Q.Integrate the following function: (x−1)(x−2)(x−3)3x−1
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.
Concept: Partial Fraction Decomposition — splitting a rational function into simpler fractions that integrate term-by-term to logs.
We want
∫(x−1)(x−2)(x−3)3x−1dx
Step 1 – Set up the decomposition
Since the denominator has three distinct linear factors, write
(x−1)(x−2)(x−3)3x−1=x−1A+x−2B+x−3C
Step 2 – Solve for constants
Multiply through by the denominator:
3x−1=A(x−2)(x−3)+B(x−1)(x−3)+C(x−1)(x−2)
Substitute convenient x values:
- x=1: 3(1)−1=2=A(−1)(−2)=2A⇒A=1
- x=2: 6−1=5=B(1)(−1)=−B⇒B=−5
- x=3: 9−1=8=C(2)(1)=2C⇒C=4
Step 3 – Integrate term by term
∫(x−11−x−25+x−34)dx=log∣x−1∣−5log∣x−2∣+4log∣x−3∣+C
The integral is log∣x−1∣−5log∣x−2∣+4log∣x−3∣+C.
We decompose the rational function into partial fractions of the form x−1A+x−2B+x−3C, solve for A,B,C using the cover-up method, then integrate each term to get log(x−2)(x−3)(x−1)2+C.
Why Partial Fractions?
When you have a rational function where the denominator factors into distinct linear factors, integration becomes straightforward if you can split it into a sum of simpler fractions. Each term x−aA integrates to Alog∣x−a∣, which is clean and easy. The trick is finding the right constants A,B,C so that the sum equals the original fraction.
The denominator here is (x−1)(x−2)(x−3) — three distinct linear factors. That means we can write:
(x−1)(x−2)(x−3)3x−1=x−1A+x−2B+x−3C
where A,B,C are constants to be determined.
Step-by-step solution
1. Set up the equation
Multiply both sides by the denominator (x−1)(x−2)(x−3) to clear fractions:
3x−1=A(x−2)(x−3)+B(x−1)(x−3)+C(x−1)(x−2)
This identity must hold for all x.
2. Use the cover-up method for each constant
Since the factors are linear and distinct, we can find each constant by substituting the root that makes the other terms vanish.
- For A: Set x=1. Then (x−1)=0, so the B and C terms disappear.
3(1)−1=A(1−2)(1−3)⟹2=A(−1)(−2)=2A⟹A=1
- For B: Set x=2.
3(2)−1=B(2−1)(2−3)⟹5=B(1)(−1)=−B⟹B=−5
- For C: Set x=3.
3(3)−1=C(3−1)(3−2)⟹8=C(2)(1)=2C⟹C=4
The cover-up method works because when you plug x=a, all terms except the one with (x−a) in the denominator vanish — the factor (x−a) multiplies the other terms to zero. It's the fastest way for distinct linear factors.
3. Write the partial fraction decomposition
We now have:
(x−1)(x−2)(x−3)3x−1=x−11−x−25+x−34
A common mistake is forgetting the sign when B comes out negative. Double-check: B=−5 means the term is −x−25, not +x−25.
4. Integrate term by term
Now integrate each fraction:
∫x−11dx=log∣x−1∣+C1
∫−x−25dx=−5log∣x−2∣+C2
∫x−34dx=4log∣x−3∣+C3
Combine the constants into a single C:
∫(x−1)(x−2)(x−3)3x−1dx=log∣x−1∣−5log∣x−2∣+4log∣x−3∣+C
5. Simplify using logarithm properties
Use loga−logb=logba and kloga=logak:
=log∣x−1∣+log∣x−3∣4−log∣x−2∣5
=log(x−2)5(x−1)(x−3)4+C
This is a perfectly acceptable final form. Some textbooks prefer to keep it as a sum of logs, but the compact single-log form is cleaner.
The absolute values are necessary because the domain of the original function excludes x=1,2,3, and the logarithm is only defined for positive arguments. The absolute value ensures the expression is valid on each interval of the domain.
The integral is log(x−2)5(x−1)(x−3)4+C, or equivalently log∣x−1∣−5log∣x−2∣+4log∣x−3∣+C.
Method: Partial fractions with three distinct linear factors
Use this for (x−a)(x−b)(x−c)N(x) with a numerator of lower degree — three different linear factors, three constants, three logarithms.
