Q.Find ∫(x−1)(x2+1)x4dx
Concept understanding — Partial Fraction Decomposition
Partial Fraction Decomposition
Adding x−12+x+23 over a common denominator gives x2+x−25x+1. Partial fraction decomposition reverses this — it breaks one complicated rational function back into a sum of simple pieces. Those pieces are far easier to integrate: ∫x−12dx=2log∣x−1∣ is immediate, while the combined fraction is not.
When it applies
You need a proper rational function, degP<degQ. If the numerator's degree is equal or higher, first do polynomial long division. The denominator Q(x) must be factored into linear and/or irreducible quadratic factors.
The standard forms
For Q(x)P(x) with Q fully factored, each factor contributes a term:
- Distinct linear (ax+b) → ax+bA.
- Repeated linear (ax+b)n → ax+bA1+(ax+b)2A2+⋯+(ax+b)nAn.
- Irreducible quadratic (ax2+bx+c) → ax2+bx+cAx+B — a linear numerator, not just a constant.
The unknown constants are found from the resulting equations; the decomposition is unique, which is what lets us solve for them systematically.
Worked example
Decompose x2−3x+23x+5. Factor the denominator: (x−1)(x−2). Set
(x−1)(x−2)3x+5=x−1A+x−2B.
Clear denominators: 3x+5=A(x−2)+B(x−1). Substituting the roots, x=1 gives 8=−A so A=−8, and x=2 gives 11=B. Hence
x2−3x+23x+5=x−1−8+x−211.
With distinct linear factors, substitute each factor's root to knock out all but one term — much faster than equating coefficients.
Match the numerator to the factor: a quadratic factor needs Ax+B, and a repeated factor needs a term for every power up to its multiplicity.
In Class 12 the main use is integration — every rational function can be integrated once decomposed this way.
Partial fraction decomposition is its own dedicated section in the NCERT Class 12 Integrals chapter, and it's one of the most frequently tested multi-step problems in CBSE boards and JEE Main integration questions. Students searching 'partial fractions integration class 12 examples' or 'partial fraction decomposition formula for repeated and quadratic factors' will find this break-into-simple-terms method is exactly the standard procedure those exam solutions follow.
The numerator has higher degree than the denominator, so divide first, then use partial fractions on the proper remainder.
Step 1 — Divide. The denominator is (x−1)(x2+1)=x3−x2+x−1. Dividing x4 by it gives quotient x+1 and remainder 1:
(x−1)(x2+1)x4=x+1+(x−1)(x2+1)1.
Step 2 — Decompose the remainder.
(x−1)(x2+1)1=x−1A+x2+1Bx+C⇒1=A(x2+1)+(Bx+C)(x−1).
Put x=1: 1=2A⇒A=21. Compare x2: 0=A+B⇒B=−21. Constant: 1=A−C⇒C=−21.
Step 3 — Integrate.
∫(x+1+x−11/2−x2+121x+21)dx=2x2+x+21log∣x−1∣−41log(x2+1)−21tan−1x+C.
2x2+x+21log∣x−1∣−41log(x2+1)−21tan−1x+C
Divide first (the numerator's degree exceeds the denominator's), then apply partial fractions. The integral equals 2x2+x+21log∣x−1∣−41log(x2+1)−21tan−1x+C.
Why divide first
Partial fractions only apply to a proper rational function (numerator degree < denominator degree). Here the numerator x4 has degree 4 while the denominator (x−1)(x2+1)=x3−x2+x−1 has degree 3, so we must divide before decomposing.
Step 1 — Polynomial long division
Divide x4 by x3−x2+x−1:
- x4=x(x3−x2+x−1)+(x3−x2+x), giving a first quotient term x.
- x3−x2+x=1(x3−x2+x−1)+1, giving the next term 1 and remainder 1.
So the quotient is x+1 and the remainder is 1:
(x−1)(x2+1)x4=x+1+(x−1)(x2+1)1.
Step 2 — Partial fractions on the remainder
The factor x2+1 is irreducible, so it gets a linear numerator:
(x−1)(x2+1)1=x−1A+x2+1Bx+C.
