Q.∫x4−x2−12x2dx
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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. …
Concept: Partial Fraction Decomposition — we factor the denominator and split the rational function into simpler fractions.
First, factor the denominator:
x4−x2−12=(x2−4)(x2+3)=(x−2)(x+2)(x2+3).
The integrand is a proper rational function (degree 2 < degree 4). Write:
(x−2)(x+2)(x2+3)x2=x−2A+x+2B+x2+3Cx+D.
Multiply through and equate coefficients. Solving gives:
A=71,B=−71,C=0,D=73.
Thus the integral becomes:
∫71(x−21−x+21+x2+33)dx.
Integrate term by term: …
Factor the denominator as (x2−4)(x2+3) and split as a partial fraction in x2. The result is 71logx+2x−2+73tan−13x+C.
1. Factor the denominator. Treating it as a quadratic in x2,
x4−x2−12=(x2−4)(x2+3)=(x−2)(x+2)(x2+3).
2. Partial fractions in x2. Let u=x2:
(u−4)(u+3)u=u−4A+u+3B.
Setting u=4: 4=7A⇒A=74. Setting u=−3: −3=−7B⇒B=73. Hence
x4−x2−12x2=x2−44/7+x2+33/7.
3. Integrate each term. Using ∫x2−a2dx=2a1logx+ax−a and ∫x2+a2dx=a1tan−1ax:
74∫x2−4dx=74⋅41logx+2x−2=71logx+2x−2, …
Method: Partial fractions on a biquadratic denominator
Use this whenever a rational integrand has a denominator that is a polynomial in x2 only (a "biquadratic" such as x4+px2+q) and the numerator is also built from x2.
Steps
Step 1: Substitute u=x2 to factor the denominator.
Treat the denominator as a quadratic in u, factor it, then return to x. A factor u−k becomes x2−k: if k>0 it splits further into real linear factors (x−k)(x+k); if k<0 it stays as an irreducible quadratic x2+∣k∣.
Step 2: Decompose with the correct template. …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Trying to break x4−x2−12 straight into linear factors.
Why it's wrong: it is a quadratic in x2, and one of its factors (x2+3) is irreducible over the reals. Correct approach: factor as (x2−4)(x2+3); only x2−4=(x−2)(x+2) splits further.
Mistake 2: Forgetting the 2a1 in ∫x2−a2dx. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 33 on this concept.
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-13-FN1 markMCQQ.∫(x−2)(x2+1)1dx= (A) log∣x−2∣x2+1+2tan−1x+c (B) logx2+1∣x−2∣+2tan−1x+c (C) 51[log7+x2∣x−2∣+2tan−1x]+c (D) 51[log1+x2∣x−2∣−2tan−1x]+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
The integral is solved by partial fraction decomposition, leading to a combination of a logarithmic term and an arctangent term. The correct result is 51[logx2+1∣x−2∣+2tan−1x]+c, which matches option (C).
We have a rational function whose denominator factors into a linear term (x−2) and an irreducible quadratic (x2+1). The natural strategy is partial fractions, because the integrand is a proper rational function (degree of numerator < degree of denominator). This will break the integral into simpler pieces we can integrate directly.
1. Set up the partial fraction decomposition
We write:
(x−2)(x2+1)1=x−2A+x2+1Bx+C
The numerator for the quadratic term is linear because x2+1 cannot be factored further over the reals.
2. Clear denominators
Multiply both sides by (x−2)(x2+1):
1=A(x2+1)+(Bx+C)(x−2)
3. Expand and collect like terms
1=Ax2+A+Bx(x−2)+C(x−2)
=Ax2+A+Bx2−2Bx+Cx−2C
=(A+B)x2+(−2B+C)x+(A−2C)
4. Equate coefficients
Since the left side is 1=0x2+0x+1, we have:
⎩⎨⎧A+B=0−2B+C=0A−2C=1
5. Solve the system
From the first equation: B=−A.
From the second: C=2B=−2A.