Steps
Step 1: One constant per factor.
(x−a)(x−b)(x−c)N(x)=x−aA+x−bB+x−cC.
Step 2: Clear denominators to get N(x)=A(x−b)(x−c)+B(x−a)(x−c)+C(x−a)(x−b).
Step 3: Cover-up at each root. Substituting x=a kills the B and C terms, giving A immediately; likewise x=b gives B and x=c gives C.
Step 4: Integrate.
∫(x−a)(x−b)(x−c)N(x)dx=Alog∣x−a∣+Blog∣x−b∣+Clog∣x−c∣+C0.
Carry each sign exactly and keep the absolute values.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Sign error when a constant comes out negative.
Why it's wrong: here B=−5, so the middle term is −5log∣x−2∣; writing +5 flips it. Correct approach: at x=2, 5=B(1)(−1)=−B, so B=−5 — carry the sign through to the integral.
Mistake 2: Multiplying the wrong bracket values in cover-up.
Why it's wrong: at x=1, A=(x−2)(x−3)3x−1=(−1)(−2)2=1; using (1−2)(1−3) with a sign slip gives A=−1. Correct approach: substitute the root into every remaining factor, minding each sign.
Mistake 3: Dropping absolute values or the constant of integration.
Why it's wrong: ∫x−adx=log∣x−a∣, defined only away from x=1,2,3; missing bars or C leaves the antiderivative incomplete. Correct approach: write log∣⋅∣ for each term and add +C.
Showing the 12 most recent of 63 on this concept.
- 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-2026-05-14-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 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-AN1 markMCQQ.One of the partial fractions of (x2+2)(3x−1)2x2+x−3 is (A) 19(3x−1)22 (B) 19(x2+2)20x−13 (C) 19(x2+2)20x+13 (D) 3x−122
›Reveal solutionSolution
Standard partial-fraction decomposition with one irreducible quadratic factor and one linear factor. Solving for the constants gives A=1920,B=1913,C=−1922, so the quadratic-denominator fraction is 19(x2+2)20x+13.
Concept and Intuition
Since x2+2 has no real roots, it contributes a fraction with a linear numerator Ax+B, while the linear factor 3x−1 contributes a constant numerator C. Clearing denominators turns the problem into matching coefficients (or, more efficiently, substituting convenient values of x — especially the root of the linear factor, which instantly isolates C).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Set up: 2x2+x−3=(Ax+B)(3x−1)+C(x2+2).
- Substitute x=31 (root of 3x−1), which kills the (Ax+B)(3x−1) term:
2(91)+31−3=C(91+2)⇒92+3−27=C⋅919⇒−922=919C⇒C=−1922.
- Substitute x=0: LHS =−3; RHS =B(−1)+2C=−B+2(−1922)=−B−1944.
−3=−B−1944⇒B=1944−3=1944−57=−1913...
Recheck sign: −3=−B−1944⇒−B=−3+1944=19−57+44=−1913⇒B=1913.
4. Substitute x=1: LHS =2+1−3=0; RHS =(A+B)(2)+3C=2A+2B+3C.
0=2A+2(1913)+3(−1922)=2A+1926−66=2A−1940⇒A=1920.
- So x2+2Ax+B=x2+21920x+1913=19(x2+2)20x+13, and separately 3x−1C=19(3x−1)−22.
- Matching against the options, the fraction 19(x2+2)20x+13 is exactly option (C).
Common Mistakes
- Sign slips when solving the linear system for A,B,C — always re-verify by plugging a value back into the original equation.
- Confusing the sign or the denominator constant on the C/(3x−1) term with the (Ax+B)/(x2+2) term when matching to the options — here the two "distractor" options (A) and (D) are actually built from the other partial fraction (C-term), not this one.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C) — 19(x2+2)20x+13.
ANSWER: C
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-16-AN1 markMCQQ.If (x−1)2(x2+2)−x2+6x+1=x−1A+(x−1)2B+x2+2Cx−3, then A+B+C= (A) 7 (B) 5 (C) 3 (D) 2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Clearing denominators and matching coefficients (using x=1 to isolate B first) gives A=0, B=2, C=0, so A+B+C=2.