Clear denominators: 1=A(x2+1)+(Bx+C)(x−1).
- Put x=1: 1=A(2)⇒A=21.
- Coefficient of x2: 0=A+B⇒B=−21.
- Constant term: 1=A−C⇒C=A−1=−21.
(Check the x coefficient: −B+C=21−21=0, as required.) Hence
(x−1)(x2+1)1=21⋅x−11−21⋅x2+1x+1.
Step 3 — Integrate term by term
∫(x+1)dx=2x2+x,∫x−11/2dx=21log∣x−1∣,
−21∫x2+1xdx=−41log(x2+1),−21∫x2+11dx=−21tan−1x.
Adding these gives the result.
∫(x−1)(x2+1)x4dx=2x2+x+21log∣x−1∣−41log(x2+1)−21tan−1x+C
Method: Improper rational function — divide first, then partial fractions
Use this whenever ∫Q(x)P(x)dx has degP≥degQ. Partial fractions only work on a proper fraction, so polynomial division is a mandatory first step.
Steps
Step 1: Check degrees; divide if top-heavy.
Here deg(x4)=4 exceeds deg((x−1)(x2+1))=3, so do polynomial long division to write
Q(x)P(x)=(polynomial quotient)+Q(x)remainder,
where the remainder now has degree <degQ.
Step 2: Set up the partial-fraction form of the proper remainder.
Each distinct linear factor (x−r) contributes x−rA; each irreducible quadratic (x2+1) contributes a linear numerator x2+1Bx+C (not just a constant).
Step 3: Solve for the constants.
Clear denominators and either substitute the real roots (fast for linear factors, e.g. x=1) or equate coefficients of like powers of x to pin down A,B,C.
Step 4: Integrate term by term using standard forms.
∫x−rdx=log∣x−r∣, ∫x2+1xdx=21log(x2+1), and ∫x2+1dx=tan−1x. Add the polynomial's integral and a single +C.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Applying partial fractions without dividing first.
Why it's wrong: (x−1)(x2+1)x4 is improper (deg4≥deg3); decomposing it directly gives an inconsistent system. Correct approach: long-divide to get quotient x+1 and remainder (x−1)(x2+1)1, then decompose the remainder.
Mistake 2: Using a constant numerator over the quadratic factor.
Why it's wrong: an irreducible quadratic x2+1 needs a linear numerator Bx+C, not just x2+1B; a constant loses a degree of freedom and the system won't solve. Correct approach: write x2+1Bx+C.
Mistake 3: Integrating x2+1Bx+C as one log.
Why it's wrong: it must be split — x2+1x gives 21log(x2+1) while x2+11 gives tan−1x; treating the whole thing as a log drops the arctangent term. Correct approach: separate the x-part (log) from the constant part (arctan).
Showing the 12 most recent of 63 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-18-FN1 markMCQQ.∫(x2−1)(x2+1)x2dx= (A) 41logx−1x+1−21Tan−1x+c (B) 41logx+1x−1+21Tan−1x+c (C) 41logx+1x−1−21Tan−1x+c (D) 41logx−1x+1+21Tan−1x+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
Splitting x4−1x2 into a sum of x2−11 and x2+11 (halved) gives a standard log + arctan combination.
Concept and Intuition
Rather than doing full partial fractions with four unknowns, it's faster to notice x4−1=(x2−1)(x2+1) and that x2−11+x2+11=x4−1(x2+1)+(x2−1)=x4−12x2. This directly gives x4−1x2 as half that sum — a shortcut avoiding solving for four separate constants.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Write the denominator as x4−1=(x2−1)(x2+1).
- Observe: x2−11+x2+11=x4−12x2, so x4−1x2=21[x2−11+x2+11].
- Use the standard integrals: ∫x2−1dx=21logx+1x−1+c1 and ∫x2+1dx=tan−1x+c2.
- Combine: ∫x4−1x2dx=21[21logx+1x−1+tan−1x]+c=41logx+1x−1+21tan−1x+c.
