Solve Integration Problems: Partial Fractions for 1/(x^2)(x-4)

[Deathfish]

Homework Statement

Someone teach me how to write equations using the editor here...

This is part of an integration question

need partial fractions of 1/(x^2)(x-4)

Homework Equations

-nil-

The Attempt at a Solution

1/(x^2)(x-4)=(Ax+B)/(x^2)+C(x-4)

Put x=0 therefore B=-1/4
put x=4 therefore C= 1/16
Put x=1 therefore A=-1/16

1/(x^2)(x-4)=(-1/16)(x+4)/x^2 +1/16(x-4)

I get a different result on Mathematica, someone help

 

[micromass]

Hi Deathfish!

If your result is

-\frac{x+4}{16x^2}+\frac{1}{16(x+4)}

then it is completely correct!
Now, why does mathematica give another result? Well, the above result can be put in a form that is even more convenient. Indeed, the term \frac{x+4}{16x^2} can be "simplified" further as

\frac{x+4}{16x^2}=\frac{1}{16x}+\frac{1}{4x^2}

This is a better form since it's more suitable for integration purposes. But your result isn't wrong!

 

[Mark44]

The x² factor in the denominator is not an irreducible quadratic, so there is no need for a term with Ax + b in the numerator.

I would decompose the expression in this way:
\frac{1}{x^2(x - 4)} = \frac{A}{x} + \frac{B}{x^2} + \frac{C}{x - 4}

How you did it is essentially the same as above, since Ax/x² is the same as A/x.

 

[Dartx4]

Could the A/X + B/X^2 also be written as Ax+B/X^2. I think you could because splitting it up into Ax/x^2 + B/x^2 is also seen as A/x + B/x^2. Also sorry about dead post reviving...very curious.

 

[Mark44]

Could the A/X + B/X^2 also be written as Ax+B/X^2.

Yes, but you need parentheses. What you wrote would be considered to be Ax + (B/x²), and I'm certain that's not what you meant.

Write it as (Ax + B)/x².

I think you could because splitting it up into Ax/x^2 + B/x^2 is also seen as A/x + B/x^2. Also sorry about dead post reviving...very curious.