Solve Second Degree Polynomial for Rational Function

  • Thread starter Thread starter haleycomet2
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Function Rational
Click For Summary
To find the second degree polynomial P(x) such that P(0)=1 and P'(0)=0, it is established that P(x) can be expressed as Ax^2 + 1. The key to solving the integral involving P(x) is ensuring that the resulting function remains rational, which requires setting certain coefficients (B and E) to zero. The discussion highlights the complexity of the calculations, suggesting the use of software like Maxima or WolframAlpha for partial fraction decomposition to avoid mistakes. Ultimately, the correct polynomial is identified as -3x^2 + 1, emphasizing the importance of careful coefficient comparison in the process.
haleycomet2
Messages
28
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Find the second degree polynomial P(x)
such that P(0)=1,P'(0)=0,and
\intP(x)/{x3(x-1)2} dx

is a rational function

Homework Equations


this chapter is about integration techniques,L'Hopital's Rule, and Improper Integral
partial fraction,partial integration are learnt.

The Attempt at a Solution


Since P(x) is second degree polynomial,i let P(x)=Ax2+Bx+C
P(0)=1,so 1=A(0)+B(0)+c
C=1
P'(0)=0,so 2Ax+B=0,
B=0
So I know P(x) is Ax2+1,but i don't know how to do next on.Partial fraction is seem too many variables and have only 1 clue{P(0)=1},partial integration is hard too.I think "Rational function" is the key of this question,but i know rational fraction no more than it can be express as a/b,how to solve this question ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Partial fractions is the correct answer. Try and express the integrand in terms of partial fractions and find the value of A that will make the terms that would lead to answers in the integral that are not rational functions like logs, zero.
 
Last edited:
\frac{Ax^2 +1}{x^3(x-1)^2}=\frac{B}{x}+\frac{C}{x^2}+\frac{D}{x^3}+\frac{E}{x-1}+\frac{F}{(x-1)^2}

It is clear that constant B and E have to be zero so that P(x) is rational.However.the value of A is different when solving the equation,after eliminating other variable and only one variable(B or E) is left.Is this my mistake??
ps;the answer is -3x2+1,while my answer is 3(using B) and 9(using E)...
Is there any software or website can solve such a question?It is torturous to do for such a long time and the final answer is wrong...:cry:

Below is my attempt:

Ax2+1=Bx2(x-1)2+Cx(x-1)2+D(x-1)2+Ex3(x-1)+Fx3



when x=1,Ax+1=F
x=0, 1=D
x=-1,
A+1=4B-4C+4D+2E-F
2A+2=4B-4C+4+2E (F=Ax+1,D=1)
A+1=2B-2C+2+E
A-1=2B-2C+E-----(1)

x=2,
1+4A=4B+2C+D+8E+8F
4A+1=4B+2C+1+8E+8A+8 (F=Ax+1,D=1)
-4A-8=4B+2C+8E
-2A-4=2B+C+4E----(2)

x=-2,
4A+1=4B(9)+(-2C)+9D-8E(-3)-8F
4A+1=36B-18C+9D+24E-8F
4A+1=36B-18C+9+24E-8A-8
-4A=36B-18C+24E
-2A=18B-9C+12E-----(3)


(2)*9==》-2A-4=2B+C+4E
(1)-(2)*9,
16A+36=18C-24E
8A+18=-9C-12E--(4)

(3)-(1)*9,
-11A+9=9C+3E-----(5)

(4)+(5),
-3A+27=-9e
-A+9=-3E
when A=9,E=0

Similarly,
(2)-(1)*4,
-2A=-2B+3C---(6)


(3)-(2)*6,
A+3=3B-3C---(7)

(6)+(7)
-A+3=B
when A =3, B=0
 
No problem with what you are trying to do and how you are trying to do it, but the process is long enough that it's easy to make a mistake. I use a software package called 'maxima'. Type 'partfrac((A*x^2+1)/(x^3*(x-1)^2),x)'. You'll see you should have gotten the same condition for setting B and E to zero. Namely A+3=0 giving you the books answer.
 
Ax2+1=Bx2(x-1)2+Cx(x-1)2+D(x-1)2+Ex3(x-1)+Fx3

x=0 gives D=1 .

Multiply out the above expression, and equate coefficients for the various powers of x.

You can also use WolframAlpha to do the partial fraction expansion for x2/(x3(x-1)2) and 1/(x3(x-1)2) separately, then combine the results.
 
Last edited:
SammyS said:
Ax2+1=Bx2(x-1)2+Cx(x-1)2+D(x-1)2+Ex3(x-1)+Fx3

x=0 gives D=1 .

Multiply out the above expression, and equate coefficients for the various powers of x.

You can also use WolframAlpha to do the partial fraction expansion for x2/(x3(x-1)2) and 1/(x3(x-1)2) separately, then combine the results.


haleycomet2 got if x=0, then D=1 in section (1). I didn't get past section (3), but everything looked ok up till then. Must be some mistake after, got to confess being lazy not to check the rest.
 
Dick said:
No problem with what you are trying to do and how you are trying to do it, but the process is long enough that it's easy to make a mistake. I use a software package called 'maxima'. Type 'partfrac((A*x^2+1)/(x^3*(x-1)^2),x)'. You'll see you should have gotten the same condition for setting B and E to zero. Namely A+3=0 giving you the books answer.

What a brilliant software!I can use this to check my work in future.Thank you!:smile:
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K