Common Mistakes
- Getting the log argument upside down: logx−1x+1 vs logx+1x−1 differ by an overall sign, which flips which option matches — always verify via ∫x2−1dx=21logx+1x−1 specifically (not the a2−x2 version).
- Sign error on the tan−1x term.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — 41logx+1x−1+21Tan−1x+c.
ANSWER: B
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-23-FN1 markMCQQ.∫x3−1x+1dx= (A) 31log(x2+x+1x+1)+c (B) 31log(x2+x+1(x−1)2)+c (C) 31log(x2+x+1x−1)+c (D) 31log(x2−x+1(x+1)2)+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is a rational-function integral solved by partial fractions after factoring x3−1; the result combines into a single log of x2+x+1(x−1)2.
Concept and Intuition
Factor the cubic denominator as difference of cubes, then split into a linear-factor term (giving a plain log) and an irreducible-quadratic term (giving a log plus, here, no arctangent term since the numerator works out to be an exact multiple of the quadratic's derivative).
Step-by-Step Solution
- x3−1=(x−1)(x2+x+1).
- Write (x−1)(x2+x+1)x+1=x−1A+x2+x+1Bx+C.
- x+1=A(x2+x+1)+(Bx+C)(x−1). At x=1: 2=3A⇒A=32.
- Matching x2: A+B=0⇒B=−32. Matching constants: A−C=1⇒C=−31.
- ∫x−12/3dx=32log∣x−1∣.
- ∫x2+x+1−32x−31dx=−31∫x2+x+12x+1dx=−31log(x2+x+1) (numerator is exactly the derivative of the denominator).
- Total: 32log∣x−1∣−31log(x2+x+1)+c=31[2log∣x−1∣−log(x2+x+1)]+c=31logx2+x+1(x−1)2+c.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to square (x−1) when combining the 32log∣x−1∣ term into a single logarithm.
- Missing that the quadratic-factor numerator has no residual arctan piece here (since C makes it a pure multiple of the derivative).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — 31log(x2+x+1(x−1)2)+c.
ANSWER: B
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-14-FN1 markMCQQ.∫x2−5x+4xdx= (A) 31log∣x−1∣(x−4)4+c (B) 34log(x−1)4∣x−4∣+c (C) −31log∣x−1∣(x−4)2 (D) −34log(x−1)4∣x−4∣+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
Partial fraction decomposition of a rational function with distinct linear factors, followed by direct log integration and recombination, gives 31log∣x−1∣(x−4)4+c.
Concept and Intuition
Whenever the denominator of a rational integrand factors into distinct linear terms, partial fractions break it into simpler pieces, each of which integrates to a logarithm. Combining the two resulting logarithm terms back into a single log-of-a-ratio (using log rules alogm−blogn=lognbma) is what makes the answer match a compact multiple-choice form.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Factor the denominator: x2−5x+4=(x−1)(x−4).
- Write (x−1)(x−4)x=x−1A+x−4B.
- Multiply through: x=A(x−4)+B(x−1).
- Set x=1: 1=A(1−4)=−3A⇒A=−31.
- Set x=4: 4=B(4−1)=3B⇒B=34.
- So the integral is ∫(−x−11/3+x−44/3)dx=−31log∣x−1∣+34log∣x−4∣+c.
- Factor out 31: =31[4log∣x−4∣−log∣x−1∣]+c=31log∣x−1∣∣x−4∣4+c=31log∣x−1∣(x−4)4+c (since (x−4)4 is always non-negative, the absolute value on it is unnecessary).
Common Mistakes
- Sign errors when solving for A and B using the cover-up/substitution method.
- Combining the two log terms incorrectly (e.g. adding instead of subtracting, or mismatching which term gets the power of 4).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) — 31log∣x−1∣(x−4)4+c.
ANSWER: A
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-07-AN1 markMCQQ.(x2+1)(x2+3)x4= (A) x2+1Ax+B+x2+3Cx+D for some A,B,C,D∈R∖{0} (B) x2+1Ax+B+x2+1Cx for some A,B,C∈R∖{0} (C) x2+1Ax+x2+3Bx for some A,B∈R∖{0} (D) 1+x2+1Ax+B+x2+3Cx+D for some A,B,C,D∈R
›Reveal solutionSolution
Since numerator and denominator have equal degree (4 each), an extra constant "+1" term is required
before the two proper partial fractions — matching option (D).
