Q.Evaluate the definite integral: ∫23x2−1dx
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🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →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. …
The key idea is Partial Fraction Decomposition to split the rational function into simpler terms.
First, factor the denominator: x2−1=(x−1)(x+1).
Write x2−11=x−1A+x+1B. Solving gives A=21, B=−21.
So the integral becomes:
∫23x2−1dx=21∫23(x−11−x+11)dx …
The integral ∫23x2−1dx is solved by splitting the integrand into simpler fractions using partial fraction decomposition, then integrating each term to get a natural logarithm. The final value is 21log23.
The integrand x2−11 is a rational function where the denominator factors as (x−1)(x+1). Direct integration isn't possible, but we can rewrite it as a sum of two simpler fractions — each of the form x−1A+x+1B — which integrate directly to logarithms. This is the essence of partial fraction decomposition.
Let’s work through it.
- Factor the denominator and set up the decomposition x2−1=(x−1)(x+1). We assume constants A and B such that:
x2−11=x−1A+x+1B
- Clear denominators Multiply both sides by (x−1)(x+1):
1=A(x+1)+B(x−1)
- Solve for A and B Expand: 1=Ax+A+Bx−B=(A+B)x+(A−B). For this to hold for all x, coefficients of x and the constant term must match:
A+B=0andA−B=1
Adding the equations gives 2A=1⇒A=21. Then B=−21.
A faster method: substitute convenient x values.
Put x=1: 1=A(2)+B(0)⇒A=21.
Put x=−1: 1=A(0)+B(−2)⇒B=−21.
This avoids solving a system.
- Rewrite the integral
∫23x2−1dx=∫23(x−11/2−x+11/2)dx=21∫23x−1dx−21∫23x+1dx
- Integrate each term ∫x−adx=log∣x−a∣+C, so:
21[log∣x−1∣]23−21[log∣x+1∣]23
- Evaluate the limits …
Method: Definite integral by partial fractions
When the integrand is a proper rational function with a factorable denominator, e.g. x2−11, split into partial fractions, integrate to logarithms, then evaluate.
Steps
Step 1: Factor the denominator. x2−1=(x−1)(x+1).
Step 2: Decompose.
x2−11=21(x−11−x+11).
Step 3: Integrate each piece. …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Forgetting the 21 from the partial-fraction coefficients.
Why it's wrong: (x−1)(x+1)1=21(x−11−x+11); dropping the 21 doubles the answer. Correct approach: solve for the constants (A=21,B=−21).
Mistake 2: Integrating x2−11 as tan−1 or x2−11→log(x2−1).
Why it's wrong: x2−1 (a difference) gives a log-of-ratio via partial fractions, not an arctangent, and not log(x2−1). Correct approach: decompose first. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 63 on this concept.
- 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). …
- 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. …
- 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 …
- 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. …
- 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. …
- 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. …
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-05-FN1 markMCQQ.x3−12x2+1=x−1A+x2+x+1Bx+C⇒7A+2B+C= (A) 8 (B) 9 (C) 10 (D) 11
›Reveal solutionSolution
Clear denominators in the partial fraction decomposition, use x=1 to find A quickly, then match coefficients for B and C.
Concept and Intuition
Since x3−1=(x−1)(x2+x+1), the partial fraction form given is standard. Plugging in the root of the linear factor (x=1) isolates A immediately; matching remaining coefficients (or plugging in more values) gives B,C.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Multiply both sides by x3−1=(x−1)(x2+x+1): 2x2+1=A(x2+x+1)+(Bx+C)(x−1).
- Set x=1: 2(1)+1=A(1+1+1)+0⇒3=3A⇒A=1.
- Expand the right side: Ax2+Ax+A+Bx2−Bx+Cx−C=(A+B)x2+(A−B+C)x+(A−C).
- Match x2 coefficient: A+B=2⇒B=2−1=1.
- Match constant term: A−C=1⇒C=A−1=0. …
- 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. …
- 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. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-27-FN1 markMCQQ.If (x2+2)(x4−1)x2=x2−1A+x2+1B+x2+2C, then A+B−C= (A) 0 (B) 34 (C) 43 (D) 2
›Reveal solutionSolution
A partial-fractions problem in disguise (substitute y=x2); solving gives A+B−C=34.
Concept and Intuition
Since x4−1=(x2−1)(x2+1), the whole expression is a rational function purely in y=x2. Substituting y=x2 converts it into an ordinary partial-fractions decomposition with three distinct linear factors (y−1),(y+1),(y+2), solvable by the cover-up (Heaviside) method.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let y=x2. The equation becomes (y+2)(y−1)(y+1)y=y−1A+y+1B+y+2C.
- Clear denominators: y=A(y+1)(y+2)+B(y−1)(y+2)+C(y−1)(y+1).
- At y=1: 1=A(2)(3)=6A⇒A=61.
- At y=−1: −1=B(−2)(1)=−2B⇒B=21.
- At y=−2: −2=C(−3)(−1)=3C⇒C=−32. …
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-06-AN1 markMCQQ.If the equivalent partial fraction of (2x−1)(x+2)(x−3)x3 is given by A+2x−1B+x+2C+x−3D, then the value of C is (A) 1/2 (B) −1/50 (C) −8/25 (D) 27/25
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests the cover-up (Heaviside) method for finding a specific partial-fraction coefficient by substituting the root of that factor. Answer: C=−8/25.
Concept and Intuition
When a proper (or improper, with a polynomial part) rational function is decomposed into partial fractions with distinct linear factors in the denominator, the coefficient attached to a factor like x+2C can be found instantly by the 'cover-up rule': multiply the whole equation by (x+2), which cancels that factor from the left side and leaves only C (plus terms that vanish) on the right when we then substitute x=−2 (the root of that factor). This avoids fully expanding and comparing coefficients.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Write (2x−1)(x+2)(x−3)x3=A+2x−1B+x+2C+x−3D.
- Multiply both sides by (x+2): (2x−1)(x−3)x3=A(x+2)+2x−1B(x+2)+C+x−3D(x+2).
- Set x=−2: on the right, every term except C has a factor (x+2)=0, so they vanish, leaving just C.
- On the left: (2(−2)−1)((−2)−3)(−2)3=(−4−1)(−5)−8=(−5)(−5)−8=25−8. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-15-AN1 markMCQQ.If (x+2)2A is one of the partial fractions of (2x+1)(x+2)2x2+3x+5, then A= (A) 2 (B) 1 (C) -2 (D) -1
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using the cover-up (Heaviside) method at the repeated root x=−2 gives A=−1 directly, no full partial-fraction expansion needed.
Concept and Intuition
For a repeated linear factor (x+2)2 in the denominator, the partial fraction decomposition has a term (x+2)2A whose coefficient can be found by the cover-up method: multiply both sides by (x+2)2, which cancels that factor from the denominator entirely, then substitute x=−2 into what remains (the other terms of the decomposition vanish or become finite/zero at this special substitution for the squared-factor coefficient specifically).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Write (2x+1)(x+2)2x2+3x+5=2x+1P+x+2Q+(x+2)2A.
- Multiply both sides by (x+2)2: 2x+1x2+3x+5=P⋅2x+1(x+2)2+Q(x+2)+A.
- Substitute x=−2 (this kills the P and Q terms since they still carry a factor of (x+2)): A=2x+1x2+3x+5x=−2. …
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