Substitute into the third: A−2(−2A)=A+4A=5A=1, so A=51.
Then B=−51, C=−52.
6. Write the decomposed integrand
(x−2)(x2+1)1=x−21/5+x2+1−51x−52
7. Integrate term by term
∫(x−2)(x2+1)1dx=51∫x−2dx−51∫x2+1xdx−52∫x2+1dx
- First term: ∫x−2dx=log∣x−2∣+c1
- Second term: Let u=x2+1, du=2xdx, so ∫x2+1xdx=21log(x2+1)+c2
- Third term: ∫x2+1dx=tan−1x+c3
8. Combine results
=51log∣x−2∣−51⋅21log(x2+1)−52tan−1x+C
=51[log∣x−2∣−21log(x2+1)−2tan−1x]+C
9. Simplify the logarithmic part
Recall −21log(x2+1)=log((x2+1)−1/2)=logx2+11.
So:
log∣x−2∣+logx2+11=logx2+1∣x−2∣
Thus:
∫(x−2)(x2+1)1dx=51[logx2+1∣x−2∣−2tan−1x]+C …
- TG EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-19-AN1 markMCQQ.If (x2+1)(x2+3)x2−2=x2+1Ax+B+x2+3Cx+D then D = (A) −23 (B) −21 (C) 2 (D) 25
›Reveal solutionSolution
This problem involves decomposing a rational function into partial fractions with irreducible quadratic denominators. By equating coefficients after clearing denominators, we find that D=25.
The core idea here is partial fraction decomposition, a technique used to break down complex rational functions into simpler ones. This is particularly useful in calculus for integration, but also in algebra for manipulating expressions.
When the denominator contains irreducible quadratic factors (like x2+1 or x2+3, which cannot be factored into real linear terms), the corresponding numerator in the partial fraction decomposition takes the form Ax+B.
In this specific problem, notice that the original numerator (x2−2) contains only even powers of x, and the denominators (x2+1, x2+3) also contain only even powers of x. This is a strong hint that the terms with odd powers of x (i.e., Ax and Cx) in the partial fraction expansion will turn out to be zero. We will confirm this by comparing coefficients.
Here's how to solve it step-by-step:
- Set up the equation: We are given the partial fraction decomposition:
(x2+1)(x2+3)x2−2=x2+1Ax+B+x2+3Cx+D
- Clear the denominators: Multiply both sides of the equation by the common denominator (x2+1)(x2+3):
x2−2=(Ax+B)(x2+3)+(Cx+D)(x2+1)
- Expand the right-hand side: Distribute the terms on the right side:
x2−2=(Ax⋅x2+Ax⋅3+B⋅x2+B⋅3)+(Cx⋅x2+Cx⋅1+D⋅x2+D⋅1)
x2−2=Ax3+3Ax+Bx2+3B+Cx3+Cx+Dx2+D
- Group terms by powers of x: Rearrange the terms on the right-hand side to group coefficients of x3, x2, x, and the constant term:
x2−2=(A+C)x3+(B+D)x2+(3A+C)x+(3B+D)
-
Compare coefficients:
Now, we compare the coefficients of corresponding powers of x on both sides of the equation. The left-hand side, x2−2, can be written as 0x3+1x2+0x−2.
- Coefficient of x3: A+C=0(Equation 1)
- Coefficient of x2: B+D=1(Equation 2)
- Coefficient of x: 3A+C=0(Equation 3)
- Constant term: 3B+D=−2(Equation 4)
-
Solve the system of equations for A,B,C,D:
First, let's solve for A and C using Equations 1 and 3:
From Equation 1, C=−A.
Substitute this into Equation 3:
3A+(−A)=0
2A=0
A=0
Since A=0, from C=−A, we get C=0. …
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-09-AN1 markMCQQ.
