Partial Fraction Decomposition: Nominator or Denominator?

In summary, the conversation revolved around factoring quadratic denominators and determining the appropriate form for the factorization. The individual asking the question was seeking clarification on whether to use A + B or As + B, Cs + D, etc. in the factorization and how to factor out multiple s squares. The conversation also included some lighthearted banter and ended with the person expressing gratitude for the help.
  • #1
myusernameis
56
0

Homework Statement



do we look at the nominator or the denominator? are we trying to separate them? factoring them?

thanks
 
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  • #2
Hi myusernameis! :wink:
myusernameis said:
do we look at the nominator or the denominator? are we trying to separate them? factoring them?

The denominator. And you factor it. :smile:
 
  • #3
tiny-tim said:
Hi myusernameis! :wink:


The denominator. And you factor it. :smile:

thanks for the answers!

so let's say i have this long equation in denom.

[tex]\frac{1}{(s^2+1)(s^2+4s-12)}[/tex]

i can factor one of them to look like:

[tex]\frac{1}{(s^2+1)(s+6)(s-4)}[/tex]

but then how do I know if I should use A +B or As+B, Cs+D, etc..?
 
  • #4
myusernameis said:
i can factor one of them to look like:

[tex]\frac{1}{(s^2+1)(s+6)(s-4)}[/tex]

erm :redface: … nooo!
but then how do I know if I should use A +B or As+B, Cs+D, etc..?

sorry, not following you …

for a linear denominator, it's just a number on the top,

for a quadratic denominator, it's a linear top :smile:
 
  • #5
tiny-tim said:
erm :redface: … nooo!


sorry, not following you …

for a linear denominator, it's just a number on the top,

for a quadratic denominator, it's a linear top :smile:


haha made a mistake... so with that, do i use As+ B?

what if it's (s^2+2)(s^2+3)(s^2+5), ie, several s squares?
 
  • #6
tiny-tim said:
erm :redface: … nooo!


sorry, not following you …

for a linear denominator, it's just a number on the top,

for a quadratic denominator, it's a linear top :smile:


if was supposed to be a (s+6)(s-2)...
 
  • #7
myusernameis said:
what if it's (s^2+2)(s^2+3)(s^2+5), ie, several s squares?

each one has a linear top :smile:
myusernameis said:
if was supposed to be a (s+6)(s-2)...

each one has a number on the top
 
  • #8
tiny-tim said:
each one has a linear top :smile:

ok,

taking this example again: (s^2+2)(s^2+3)(s^2+5)

would it be: 1 = (As+B)/(s^2+2)(s^2+3)(s^2+5) + (Cs+D)/(s^2+2)(s^2+3)(s^2+5) + (Es+F)/(s^2+2)(s^2+3)(s^2+5) ?
 
  • #9
myusernameis said:
ok,

taking this example again: (s^2+2)(s^2+3)(s^2+5)

would it be: 1 = (As+B)/(s^2+2)(s^2+3)(s^2+5) + (Cs+D)/(s^2+2)(s^2+3)(s^2+5) + (Es+F)/(s^2+2)(s^2+3)(s^2+5) ?

uhh? :confused:

it's 1/(s2+2)(s2+3)(s2+5)

= (As+B)/(s2+2) + (Cs+D)/(s2+3) + (Es+F)/(s2+5)
 
  • #10
tiny-tim said:
uhh? :confused:

it's 1/(s2+2)(s2+3)(s2+5)

= (As+B)/(s2+2) + (Cs+D)/(s2+3) + (Es+F)/(s2+5)

haha brain fart on my part(i hope)


thanks
 
  • #11
myusernameis said:
haha brain fart on my part(i hope)

wow! where's your brain? :biggrin:
 
  • #12
are you a math teacher?
if you don't mind me asking!
 
  • #13
i'm just a little goldfish …

trying to make sense of the bowliverse! :smile:
 
  • #14
tiny-tim said:
i'm just a little goldfish …

trying to make sense of the bowliverse! :smile:

haha! well, thanks for the help!
 

1. When should I use partial fraction decomposition?

Partial fraction decomposition is used when you have a rational function, which is a fraction with polynomials in the numerator and denominator. It is used to break down the rational function into simpler fractions, making it easier to solve and integrate.

2. What are the benefits of using partial fraction decomposition?

Partial fraction decomposition can simplify complex rational functions and make them easier to solve and integrate. It can also help identify and isolate specific terms within the fraction, making it easier to analyze and manipulate.

3. What is the process for performing partial fraction decomposition?

The process for partial fraction decomposition involves factoring the denominator of the rational function, setting up an equation with unknown coefficients for each distinct factor, and then solving for those coefficients using algebraic manipulation. The final result should be a sum of simpler fractions.

4. When is partial fraction decomposition not applicable?

Partial fraction decomposition is not applicable when the denominator of the rational function cannot be factored or when the degree of the numerator is greater than or equal to the degree of the denominator. In these cases, other methods such as long division may be used to simplify the rational function.

5. Can partial fraction decomposition be used for improper rational functions?

Yes, partial fraction decomposition can also be used for improper rational functions, which are fractions where the degree of the numerator is greater than or equal to the degree of the denominator. The resulting partial fractions will include a polynomial term in addition to the simpler fractions.

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