Q.Integrate the function x−x31
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 to logarithms.
First, factor the denominator:
x−x31=x(1−x2)1=x(1−x)(1+x)1.
Now decompose into partial fractions:
x(1−x)(1+x)1=xA+1−xB+1+xC.
Solving gives A=1, B=21, C=−21.
Integrate term by term:
∫x1dx+21∫1−x1dx−21∫1+x1dx=log∣x∣−21log∣1−x∣−21log∣1+x∣+C.
Combine the logarithms:
=log∣x∣−21log∣1−x2∣+C.
The integral is log∣x∣−21log∣1−x2∣+C.
We decompose x−x31 into partial fractions by factoring the denominator as x(1−x)(1+x), then integrate term-by-term to get 21log1−x2x2+C.
The integral ∫x−x31dx looks simple, but the denominator is a cubic — and that’s the clue. Whenever you see a polynomial in the denominator that factors nicely, partial fractions are your best friend. The idea is to break a complicated fraction into a sum of simpler ones, each of which integrates to a logarithm (or a simple rational function).
Here, x−x3=x(1−x2)=x(1−x)(1+x). So we have three distinct linear factors. That means we can write:
x(1−x)(1+x)1=xA+1−xB+1+xC
for some constants A,B,C. Once we find them, integration becomes straightforward.
Let’s work through it step by step.
- Set up the decomposition. Multiply both sides by the denominator x(1−x)(1+x) to clear fractions:
1=A(1−x)(1+x)+Bx(1+x)+Cx(1−x)
Notice that (1−x)(1+x)=1−x2, so the first term is A(1−x2). The other two expand as Bx+Bx2 and Cx−Cx2.
- Expand and collect like terms.
1=A−Ax2+Bx+Bx2+Cx−Cx2
Group powers of x:
- Constant term: A
- x term: (B+C)x
- x2 term: (−A+B−C)x2
So we have:
1=A+(B+C)x+(−A+B−C)x2
- Equate coefficients. The left side is 1+0⋅x+0⋅x2. Therefore:
⎩⎨⎧A=1B+C=0−A+B−C=0
From A=1, the third equation becomes −1+B−C=0, i.e. B−C=1.
Together with B+C=0, we solve:
- Adding: 2B=1⇒B=21
- Then C=−21
So A=1, B=21, C=−21.
A faster method for linear factors: cover up the factor you’re solving for and evaluate at its root.
For A: cover x in the denominator, set x=0 → A=(1−0)(1+0)1=1.
For B: cover 1−x, set x=1 → B=1⋅(1+1)1=21.
For C: cover 1+x, set x=−1 → C=(−1)⋅(1−(−1))1=−21=−21.
This is the Heaviside cover-up method — it saves time in exams.
- Rewrite the integral.
∫x−x31dx=∫(x1+1−x1/2−1+x1/2)dx
-
Integrate term by term.
- ∫x1dx=log∣x∣+C1
- ∫1−x1/2dx=21∫1−x1dx=−21log∣1−x∣+C2 (because the derivative of 1−x is −1)
- ∫−1+x1/2dx=−21log∣1+x∣+C3
Combine constants into a single C:
∫x−x31dx=log∣x∣−21log∣1−x∣−21log∣1+x∣+C
- Simplify using logarithm properties. Factor the −21:
=log∣x∣−21(log∣1−x∣+log∣1+x∣)+C
The sum of logs is the log of the product:
=log∣x∣−21log∣(1−x)(1+x)∣+C
And (1−x)(1+x)=1−x2, so:
=log∣x∣−21log∣1−x2∣+C
Combine into a single logarithm:
=21(2log∣x∣−log∣1−x2∣)+C=21log1−x2x2+C
A common mistake is forgetting the absolute values inside the logs. The integrand x−x31 is defined for x=0,±1, and the antiderivative must respect the domain. Always use log∣⋅∣ unless you know the sign of the argument.
The integral evaluates to 21log1−x2x2+C.
Method: Partial fractions over distinct linear factors
Use this for ∫Q(x)P(x)dx where Q factors completely into different linear pieces and degP<degQ; each piece integrates to a logarithm.
Steps
Step 1: Factor the denominator completely.
Pull out every linear factor. A denominator that looks cubic often hides a common factor — always check for one before decomposing.
Step 2: Write one term per factor with unknown constants.
(x−r1)(x−r2)(x−r3)P(x)=x−r1A+x−r2B+x−r3C.
Step 3: Solve for the constants (cover-up shortcut).
To get the constant over (x−ri), delete that factor and evaluate the rest at x=ri. This is faster and less error-prone than expanding and matching coefficients.
Step 4: Integrate term by term.
Each ∫x−rkdx=klog∣x−r∣. Keep the absolute value, and watch the chain-rule sign when the factor is (1−x) rather than (x−1): ∫1−xdx=−log∣1−x∣.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Not factoring the denominator fully.
Why it's wrong: x−x3=x(1−x)(1+x) has three linear factors; stopping at x(1−x2) (or missing the x) blocks the decomposition. Correct approach: factor completely into x(1−x)(1+x) before setting up partial fractions.
Mistake 2: Sign error integrating 1−x1.
Why it's wrong: because dxd(1−x)=−1, ∫1−xdx=−log∣1−x∣, not +log∣1−x∣. Correct approach: apply the chain-rule sign for factors of the form (1−x).
Mistake 3: Dropping the absolute values.
Why it's wrong: the integrand is undefined at x=0,±1, so the antiderivative must use log∣⋅∣. Correct approach: keep log∣⋅∣ throughout.
