Solve Second Degree Polynomial for Rational Function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a second degree polynomial \( P(x) \) that meets specific conditions and results in a rational function when integrated over a given expression. The problem involves concepts from integration techniques, particularly partial fractions and polynomial behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the form of \( P(x) \) and its coefficients, questioning how to ensure the resulting integral remains a rational function. There are attempts to set up equations based on conditions like \( P(0)=1 \) and \( P'(0)=0 \). Some participants express confusion about the implications of certain values leading to non-rational results.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided insights into using partial fractions and have suggested software tools for checking work. There is acknowledgment of the complexity of the problem, with some participants noting potential mistakes in their calculations. The discussion remains active with multiple interpretations being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the challenge of the problem, particularly in relation to the number of variables and the conditions imposed by the problem statement. There is a recognition of the need for careful coefficient comparison and the potential for errors in lengthy calculations.

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Homework Statement


Find the second degree polynomial P(x)
such that P(0)=1,P'(0)=0,and
[itex]\int[/itex]P(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 ?
 
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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:
[itex]\frac{Ax^2 +1}{x^3(x-1)^2}[/itex]=[itex]\frac{B}{x}[/itex]+[itex]\frac{C}{x^2}[/itex]+[itex]\frac{D}{x^3}[/itex]+[itex]\frac{E}{x-1}[/itex]+[itex]\frac{F}{(x-1)^2}[/itex]

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:
 

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