Concept and Intuition
This is a standard partial-fractions decomposition. The repeated linear factor (x−1)2 lets us find B instantly by substituting x=1 directly into the cleared equation (this kills every term except the one multiplying B). The remaining coefficients A,C are then found by matching powers of x.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Clear denominators: −x2+6x+1=A(x−1)(x2+2)+B(x2+2)+(Cx−3)(x−1)2.
- Set x=1: LHS =−1+6+1=6; RHS =0+B(3)+0=3B. So B=2.
- Expand the RHS fully with B=2: A(x3−x2+2x−2)+2x2+4+(Cx−3)(x2−2x+1). (Cx−3)(x2−2x+1)=Cx3−2Cx2+Cx−3x2+6x−3.
- Collect by power of x: x3: A+C x2: −A+2−2C−3=−A−2C−1 x1: 2A+C+6 x0: −2A+4−3=−2A+1
- Match to LHS coefficients (0,−1,6,1 for x3,x2,x,1): x3: A+C=0 x0: −2A+1=1⇒A=0⇒C=0 (from the x3 equation). Check x2: −0−0−1=−1 ✓. Check x1: 0+0+6=6 ✓ — all consistent.
- A+B+C=0+2+0=2.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting the shortcut of plugging x=1 to find B instantly, and instead trying to solve a full 3×3 system.
- Sign errors expanding (Cx−3)(x−1)2.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — 2.
ANSWER: D
- 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-2021-08-20-FN1 markMCQQ.Given (x+1)2(x+3)3x−2=x+1A+(x+1)2B+x+3C then 4A+2B+4C (A) 5 (B) −5 (C) −3 (D) 3
›Reveal solutionSolution
Standard partial-fraction cover-up plus a coefficient match pins down A,B,C, giving 4A+2B+4C=−5.
Concept and Intuition
For a repeated linear factor (x+1)2 together with a simple factor (x+3), the cover-up (Heaviside) method quickly gives B and C by substituting the roots that make each factor vanish. The remaining constant A is then found by matching a coefficient (here, the x2 coefficient, since the numerator on the left has no x2 term).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Clear denominators: 3x−2=A(x+1)(x+3)+B(x+3)+C(x+1)2.
- Set x=−1 (kills the A and C terms): 3(−1)−2=B(−1+3)⇒−5=2B⇒B=−25.
- Set x=−3 (kills the A and B terms): 3(−3)−2=C(−3+1)2⇒−11=4C⇒C=−411.
- Match the coefficient of x2 on both sides (LHS has none): 0=A+C⇒A=411.
- Check with the constant term: 3A+3B+C=433−215−411=−2 ✓, matching the LHS constant −2.
- Compute 4A+2B+4C=4(411)+2(−25)+4(−411)=11−5−11=−5.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting the repeated factor contributes two separate terms x+1B and (x+1)2B′ style constants — here correctly split as A/(x+1)+B/(x+1)2.
- Sign slips substituting negative roots.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — −5.
ANSWER: B
- 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 2021Set eng-2021-08-23-FN1 markMCQQ.If (2x−1)(x+2)(x−3)x3=A+2x−1B+x+2C+x−3D then A= (A) 21 (B) 50−1 (C) 25−8 (D) 2527
›Reveal solutionSolution
As x→∞, the left side tends to 1/2 (ratio of leading coefficients) while the right side tends to A; hence A=1/2.
Concept and Intuition
Here the numerator's degree (3) equals the denominator's degree (3), so a genuine partial-fraction decomposition needs a polynomial (constant, here) term A in addition to the proper-fraction terms. The value of A can be found quickly by comparing leading behaviour as x→∞.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Expand the denominator: (2x−1)(x+2)(x−3)=2x3−3x2−11x+6.
- As x→∞: 2x3−3x2−11x+6x3→21.
- On the right side, as x→∞, all the proper-fraction terms 2x−1B,x+2C,x−3D→0, leaving just A.
- Therefore A=21.
Common Mistakes
- Trying to solve for A,B,C,D simultaneously via a full system rather than noticing A is isolable from the leading-order behaviour alone.
- Missing that A is needed at all because the numerator/denominator degrees are equal.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) — 21.
ANSWER: A
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-05-AN1 markMCQQ.If the equivalent partial fraction of (2x−1)(x+2)(x−3)x3 is of the form A+2x−1B+x+2C+x−3D then the value of A+B+C= (A) −8/25 (B) 4/25 (C) −1/50 (D) 1/2
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is an improper partial fraction (numerator degree = denominator degree), so there's a constant term A found from the leading behaviour, and B,C are found by the standard cover-up (root-substitution) method — giving A+B+C=4/25.