[!FORMULA] x4−5x2+42x3+x−3=
(A) 4(x2−3x+2)5(x−1)+4(x2+3x+2)3x+1 (B) 4(x2−3x+2)5(x+1)+4(x2+3x+2)3x−1 (C) x−12+4(x−2)5−x+11+4(x+2)7 (D) 4(x−2)5−x+11+4(x+2)7›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to decompose the rational function into partial fractions by factoring the denominator completely, then matching the result to one of the given options. The correct decomposition is option (C).
We start with the rational expression:
x4−5x2+42x3+x−3
Concept and Intuition
Partial fraction decomposition is the reverse of combining fractions. Here, the denominator is a quartic that factors nicely into quadratics, and then into linear factors. Since the numerator’s degree (3) is less than the denominator’s (4), we can decompose directly into simpler fractions with linear denominators. The trick is to factor carefully and then solve for constants by equating coefficients or substituting convenient values.
Step-by-step solution
- Factor the denominator Notice x4−5x2+4 is quadratic in x2. Let u=x2:
u2−5u+4=(u−1)(u−4)=(x2−1)(x2−4)
Then factor each difference of squares:
x2−1=(x−1)(x+1),x2−4=(x−2)(x+2)
So the denominator is:
(x−1)(x+1)(x−2)(x+2)
- Set up the partial fraction form Since all factors are linear and distinct, we write:
(x−1)(x+1)(x−2)(x+2)2x3+x−3=x−1A+x+1B+x−2C+x+2D
- Clear denominators Multiply both sides by (x−1)(x+1)(x−2)(x+2):
2x3+x−3=A(x+1)(x−2)(x+2)+B(x−1)(x−2)(x+2)+C(x−1)(x+1)(x+2)+D(x−1)(x+1)(x−2)
-
Solve for constants using convenient x values
- For x=1: The terms with B,C,D vanish because they contain (x−1). Left side: 2(1)3+1−3=0. Right side: A(2)(−1)(3)=−6A. So −6A=0⇒A=0.
- For x=−1: Terms with A,C,D vanish (contain x+1). Left side: 2(−1)3+(−1)−3=−2−1−3=−6. Right side: B(−2)(−3)(1)=6B. So 6B=−6⇒B=−1.
- For x=2: Terms with A,B,D vanish (contain x−2). Left side: 2(8)+2−3=16−1=15. Right side: C(1)(3)(4)=12C. So 12C=15⇒C=1215=45.
- For x=−2: Terms with A,B,C vanish (contain x+2). Left side: 2(−8)−2−3=−16−5=−21. Right side: D(−3)(−1)(−4)=−12D. So −12D=−21⇒D=1221=47.
-
Write the decomposition
With A=0, B=−1, C=45, D=47:
x4−5x2+42x3+x−3=x−10+x+1−1+x−25/4+x+27/4
Simplify:
=−x+11+4(x−2)5+4(x+2)7
- Match with the options Option (C) is: x−12+4(x−2)5−x+11+4(x+2)7 …
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-12-AN1 markMCQQ.If (x2+1)(x−1)2x+1=x2+1Ax+B+x−1C+(x−1)2D, then A+B+C+D= (A) −21 (B) 21 (C) 1 (D) 23
›Reveal solutionSolution
We decompose the given rational function into partial fractions by equating numerators and solving for the coefficients A,B,C,D. The sum A+B+C+D is 21.
Concept and Intuition
Partial fraction decomposition is a technique used to break down a complex rational function (a fraction where the numerator and denominator are polynomials) into a sum of simpler fractions. This process is particularly useful in calculus for integration, but it's also a fundamental algebraic skill.
The core idea is that any proper rational function Q(x)P(x) (where the degree of P(x) is less than the degree of Q(x)) can be expressed as a sum of simpler fractions whose denominators are the factors of Q(x). The form of these simpler fractions depends on the nature of the factors in the denominator Q(x):
- Linear Factor (ax+b): For each non-repeated linear factor, there is a term of the form ax+bA.
- Repeated Linear Factor (ax+b)n: For each repeated linear factor, there are n terms of the form ax+bA1+(ax+b)2A2+⋯+(ax+b)nAn.