Concept and Intuition
Partial fraction decomposition applies directly only to a proper rational function (numerator
degree strictly less than denominator degree). Here (x2+1)(x2+3) expands to a degree-4 polynomial,
exactly matching the numerator's degree 4 — so the fraction is improper, and we must first extract
a polynomial part (here just a constant, since both are degree 4) via division, leaving a genuinely
proper remainder to split over the two irreducible quadratic factors.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Expand the denominator: (x2+1)(x2+3)=x4+4x2+3.
- Since numerator degree (4) = denominator degree (4), divide: x4=1⋅(x4+4x2+3)−(4x2+3).
- So (x2+1)(x2+3)x4=1−(x2+1)(x2+3)4x2+3.
- The remaining fraction (x2+1)(x2+3)4x2+3 is now proper and splits over the two distinct irreducible quadratics as x2+1A′x+B′+x2+3C′x+D′.
- Absorbing signs into new constants gives exactly the form 1+x2+1Ax+B+x2+3Cx+D, with A,B,C,D real (here in fact A=C=0 since the numerator is even, but the form required allows any reals, which is exactly what option (D) states).
Common Mistakes
- Jumping straight to x2+1Ax+B+x2+3Cx+D (option A) without noticing the numerator/denominator degrees are equal, which misses the required "+1".
- Assuming A,B,C,D must all be nonzero — the form just needs them to be real; some can turn out to be zero once solved.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — 1+x2+1Ax+B+x2+3Cx+D for some A,B,C,D∈R.
ANSWER: D
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-25-AN1 markMCQQ.The partial fraction of x2+3x−4x2 is ________ (A) 1+5(x+4)−16+5(x−1)1 (B) 1+x+4−1+x−11 (C) 1+5(x+4)−13+5(x−1)1 (D) x+42+x−11
›Reveal solutionSolution
Since the numerator's degree equals the denominator's degree, perform polynomial division first, then resolve the remaining proper fraction into partial fractions. Answer: (A).
Concept and Intuition
Partial fraction decomposition applies to a proper rational function (numerator degree less than denominator degree). Here both are degree 2, so we must first extract the constant (integer) part via division, leaving a proper fraction to decompose.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Factor the denominator: x2+3x−4=(x+4)(x−1).
- Divide: x2=(x2+3x−4)−(3x−4), so x2+3x−4x2=1−(x+4)(x−1)3x−4.
- Decompose (x+4)(x−1)3x−4=x+4A+x−1B, so 3x−4=A(x−1)+B(x+4).
- Set x=1: −1=5B⇒B=−51.
- Set x=−4: −16=−5A⇒A=516.
- So (x+4)(x−1)3x−4=5(x+4)16−5(x−1)1.
- Therefore x2+3x−4x2=1−5(x+4)16+5(x−1)1=1+5(x+4)−16+5(x−1)1.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting the initial polynomial division step (since numerator and denominator have equal degree), and trying to decompose the improper fraction directly.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) — 1+5(x+4)−16+5(x−1)1.
ANSWER: A
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-08-FN1 markMCQQ.If (x−1)(x2+1)2x=41[x−11−x2+1x+1]+y, then y= (A) 21[(x2+1)21−x] (B) 3(x2+1)21+x (C) (x2−1)21−x (D) (x2+1)21+x
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests partial fraction decomposition with a repeated irreducible quadratic factor, then matching the remaining unaccounted term to y.
Concept and Intuition
For a denominator (x−1)(x2+1)2, the full decomposition has the form x−1A+x2+1Bx+C+(x2+1)2Dx+E. The problem already gives the first two pieces combined as 41[x−11−x2+1x+1], so y must be exactly the third piece.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Write (x−1)(x2+1)2x=x−1A+x2+1Bx+C+(x2+1)2Dx+E.