Concept and Intuition
When the degree of the numerator equals the degree of the denominator, ordinary partial fractions leave a nonzero polynomial part (here, just a constant A, since both degrees are 3 and the denominator's leading coefficient is 2 — so A equals the ratio of leading coefficients, 1/2). The remaining proper-fraction coefficients (B, C, D) are then found efficiently using the "cover-up" trick: multiply through by the denominator and substitute each root of a linear factor to instantly isolate that factor's coefficient.
Step-by-Step Solution
- As x→∞, (2x−1)(x+2)(x−3)x3→2x3x3=21, so the constant part is A=21.
- Multiply both sides by (2x−1)(x+2)(x−3): x3=A(2x−1)(x+2)(x−3)+B(x+2)(x−3)+C(2x−1)(x−3)+D(2x−1)(x+2).
- Set x=21 (kills the A, C, D terms): (21)3=B(21+2)(21−3)=B(2.5)(−2.5)=−6.25B. 81=−425B⇒B=−501.
- Set x=−2 (kills A, B, D): (−2)3=C(2(−2)−1)(−2−3)=C(−5)(−5)=25C⇒−8=25C⇒C=−258.
- Sum: A+B+C=21−501−258=5025−501−5016=508=254.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting the constant term A entirely (treating it as a standard proper partial fraction), which would make the setup inconsistent with the given equal-degree numerator/denominator.
- Arithmetic slips evaluating (0.5+2)(0.5−3) or converting fractions to a common denominator.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — 4/25.
ANSWER: B
- 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
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-15-FN1 markMCQQ.If ∫x3+x2x3−1dx=f(x)+log(g(x))+c, f(1)=2 and g(−3)=43, then f(−2)+g(−2)= (A) −29 (B) −21 (C) 49 (D) 41
›Reveal solutionSolution
A rational-function integral splits by partial fractions into a polynomial/rational part f(x) plus a logarithmic part log(g(x)); the two given data points pin down f and g exactly, letting us evaluate f(−2)+g(−2). Answer: −21.
Concept and Intuition
When an improper rational integrand is written x3+x2x3−1, polynomial division peels off the constant part, and partial fractions turn the remaining proper fraction into simple terms of the form xA,x2B,x+1C whose antiderivatives are Alog∣x∣, −B/x, Clog∣x+1∣. Collecting all log terms into a single log(g(x)) and all algebraic terms into f(x) matches the form the question gives; the two numeric conditions are just there to confirm the constants (and resolve the sign inside the absolute value at negative x).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Divide: x3+x2x3−1=1−x3+x2x2+1=1−x2(x+1)x2+1.
- Partial fractions: x2(x+1)x2+1=xA+x2B+x+1C. Clearing denominators: x2+1=Ax(x+1)+B(x+1)+Cx2. Setting x=0: B=1. Setting x=−1: 2=C. Matching x2 coefficients: 1=A+C⇒A=−1.
- So x2(x+1)x2+1=−x1+x21+x+12, and the integrand is 1+x1−x21−x+12.
- Integrate term by term: ∫(1+x1−x21−x+12)dx=x+log∣x∣+x1−2log∣x+1∣+c=(x+x1)+log(x+1)2x+c.
- So f(x)=x+x1; check f(1)=1+1=2 ✓ (matches the given condition exactly, with no extra constant needed).
- g(x) must equal (x+1)2x so that log(g(x))=log(x+1)2x; check g(−3)=43 ✓ (matches exactly).
- So g(x)=(x+1)2∣x∣ for x<0 (i.e. g(x)=(x+1)2−x there).
- f(−2)=−2+−21=−2−21=−25. g(−2)=(−1)2∣−2∣=12=2.
- f(−2)+g(−2)=−25+2=−21.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting the ∣x∣/sign subtlety in g(x) for negative x, which would give the wrong sign in g(−2).
- Arithmetic slip in the partial-fraction coefficients.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — −21.
ANSWER: B
🎓Unlock everything free for 14 days
- ✓Full step-by-step solutions
- ✓Concept-first explanations
- ✓Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
- ✓PYQ mapping + timed mock tests
Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.