# Partial fractions QUICK question, zero work required, just knowledge of how they work

1. ### Oblakastouf

18
Alright... What are the rules for when the numerator (Top part) of the fraction has a higher degree than the lower part of the fraction.

Something + {*}

... As in what is that SOMETHING based on the numbers?

I have a midterm in like... 50 minutes and this is the only thing I need to know.

2. ### VeeEight

610
Re: Partial fractions QUICK question, zero work required, just knowledge of how they

Then you divide the two and you have an integer plus the remainder, where the numerator will have a smaller degree than the denominator. The process of dividing may take a little time but it is easy to check if you have the right answer (by simply multiplying your answer with one of the terms). Do you have a specific example?

3. ### HallsofIvy

41,264
Staff Emeritus
Re: Partial fractions QUICK question, zero work required, just knowledge of how they

Since you are talking about a fraction in which the numerator and denominator are polynomials, dividing will give you a polynomial (which corresponds to an integer in "regular" arithmetic) and remainder. The original fraction is equal to that polynomial plus a fraction with the remainder in the numerator, the original denominator as denominator.