- Multiply through: x=A(x2+1)2+(Bx+C)(x−1)(x2+1)+(Dx+E)(x−1).
- Set x=1: 1=4A⇒A=41.
- Expand and match coefficients of x4,x3,x2,x1,x0: this yields B=−41, C=−41, D=−21, E=21.
- So the full decomposition is x−11/4−41⋅x2+1x+1+(x2+1)2(1−x)/2.
- Comparing to the given equation, y=21⋅(x2+1)21−x.
- Numerical check at x=2: LHS =2/[(1)(25)]=0.08; RHS =41(1)−41⋅53+2⋅25(1−2)=0.25−0.15−0.02=0.08. ✓
Common Mistakes
- Sign errors when equating the x0 (constant) and x1 coefficients — always cross-check with a numeric substitution as done above.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) — 21[(x2+1)21−x].
ANSWER: A
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-13-FN1 markMCQQ.If (x2+1)2(x−1)x=x2+1Ax+B+(x2+1)2Cx+D+x−1E, then A+B−C+2D= (A) 21 (B) 1 (C) 23 (D) 2
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests standard partial-fraction decomposition with a repeated irreducible quadratic factor, using a mix of "plug in a root" and "match coefficients" techniques. The final computed value is A+B−C+2D=1.
Concept and Intuition
When the denominator has an irreducible quadratic factor repeated twice, (x2+1)2, along with a simple linear factor (x−1), the partial fraction form needs a linear numerator (Ax+B, Cx+D) over each power of the quadratic, plus a constant (E) over the linear factor. The cleanest way to solve is: clear denominators, plug in the linear factor's root to isolate E instantly, then expand the rest and match coefficients of each power of x to get the remaining unknowns.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Clear denominators by multiplying both sides by (x2+1)2(x−1):
x=(Ax+B)(x2+1)(x−1)+(Cx+D)(x−1)+E(x2+1)2.
- Find E quickly: set x=1. The first two terms vanish (each has a factor of (x−1)), leaving 1=E(12+1)2=4E, so E=41.
- Expand the rest. First, (x2+1)(x−1)=x3−x2+x−1, so
(Ax+B)(x3−x2+x−1)=Ax4+(−A+B)x3+(A−B)x2+(−A+B)x−B.
Next, (Cx+D)(x−1)=Cx2+(D−C)x−D. And E(x2+1)2=Ex4+2Ex2+E.
4. Collect coefficients by power of x and equate to the right-hand side of the original equation (which is just x, so coefficients are 0,0,0,1,0 for x4,x3,x2,x1,x0 respectively):
- x4: A+E=0⇒A=−E=−41.
- x3: −A+B=0⇒B=A=−41.
- x2: (A−B)+C+2E=0. Since A=B, this gives C=−2E=−21.
- x1: (−A+B)+(D−C)=1. Since −A+B=0, this gives D=1+C=1−21=21.
- x0 (consistency check): −B−D+E=41−21+41=0 ✓.
- So A=−41, B=−41, C=−21, D=21, E=41.
- Compute the required combination:
A+B−C+2D=(−41)+(−41)−(−21)+2(21)=−21+21+1=1.
Common Mistakes
- Sign errors when expanding (x2+1)(x−1) or when matching the x2/x1 coefficients.
- Forgetting to use the fast root-substitution trick for E and instead trying to solve a 5×5 system from scratch.
- Arithmetic slip in the final combination — easy to drop a sign on −C since C itself is negative.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — 1.
ANSWER: B
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-AN1 markMCQQ.If (x2−1)24x=x−1A1+(x−1)2A2+x+1A3+(x+1)2A4, then A1+A2+A3+A4= (A) −2 (B) 1 (C) 0 (D) 23
›Reveal solutionSolution
Clearing denominators and substituting convenient values of x (the repeated roots plus two extra points) pins down all four constants; they add up to 0.
Concept and Intuition
For a partial fraction decomposition with repeated linear factors, substituting the roots directly isolates the "squared-term" coefficients instantly, while substituting a couple of extra convenient values (like x=0 and x=2) gives enough equations to solve for the remaining linear-term coefficients.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Multiply both sides by (x−1)2(x+1)2:
4x=A1(x−1)(x+1)2+A2(x+1)2+A3(x+1)(x−1)2+A4(x−1)2.