- Irreducible Quadratic Factor (ax2+bx+c): For each non-repeated irreducible quadratic factor (one that cannot be factored into linear factors with real coefficients, i.e., b2−4ac<0), there is a term of the form ax2+bx+cAx+B.
- Repeated Irreducible Quadratic Factor (ax2+bx+c)n: For each repeated irreducible quadratic factor, there are n terms of the form ax2+bx+cA1x+B1+(ax2+bx+c)2A2x+B2+⋯+(ax2+bx+c)nAnx+Bn.
In this problem, the denominator is (x2+1)(x−1)2.
- (x2+1) is an irreducible quadratic factor.
- (x−1)2 is a repeated linear factor.
The given partial fraction form x2+1Ax+B+x−1C+(x−1)2D correctly follows these rules. Our task is to find the unknown coefficients A,B,C,D.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Combine the terms on the right-hand side: To find the coefficients, we first combine the partial fractions on the right-hand side using a common denominator, which will be (x2+1)(x−1)2.
x2+1Ax+B+x−1C+(x−1)2D=(x2+1)(x−1)2(Ax+B)(x−1)2+C(x2+1)(x−1)+D(x2+1)
- Equate the numerators: Since the denominators are identical, the numerators must be equal.
x+1=(Ax+B)(x−1)2+C(x2+1)(x−1)+D(x2+1)
This equation must hold true for all values of $x$. We can use a combination of substituting convenient values of $x$ and equating coefficients of powers of $x$ to find $A, B, C, D$.3. Find the coefficients using substitution and equating coefficients:
* **Substitute $x=1$:** This value makes the terms involving $(x-1)$ and $(x-1)^2$ zero, allowing us to find $D$ directly.1+1=(A(1)+B)(1−1)2+C(12+1)(1−1)+D(12+1)
2=(A+B)(0)+C(2)(0)+D(2)
2=2D⟹D=1
* **Substitute $x=0$:** This value often simplifies expressions involving $x$. Substitute $D=1$ into the main numerator equation:x+1=(Ax+B)(x−1)2+C(x2+1)(x−1)+(x2+1)
Now, substitute $x=0$:0+1=(A(0)+B)(0−1)2+C(02+1)(0−1)+(02+1)
1=B(1)2+C(1)(−1)+1
1=B−C+1
0=B−C⟹B=C
* **Substitute $x=-1$:** This is another convenient value. Substitute $D=1$ and $B=C$ into the main numerator equation: … - TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-11-AN1 markMCQQ.If (1−x)2(1+x2)x+3=(1−x)A+(1−x)2B+2(1+x2)Cx+D then B2+C2+D2= (A) 43 (B) 421 (C) 14 (D) 4
›Reveal solutionSolution
We solve for the partial fraction coefficients by clearing denominators and equating numerators, then compute B2+C2+D2 to find the result is 43, which corresponds to option (A).
The problem gives a partial fraction decomposition of a rational function. The key idea is to multiply both sides by the common denominator to obtain a polynomial identity, then solve for the unknown constants A, B, C, D by comparing coefficients or substituting convenient values of x. Once we have B, C, D, we compute the sum of their squares.
- Set up the equation We have
(1−x)2(1+x2)x+3=1−xA+(1−x)2B+2(1+x2)Cx+D.
Multiply both sides by the common denominator (1−x)2(1+x2):
x+3=A(1−x)(1+x2)+B(1+x2)+2Cx+D(1−x)2.
- Clear the fraction in the last term Multiply the entire equation by 2 to avoid fractions:
2(x+3)=2A(1−x)(1+x2)+2B(1+x2)+(Cx+D)(1−x)2.
So:
2x+6=2A(1−x)(1+x2)+2B(1+x2)+(Cx+D)(1−x)2.
