Precalculus (6th Edition) Blitzer

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-13446-914-3
ISBN 13: 978-0-13446-914-0

Chapter 7 - Section 7.3 - Partial Fractions - Exercise Set - Page 842: 54

Answer

In order to find the partial function decomposition of the rational fraction with distinct linear factors in the denominator, the expression is equated to the expression $\frac{A}{ax+b}+\frac{B}{cx+d}$ and then the values of A and B are calculated by comparing the terms of the equations.

Work Step by Step

In order to find the partial function decomposition of the rational fraction with distinct linear factors in the denominator, the expression is equated to the expression $\frac{A}{ax+b}+\frac{B}{cx+d}$ and then the values of A and B are calculated by comparing the equations. Let us take an example: Consider $\frac{2x}{\left( x+2 \right)\left( x+4 \right)}$ And the partial fraction decomposition of the rational fraction is as follows: $\frac{2x}{\left( x+2 \right)\left( x+4 \right)}=\frac{A}{x+2}+\frac{B}{x+4}$ And multiply both sides by $\left( x+2 \right)\left( x+4 \right)$: $\begin{align} & 2x=A\left( x+4 \right)+B\left( x+2 \right) \\ & 2x=Ax+4A+Bx+2B \\ & 2x=\left( A+B \right)x+4A+2B \end{align}$ And equate the equation: $A+B=2$ (I) $4A+2B=0$ (II) Solving the above equation, From (I), $A=2-B$, put in equation (II) : $\begin{align} & 4\left( 2-B \right)+2B=0 \\ & 8-4B+2B=0 \\ & 8-2B=0 \\ & 2B=8 \end{align}$ $B=4$ Putting the value of $B=4$ in equation (I) $\begin{align} & A+4=2 \\ & A=2-4 \\ & A=-2 \end{align}$ This implies, $A=-2,B=4$ For these values of $A$ and $B$ in $\frac{2x}{\left( x+2 \right)\left( x+4 \right)}=\frac{A}{x+2}+\frac{B}{x+4}$. Thus, $\frac{2x}{\left( x+2 \right)\left( x+4 \right)}=-\frac{2}{x+2}+\frac{4}{x+4}$.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.