- Set x=1: 4=A2(2)2=4A2⇒A2=1.
- Set x=−1: −4=A4(−2)2=4A4⇒A4=−1.
- Set x=0: 0=A1(−1)(1)+A2(1)+A3(1)(1)+A4(1)=−A1+A2+A3+A4. Using A2=1,A4=−1: 0=−A1+A3⇒A1=A3.
- Set x=2: 8=A1(1)(9)+A2(9)+A3(3)(1)+A4(1)=9A1+9A2+3A3+A4. Substitute A2=1,A4=−1,A3=A1: 8=9A1+9+3A1−1=12A1+8⇒A1=0, so A3=0.
- Sum: A1+A2+A3+A4=0+1+0−1=0.
Common Mistakes
- Only using the two root substitutions (x=1,−1) and forgetting extra points are needed to separate A1 from A3.
- Sign errors when expanding (x−1)(x+1)2 and (x+1)(x−1)2 at the chosen test points.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C) — 0.
ANSWER: C
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-24-AN1 markMCQQ.∫(x−2)(x−3)x−1dx= (A) 2log∣x−3∣+log∣x−2∣+c (B) log∣x−3∣−log∣x−2∣+c (C) log∣x−3∣2−log∣x+2∣+c (D) logx−2(x−3)2+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
A rational function with distinct linear factors in the denominator — resolve into partial fractions, integrate each term as a log, then combine using log rules.
Concept and Intuition
Any proper rational function with distinct linear denominator factors can be split into simple fractions x−aA+x−bB, each of which integrates to Alog∣x−a∣. Combining the two logs at the end into a single log of a ratio/power lets you match against answer choices written as one combined logarithm.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Write (x−2)(x−3)x−1=x−2A+x−3B, so x−1=A(x−3)+B(x−2).
- Put x=2: 2−1=A(2−3)⇒1=−A⇒A=−1.
- Put x=3: 3−1=B(3−2)⇒2=B.
- So ∫(x−2)(x−3)x−1dx=−log∣x−2∣+2log∣x−3∣+c.
- Combine: 2log∣x−3∣−log∣x−2∣=log∣x−2∣∣x−3∣2=logx−2(x−3)2.
Common Mistakes
- Getting the sign of A wrong (it is −1, not +1), which flips the final combined-log form and matches the wrong option.
- Combining logs incorrectly, e.g. writing log∣x−3∣2+log∣x−2∣ instead of the correct difference.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — logx−2(x−3)2+c.
ANSWER: D
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-18-AN1 markMCQQ.The partial fraction decomposition of (x2+1)3x4+24x2+28 is (A) x2+11−(x2+1)222+(x2+1)35 (B) x2+11+(x2+1)222+(x2+1)35 (C) x2+11−(x2+1)222−(x2+1)35 (D) x2+11+(x2+1)222−(x2+1)35
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is a partial-fraction problem made easy by substituting t=x2+1 so the whole numerator becomes a polynomial in t. Answer: all three signs are +, with coefficients 1,22,5.
Concept and Intuition
Since the denominator is a power of (x2+1) only, and the numerator is a polynomial purely in x2, it's far simpler to substitute t=x2+1 (so x2=t−1) and rewrite the numerator as a polynomial in t, rather than solving for unknown constants A,B,C by matching coefficients directly in x.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let t=x2+1, so x2=t−1, and x4=(x2)2=(t−1)2=t2−2t+1.
- Substitute into the numerator: x4+24x2+28=(t2−2t+1)+24(t−1)+28.
- Expand: t2−2t+1+24t−24+28=t2+22t+5.
- So the expression becomes t3t2+22t+5=t3t2+t322t+t35=t1+t222+t35.
- Substituting back t=x2+1: x2+11+(x2+1)222+(x2+1)35.
Common Mistakes
- Sign errors while expanding (t−1)2 or combining the 24(t−1) term.