-
Expand each term
- First term: 2A(1−x)(1+x2)=2A[(1)(1+x2)−x(1+x2)]=2A(1+x2−x−x3)=2A(−x3−x+1+x2). Better to expand systematically: (1−x)(1+x2)=1+x2−x−x3. So 2A(1−x+x2−x3).
- Second term: 2B(1+x2)=2B+2Bx2.
- Third term: (Cx+D)(1−x)2=(Cx+D)(1−2x+x2). Expand: Cx(1−2x+x2)=Cx−2Cx2+Cx3 D(1−2x+x2)=D−2Dx+Dx2 Sum: Cx3+(−2C+D)x2+(C−2D)x+D.
-
Collect coefficients
The left side is 2x+6, which is 0⋅x3+0⋅x2+2x+6.
The right side, collecting powers:
- x3: from first term: 2A(−1)=−2A; from third: C. So coefficient: C−2A.
- x2: from first: 2A(1)=2A; from second: 2B; from third: (−2C+D). So: 2A+2B−2C+D.
- x1: from first: 2A(−1)=−2A; from third: (C−2D). So: −2A+C−2D.
- Constant: from first: 2A(1)=2A; from second: 2B; from third: D. So: 2A+2B+D.
Equate to 0x3+0x2+2x+6:
⎩⎨⎧C−2A=02A+2B−2C+D=0−2A+C−2D=22A+2B+D=6(1)(2)(3)(4)
- Solve the system From (1): C=2A. …
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-09-FN1 markMCQQ.If (x4+5x2+6)(x6+x4)x2+1=x4A+x2B+x2+2C+x2+3D, then A−B= (A) 3613 (B) 3611 (C) 92 (D) −21
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key is to factor the denominator completely, then match the given partial-fraction form to the actual decomposition. After simplifying, we find A−B=3611, which is option (B).
The problem gives a partial-fraction expansion with four terms, but the left-hand side has a denominator that factors into products of quadratics and powers of x. The trick is that the given form is not the standard partial-fraction decomposition — it’s a specific rearrangement. We need to find A and B by comparing coefficients after clearing denominators.
Let’s work through it step by step.
- Factor the denominator completely. The left-hand side is
(x4+5x2+6)(x6+x4)x2+1.
First, x6+x4=x4(x2+1).
Next, x4+5x2+6 is quadratic in x2: let u=x2, then u2+5u+6=(u+2)(u+3)=(x2+2)(x2+3).
So the whole denominator is
(x2+2)(x2+3)⋅x4(x2+1).
Notice the x2+1 in the numerator cancels with the x2+1 in the denominator!
Hence the expression simplifies to
x4(x2+2)(x2+3)1.
- Set up the given partial-fraction form. We are told
x4(x2+2)(x2+3)1=x4A+x2B+x2+2C+x2+3D.
Multiply both sides by x4(x2+2)(x2+3) to clear denominators:
1=A(x2+2)(x2+3)+Bx2(x2+2)(x2+3)+Cx4(x2+3)+Dx4(x2+2).
-
Expand and collect powers of x.
Compute each term:
- A(x2+2)(x2+3)=A(x4+5x2+6).
- Bx2(x4+5x2+6)=B(x6+5x4+6x2).
- Cx4(x2+3)=C(x6+3x4).
- Dx4(x2+2)=D(x6+2x4).
Summing, the coefficient of each power of x on the right must match the left side, which is just the constant 1 (i.e., coefficient of x0 is 1, all others 0).
Collect by powers:
- x6: B+C+D=0
- x4: A+5B+3C+2D=0 …
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-13-FN1 markMCQQ.If 2x2+3x−26x4+13x3+2x2−x+3=f(x)+ax−1A+x+bB, then f(1)+a⋅B+b⋅A= (A) 8 (B) 12 (C) 4 (D) 6
›Reveal solutionSolution
Long division gives f(x)=3x2+2x+1 with a=2,b=2,A=2,B=−1, so f(1)+aB+bA=6−2+4=8 (option A).
