Solving Partial Fractions for Integrals

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The integral evaluation of \(\int_{1}^2 \frac{4y^2 - 7y -12}{y(y+2)(y-3)}dy\) was attempted using partial fraction decomposition. The decomposition was set as \(\frac{A}{y} + \frac{B}{y+2} + \frac{D}{y-3}\), leading to values \(A=2\), \(B=\frac{9}{5}\), and \(D=\frac{1}{5}\). The final antiderivative was incorrectly calculated, resulting in an answer of \(\frac{27}{5}ln2 - \frac{9}{5}ln3\), which was confirmed as correct by another participant who identified errors in the second and third terms of the antiderivative.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of partial fraction decomposition
  • Knowledge of integral calculus
  • Familiarity with logarithmic properties
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Review techniques for partial fraction decomposition in rational functions
  • Study properties of logarithms and their applications in integration
  • Practice evaluating definite integrals involving rational functions
  • Explore common mistakes in integral calculus and how to avoid them
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on integral evaluation and partial fractions, as well as educators seeking to clarify common errors in these topics.

TsAmE
Messages
129
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Evaluate the integral:

[tex]\int_{1}^2 \frac{4y^2 - 7y -12}{y(y+2)(y-3)}dy[/tex]

Homework Equations



None.

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]\frac{4y^2 -7y -12}{y(y+2)(y-3)} = \frac{A}{y} + \frac{B}{y+2} + \frac{D}{y-3}[/tex]

[tex]y = 0: -12 = -6A \rightarrow A=2[/tex]

[tex]y = -2: 16 + 14 - 12 = 10B[/tex]

[tex]18 = 10B \rightarrow B = \frac{18}{10} = \frac{9}{5}[/tex]

[tex]y = 3: 36 - 21 -12 = 15D[/tex]

[tex]3 = 15D \rightarrow D = \frac{3}{15} = \frac{1}{5}[/tex]

=[tex]\int_{1}^2 \frac{2}{y} + \frac {\frac{9}{5}}{y + 2} + \frac{\frac{1}{5}}{y - 3} dy[/tex]

=[tex]2ln|y| + 9ln|5y+2| + ln|y - 3| ]_{1}^{2}[/tex]

[tex]2ln2 + 9ln12 - (9ln7 + ln2)[/tex]

[tex]ln2 + 9ln12 - 9ln7<br /> [/tex]

The correct answer is [tex]\frac {27}{5}ln2 - \frac{9}{5}ln3[/tex] but I can't see what I did wrong.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
TsAmE said:

Homework Statement



Evaluate the integral:

[tex]\int_{1}^2 \frac{4y^2 - 7y -12}{y(y+2)(y-3)}dy[/tex]

Homework Equations



None.

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]\frac{4y^2 -7y -12}{y(y+2)(y-3)} = \frac{A}{y} + \frac{B}{y+2} + \frac{D}{y-3}[/tex]

[tex]y = 0: -12 = -6A \rightarrow A=2[/tex]

[tex]y = -2: 16 + 14 - 12 = 10B[/tex]

[tex]18 = 10B \rightarrow B = \frac{18}{10} = \frac{9}{5}[/tex]

[tex]y = 3: 36 - 21 -12 = 15D[/tex]

[tex]3 = 15D \rightarrow D = \frac{3}{15} = \frac{1}{5}[/tex]

=[tex]\int_{1}^2 \frac{2}{y} + \frac {\frac{9}{5}}{y + 2} + \frac{\frac{1}{5}}{y - 3} dy[/tex]

=[tex]2ln|y| + 9ln|5y+2| + ln|y - 3| ]_{1}^{2}[/tex]
The mistakes are above. The 2nd and 3rd terms in your antiderivative are incorrect. I was able to get the same answer as in the book.
TsAmE said:
[tex]2ln2 + 9ln12 - (9ln7 + ln2)[/tex]

[tex]ln2 + 9ln12 - 9ln7<br /> [/tex]

The correct answer is [tex]\frac {27}{5}ln2 - \frac{9}{5}ln3[/tex] but I can't see what I did wrong.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K