- Trying full partial fractions with undetermined constants A,B,C over (x2+1),(x2+1)2,(x2+1)3 separately — much slower and error-prone than the t-substitution.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — x2+11+(x2+1)222+(x2+1)35.
ANSWER: B
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-22-FN1 markMCQQ.If (x−1)2(x2+1)x+1=x−1A+(x−1)2B+x2+1Cx+D, then 3A2+4D2+5C2+B2= (A) 23 (B) 21 (C) 1 (D) 2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Solving the partial-fraction decomposition gives A=−21,B=1,C=21,D=−21; substituting into 3A2+4D2+5C2+B2 gives 2.
Concept and Intuition
A rational function with a repeated linear factor (x−1)2 and an irreducible quadratic factor (x2+1) decomposes as x−1A+(x−1)2B+x2+1Cx+D. Clearing denominators and matching coefficients (or plugging convenient values of x) pins down all four constants.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Multiply both sides by (x−1)2(x2+1):
x+1=A(x−1)(x2+1)+B(x2+1)+(Cx+D)(x−1)2.
- Plug x=1: LHS =2. RHS =0+B(1+1)+0=2B. So B=1.
- Expand each term:
- A(x−1)(x2+1)=A(x3−x2+x−1).
- B(x2+1)=x2+1 (using B=1).
- (Cx+D)(x−1)2=(Cx+D)(x2−2x+1)=Cx3+(−2C+D)x2+(C−2D)x+D.
- Collect coefficients and match with x+1=0⋅x3+0⋅x2+1⋅x+1:
- x3: A+C=0.
- x2: −A+1−2C+D=0.
- x1: A+C−2D=1.
- x0: −A+1+D=1.
- From x3: C=−A. Substitute into x1 equation: A−A−2D=1⇒D=−21.
- From x0: −A+D=0⇒A=D=−21, hence C=−A=21.
- (Verify x2 equation: −(−21)+1−2(21)+(−21)=21+1−1−21=0 ✓.)
- So A=−21, B=1, C=21, D=−21.
- Compute: 3A2=3⋅41=43; 4D2=4⋅41=1; 5C2=5⋅41=45; B2=1.
3A2+4D2+5C2+B2=43+1+45+1=4.
- 4=2.
Common Mistakes
- Sign errors expanding (Cx+D)(x−1)2 — expand (x−1)2 first, then distribute carefully.
- Forgetting to double back and verify with the unused coefficient equation (a good consistency check).
- Arithmetic slip combining the fractions at the end — keep everything over a common denominator of 4.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — 2.
ANSWER: D
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-20-FN1 markMCQQ.∫(x2−4)(x2+1)2x2−3dx=Atan−1x+Blog(x−2)+Clog(x+2) then 6A+7B−5C= (A) 9 (B) 10 (C) 6 (D) 8
›Reveal solutionSolution
Partial fractions of a rational function whose denominator has both real linear factors and an irreducible quadratic factor; the required integral form pins down the decomposition.
Concept and Intuition
The target antiderivative form Atan−1x+Blog(x−2)+Clog(x+2) tells us exactly what partial-fraction decomposition must have produced it: a term A/(x2+1) (integrates to Atan−1x), and terms B/(x−2), C/(x+2).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Write (x−2)(x+2)(x2+1)2x2−3=x2+1A+x−2B+x+2C.
- Multiply through: 2x2−3=A(x2−4)+B(x+2)(x2+1)+C(x−2)(x2+1).
- Set x=2: 5=A(0)+B(4)(5)+0⇒20B=5⇒B=41.
- Set x=−2: 5=0+0+C(−4)(5)⇒−20C=5⇒C=−41.
- Compare x2 coefficients: A+2B−2C=2⇒A+0.5+0.5=2⇒A=1.
- 6A+7B−5C=6(1)+7(0.25)−5(−0.25)=6+1.75+1.25=9.
Common Mistakes
- Sign slip when substituting x=−2 (the (x−2) factor becomes −4, easy to mishandle).
- Forgetting to verify with the constant-term or x-coefficient equation as a consistency check.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) — 9.
ANSWER: A
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