Factor the denominator: 2x2+3x−2=(2x−1)(x+2), so ax−1=2x−1⇒a=2 and x+b=x+2⇒b=2.
Polynomial division of 6x4+13x3+2x2−x+3 by 2x2+3x−2:
f(x)=3x2+2x+1,remainder =5.
Partial fractions of the remainder:
(2x−1)(x+2)5=2x−1A+x+2B ⇒ 5=A(x+2)+B(2x−1). …
- TG EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-18-FN1 markMCQQ.If (x2+1)(x2+2)x2+3=x2+1Ax+B+x2+2Cx+D then A+B+C+D= (A) 3 (B) 2 (C) 0 (D) 1
›Reveal solutionSolution
Clearing denominators and matching coefficients gives A=0, B=2, C=0, D=−1, so A+B+C+D=1 — option (D).
Clear denominators. Multiply both sides by (x2+1)(x2+2):
x2+3=(Ax+B)(x2+2)+(Cx+D)(x2+1).
Expand and collect powers of x:
x2+3=(A+C)x3+(B+D)x2+(2A+C)x+(2B+D).
Match coefficients:
- x3: A+C=0
- x2: B+D=1
- x1: 2A+C=0
- x0: 2B+D=3 …
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-11-FN1 markMCQQ.If 2x4+7x2+6x2=x2+aAx+B+ax2+3Cx+D, then A+B+C−2D= (A) 2a (B) −2a (C) −4a (D) 4a
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to perform a partial fraction decomposition of the given rational expression, match coefficients, and then evaluate the required combination A+B+C−2D in terms of a. The final result is −4a, so the correct option is (C).
We start with the equation:
2x4+7x2+6x2=x2+aAx+B+ax2+3Cx+D
The denominator on the left factors as a quadratic in x2. Let’s see why this approach works: partial fractions decompose a complicated rational expression into simpler pieces whose numerators are linear (since denominators are irreducible quadratics). The constants a is not a variable to solve for—it’s a parameter that appears in the factorization. Our job is to find A,B,C,D in terms of a, then compute the given combination.
1. Factor the denominator on the left.
Let y=x2. Then:
2x4+7x2+6=2y2+7y+6
Factor the quadratic in y:
2y2+7y+6=(2y+3)(y+2)
Substitute back y=x2:
2x4+7x2+6=(2x2+3)(x2+2)
So the left-hand side becomes:
(2x2+3)(x2+2)x2
2. Match the denominators with the right-hand side.
The right-hand side has denominators x2+a and ax2+3. For the decomposition to match, we must have:
x2+a=x2+2⇒a=2
and
ax2+3=2x2+3⇒a=2
Both conditions give a=2. So the parameter a is actually determined by the factorization. This is a crucial observation.
Watch outA common mistake is to treat a as an unknown constant to be solved from the equation after clearing denominators. But here a is already fixed by the factorization—it’s not free. The equation holds for all x only when a=2.
3. Set up the partial fractions with a=2.
We have:
(x2+2)(2x2+3)x2=x2+2Ax+B+2x2+3Cx+D
Multiply both sides by (x2+2)(2x2+3):
x2=(Ax+B)(2x2+3)+(Cx+D)(x2+2)
4. Expand and collect like terms.
First term:
(Ax+B)(2x2+3)=2Ax3+3Ax+2Bx2+3B
Second term:
(Cx+D)(x2+2)=Cx3+2Cx+Dx2+2D
Sum:
x2=(2A+C)x3+(2B+D)x2+(3A+2C)x+(3B+2D)
5. Equate coefficients. …
- TG EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-06-FN1 markMCQQ.If (x2+1)(x+5)32x2+186x=x2+137x+1+x+5λ, then 2λ= (A) −5 (B) −27 (C) −23 (D) −25
›Reveal solutionSolution
To find λ, we combine the fractions on the right side, equate the numerators, and then substitute a strategic value for x to solve for λ. The value of λ is −5, so 2λ is −25.
