Tricky Partial Fractions Question

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving partial fraction decomposition problems in calculus. The user initially attempted to decompose a function into the form (Bx+C)/x^2 + Ax/(x-1)^2 + Dx(x-1) but received feedback suggesting a more accurate decomposition. The correct approach for the first problem involves using A/x + B/x^2 + C/(x-1) + D/(x-1)^2. For the second problem, the decomposition should be A/x + (Bx+C)/(x^2+3). The user also shared their computed values for constants A, B, C, and D, which were confirmed to be incorrect.

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  • Understanding of partial fraction decomposition
  • Familiarity with algebraic manipulation of rational functions
  • Knowledge of logarithmic and inverse trigonometric functions
  • Basic calculus concepts, particularly integration techniques
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  • Study the method of partial fraction decomposition in detail
  • Practice solving integrals involving logarithmic and inverse trigonometric functions
  • Explore advanced techniques in algebraic manipulation of rational expressions
  • Review calculus textbooks focusing on integration strategies
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Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on integration techniques, and educators looking for examples of partial fraction decomposition in teaching materials.

ardentmed
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Hey guys,

Here is another pair of questions that I'm doubting at the moment:
View attachment 2798

I used partial fractions for A and got (Bx+C)/x^2 + Ax/(x-1)^2 + Dx(x-1) which led me to compute A=1, B=0, C= -1, and D=0, which already sounds off. Do you guys have any suggestions?

Also, for 5b, I calculated B= -1, C=-1, A=2, and a final answer of 2ln(x) - (1/2)ln(x^2 + 3) - (1/3) tan^-1(x/√3) + C. Any tips for this one?

Thanks in advance. I really appreciate the help.
 

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ardentmed said:
Hey guys,

Here is another pair of questions that I'm doubting at the moment:
View attachment 2798

I used partial fractions for A and got (Bx+C)/x^2 + Ax/(x-1)^2 + Dx(x-1) which led me to compute A=1, B=0, C= -1, and D=0, which already sounds off. Do you guys have any suggestions?

Also, for 5b, I calculated B= -1, C=-1, A=2, and a final answer of 2ln(x) - (1/2)ln(x^2 + 3) - (1/3) tan^-1(x/√3) + C. Any tips for this one?

Thanks in advance. I really appreciate the help.

For the first I would use as my partial fraction decomposition:

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} \frac{1}{ x^2 \left( x - 1 \right) ^2} \equiv \frac{A}{x} + \frac{B}{x^2} + \frac{C}{x -1 } + \frac{D}{ \left( x - 1 \right) ^2} \end{align*}$

For the second

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} \frac{x^2 - x + 6}{x \left( x^2 + 3 \right) } &\equiv \frac{A}{x} + \frac{B\,x + C}{x^2 + 3} \end{align*}$
 

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