Using Residues (Complex Analysis) to compute partial fractions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the computation of the partial fraction decomposition of the rational function ##f(z)=\frac{z+2}{(z+1)^2(z^2+1)## using residue theory in complex analysis. Participants explore methods for handling simple and double poles, as well as the application of residues to find constants in the decomposition.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to understand how to compute the partial fraction decomposition specifically for double poles using residue theory.
  • Another participant suggests a system of equations derived from specific values of ##z## to solve for constants ##B_1## and ##B_2## after determining ##A_1## and ##A_2##.
  • A later reply introduces a method to find ##B_2## by defining a new function ##g(z) = (z+1) f(z)## and relates the residue at the double pole to ##B_2##.
  • Participants discuss the application of the residue formula for higher-order poles and question the correctness of previously stated values for ##A_1## and ##A_2##.
  • One participant clarifies that the original question was misunderstood, emphasizing that a function has only one residue at a root of its denominator, regardless of the multiplicity of that root.
  • Another participant provides a method for computing the Laurent series around the double pole, suggesting that the residue can be derived from the Taylor series expansion of an analytic function at that point.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct approach to computing residues and the validity of certain constants. There is no consensus on the correct values of ##A_1## and ##A_2##, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best method for handling double poles in the context of partial fraction decomposition.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of understanding the definitions and assumptions related to residues and partial fraction decomposition, particularly in cases of multiple roots. Some mathematical steps and assumptions remain unresolved, particularly regarding the application of residue theory to the specific function discussed.

cbarker1
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TL;DR
How to compute partial fractions decompose when one the factors is a root of multiplicity in the residue method?
Dear Everybody, I am wondering how to compute the partial fraction decomposition of the following rational function: ##f(z)=\frac{z+2}{(z+1)^2(z^2+1)}.##

I understand how to do the simple poles of the function and how it is related to the decomposition's constants, i.e. ##f(z)=\frac{A_1}{z+i}+\frac{A_2}{z-i}+\frac{B_1}{z+1}+\frac{B_2}{(z+1)^2}##. Thus, I know that ##A_1=-\frac{i+2}{4}## and ##A_2=-\frac{-i+2}{4}.## But how do I computes double pole in terms of the residue, if possible? How I can write out ##B_1, B_2.##
 
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Setting z = 0 gives <br /> 2 = i(A_2 - A_1) + B_1 + B_2. Setting z = 1 gives <br /> \frac 38 = \frac{A_1 + A_2 + i(A_2-A_1)}{2} + \frac {B_1}2 + \frac{B_2}4. Once A_1 and A_2 are known, this system can be solved for B_1 and B_2.
 
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pasmith said:
Setting z = 0 gives <br /> 2 = i(A_2 - A_1) + B_1 + B_2. Setting z = 1 gives <br /> \frac 38 = \frac{A_1 + A_2 + i(A_2-A_1)}{2} + \frac {B_1}2 + \frac{B_2}4. Once A_1 and A_2 are known, this system can be solved for B_1 and B_2.

ok. thanks for your input. But, I think you may not answer my question because I am wondering how to do the partial fraction decomposition with respect to residue theory in complex analysis the multiple roots case?
 
For ##B_2##, define

\begin{align*}
g(z) = (z+1) f(z)
\end{align*}

Then

\begin{align*}
\text{Res} [g(z_0=-1)] = \text{Res} [\frac{B_2}{z+1}] = B_2
\end{align*}

You understand why:

\begin{align*}
\text{Res} [f(z_0=-1)] = \text{Res} [\frac{B_1}{z+1}] = B_1 ?
\end{align*}

where you would use the general formula for the residue of an ##nth-##order pole

\begin{align*}
\text{Res} [f(z_0)] = \frac{1}{(n-1)!} \lim_{z \rightarrow z_0} \left( \dfrac{d^{n-1}}{dz^{n-1}} [(z-z_0)^n f(z)] \right) .
\end{align*}

Are you sure your answers to ##A_1## and ##A_2## are right? So you are equating

\begin{align*}
\text{Res} [f(z_0=-i)] = \text{Res} [\frac{A_1}{z+i}] = A_1
\end{align*}

and then using

\begin{align*}
\text{Res} [f(z_0=-i)] = \lim_{z \rightarrow -i} [(z+i) f(z)]
\end{align*}

but I get ##A_1 = - \dfrac{-i+2}{4}##.
 
Last edited:
cbarker1 said:
ok. thanks for your input. But, I think you may not answer my question because I am wondering how to do the partial fraction decomposition with respect to residue theory in complex analysis the multiple roots case?

I was led astray by your statement <br /> f(z) = \frac{A_1}{z + i} + \frac{A_2}{z-i} + \frac{B_1}{z+1} + \frac{B_2}{(z + 1)^2} and therefore assumed you meant a partial fraction decomposition. But you meant to calculate the residue of f at -1 instead. A function has only one residue at a root of its denominator, regardless of the multiplicity of that root.

But to compute the Laurent series of f about -1 is fairly straightforward, if you do not know the formula quoted by @julian: <br /> \begin{split}<br /> f(z) &amp;= \frac{z + 2}{(z+1)^2(z^2+1)} \\<br /> &amp;= \frac{(z + 1) + 1}{(z+1)^2(z^2+1)} \\<br /> &amp;=\frac{1}{z^2 + 1}\left(\frac1{(z+1)} + \frac{1}{(z+1)^2}\right).<br /> \end{split} The common factor g(z) = (z^2 + 1)^{-1} is analytic at z = -1, so it has a Taylor series which converges in some open neighbourhood of it. So \begin{split}<br /> f(z) &amp;= \sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{g^{(n)}(-1)(z + 1)^n}{n!}\left(\frac1{(z+1)} + \frac{1}{(z+1)^2}\right) \\<br /> &amp;= \frac{g(-1)}{(z + 1)^2} + \sum_{n=-1}^\infty\left(\frac{g^{(n+1)}(-1)}{(n+1)!} + <br /> \frac{g^{(n+2)}(-1)}{(n+2)!}\right)(z + 1)^n <br /> \end{split} and the residue is g(-1) + g&#039;(-1).
 

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