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).
- 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 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-2026-05-15-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
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-15-AN1 markMCQQ.∫sinx+sin2xdx= (A) 41log∣1−cosx∣+31log∣1+cosx∣−32log∣1+cos2x∣+c (B) 31log∣1−cosx∣+41log∣1+cosx∣+31log∣1+cos2x∣+c (C) 61log∣1−cosx∣+21log∣1+cosx∣−32log∣1+2cosx∣+c (D) 61log∣1−cosx∣+41log∣1+cosx∣+32log∣1+2cosx∣+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
Factoring sinx+sin2x=sinx(1+2cosx) and substituting t=cosx reduces this to a rational-function partial-fractions integral, giving 61log∣1−cosx∣+21log∣1+cosx∣−32log∣1+2cosx∣+c.
Concept and Intuition
Whenever an integral has sinx (an odd power effectively) times other cosine factors in the denominator, multiplying numerator and denominator by sinx turns sin2x into 1−cos2x, which lets us substitute t=cosx and reduce the whole problem to partial fractions of a rational function in t — a completely mechanical final step.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Factor the denominator: sinx+sin2x=sinx+2sinxcosx=sinx(1+2cosx).
- So the integral is ∫sinx(1+2cosx)dx.
- Multiply top and bottom by sinx: ∫sin2x(1+2cosx)sinxdx=∫(1−cos2x)(1+2cosx)sinxdx=∫(1−cosx)(1+cosx)(1+2cosx)sinxdx.
- Substitute t=cosx, dt=−sinxdx: integral =−∫(1−t)(1+t)(1+2t)dt.
- Partial fractions: (1−t)(1+t)(1+2t)1=1−tA+1+tB+1+2tC. Evaluating at t=1: A=61. At t=−1: B=21. At t=−21: C=−32.
- So −∫[1−t1/6+1+t1/2−1+2t2/3]dt=61log∣1−t∣+21log∣1+t∣−32log∣1+2t∣+c (the sign flips on the 1/(1−t) term because ∫1−tdt=−log∣1−t∣, and the overall integral carries a leading minus sign).
- Substitute back t=cosx: 61log∣1−cosx∣+21log∣1+cosx∣−32log∣1+2cosx∣+c.
Common Mistakes
- Missing the overall minus sign introduced by dt=−sinxdx, which flips the sign of every term if mishandled.
- Misassigning the partial-fraction coefficients (double-check by plugging t=0: A+B+C should equal 1).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C) — 61log∣1−cosx∣+21log∣1+cosx∣−32log∣1+2cosx∣+c.
ANSWER: C
- 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-2023-05-18-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 2021Set eng-2021-08-25-FN1 markMCQQ.If (1+x2)(3−2x)x=1+x2Bx+C+3−2xA, then 'C' is (A) 32 (B) 131 (C) −131 (D) −132
›Reveal solutionSolution
Clearing denominators and matching coefficients of the partial-fraction identity gives C=−2/13.
Concept and Intuition
Partial fraction decomposition works by clearing all denominators to get a polynomial identity valid for all x, then equating coefficients of like powers of x on both sides.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Multiply both sides by (1+x2)(3−2x): x=(Bx+C)(3−2x)+A(1+x2).
- Expand: (Bx+C)(3−2x)=−2Bx2+(3B−2C)x+3C, and A(1+x2)=Ax2+A.
- Combine: (A−2B)x2+(3B−2C)x+(3C+A)=x.
- Match coefficients:
- x2: A−2B=0⇒A=2B.
- x1: 3B−2C=1.
- x0: 3C+A=0⇒A=−3C.
- From A=2B=−3C: B=−23C. Substitute into 3B−2C=1: 3(−23C)−2C=1⇒−29C−2C=1⇒−213C=1⇒C=−132.
Common Mistakes
- Sign errors expanding (Bx+C)(3−2x).
- Forgetting to match the x0 coefficient, which is essential to pin down the relation between A and C.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — −132.
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 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 2026Set eng-2026-05-18-FN1 markMCQQ.The coefficient of x3 in the power series expansion of x2−x−2x is (A) −81 (B) −83 (C) 83 (D) 81
›Reveal solutionSolution
Partial-fraction the rational function, expand each simple fraction as a geometric series in x, and read off the coefficient of x3 — it comes out to −3/8.
Concept and Intuition
A rational function whose denominator factors into distinct linear factors can be split into partial fractions, each of which is a simple geometric-series generating function (1−x1-type), making it straightforward to extract any coefficient of the power series expansion around x=0.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Factor the denominator: x2−x−2=(x−2)(x+1).
- Set up partial fractions: (x−2)(x+1)x=x−2A+x+1B, so x=A(x+1)+B(x−2).
- At x=2: 2=3A⇒A=32. At x=−1: −1=−3B⇒B=31.
- So the function is x−22/3+x+11/3.
- Expand the first term (valid for ∣x∣<2): x−22/3=−31⋅1−x/21=−31∑n≥0(2x)n. Coefficient of x3: −31⋅231=−241.
- Expand the second term (valid for ∣x∣<1): x+11/3=31⋅1+x1=31∑n≥0(−x)n. Coefficient of x3: 31⋅(−1)3=−31.
- Add the two contributions: −241−31=−241−248=−249=−83.
Common Mistakes
- Sign errors when writing x−21 as −21⋅1−x/21.
- Forgetting the alternating sign in the 1+x1 expansion when picking out an odd-power coefficient.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — −83.
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 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
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