fraction, that's where the error is.
 
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A) You factored out a 5 from the numerator at the beginning of the problem, and then it disappeared.
B) Your answer involves logs, and log laws might have been used to make the book's (or whatever it is you're comparing your answer to) answer look different from yours.
 
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gopher_p said:
A) You factored out a 5 from the numerator at the beginning of the problem, and then it disappeared.

I completely forgot to bring down the 5 - that was the whole problem! Such a silly mistake, thanks for pointing it out!
 

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