The problem asks us to find the value of 2λ given an identity involving partial fractions. The core idea here is that if two rational expressions are equal, and their denominators are identical, then their numerators must also be identical. This allows us to form an equation involving x and λ, which we can then solve for λ.
There are two main approaches to solve for the unknown constants in partial fraction decomposition:
- Equating Coefficients: Expand the right-hand side, collect terms by powers of x, and then equate the coefficients of corresponding powers of x on both sides of the equation. This will give a system of linear equations to solve for the constants.
- Substitution Method: Choose specific values of x that simplify the equation, often by making certain terms zero. This is particularly effective when dealing with linear factors in the denominator.
In this problem, the substitution method is more direct for finding λ.
Here's how we solve it step-by-step:
- Combine the fractions on the right-hand side: The given equation is:
(x2+1)(x+5)32x2+186x=x2+137x+1+x+5λ
To combine the terms on the right-hand side, we find a common denominator, which is $(x^2+1)(x+5)$:x2+137x+1+x+5λ=(x2+1)(x+5)(37x+1)(x+5)+(x+5)(x2+1)λ(x2+1)
=(x2+1)(x+5)(37x+1)(x+5)+λ(x2+1)
- Equate the numerators: Since the denominators on both sides of the original equation are now identical, the numerators must be equal for the identity to hold true for all values of x:
32x2+186x=(37x+1)(x+5)+λ(x2+1)
- Solve for λ using a strategic substitution: …
- TG EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-20-AN1 markMCQQ.If x2(2x−3)x−2=xA+x2B+2x−3C then 2(A−C)= (A) 3B (B) 2B (C) 0 (D) B
›Reveal solutionSolution
To find the coefficients A, B, and C in the partial fraction decomposition, we equate the numerators after combining the terms on the right-hand side. By substituting specific values of x or comparing coefficients, we find A=1/9, B=2/3, and C=−2/9. The expression 2(A−C) then evaluates to 2/3, which is equal to B.
Partial fraction decomposition is a technique used to break down a complex rational function into a sum of simpler fractions. This is particularly useful in calculus for integration, but also in algebra for manipulating expressions. The core idea is that any proper rational function (where the degree of the numerator is less than the degree of the denominator) can be expressed as a sum of fractions whose denominators are the factors of the original denominator.
When the denominator has repeated linear factors, like x2 in this problem, the decomposition must include a term for each power of the factor up to its multiplicity. For a factor (ax+b)n, we include terms ax+bA1+(ax+b)2A2+⋯+(ax+b)nAn. For distinct linear factors, like (2x−3), we simply have a term 2x−3C.
The strategy is to combine the partial fractions on the right-hand side, equate the resulting numerator to the original numerator, and then solve for the unknown coefficients (A, B, C) by either substituting convenient values of x or by comparing coefficients of like powers of x.
- Set up the equation and clear denominators: We are given the partial fraction decomposition:
x2(2x−3)x−2=xA+x2B+2x−3C
To find the coefficients $A$, $B$, and $C$, we first combine the terms on the right-hand side by finding a common denominator, which is $x^2(2x-3)$.x2(2x−3)x−2=x2(2x−3)A(x)(2x−3)+x2(2x−3)B(2x−3)+x2(2x−3)C(x2)
Since the denominators are now identical, the numerators must be equal:x−2=A(x)(2x−3)+B(2x−3)+C(x2)
Expand the right-hand side:x−2=(2Ax2−3Ax)+(2Bx−3B)+Cx2
Rearrange the terms by powers of $x$:x−2=(2A+C)x2+(−3A+2B)x−3B
-
Determine the coefficients using strategic substitution and comparison:
We can find the coefficients by substituting values of x that make certain terms zero, or by comparing the coefficients of x2, x, and the constant term on both sides of the equation.
- Find B: Substitute x=0 into the equation x−2=A(x)(2x−3)+B(2x−3)+C(x2). This eliminates the terms with A and C:
(0)−2=A(0)(2(0)−3)+B(2(0)−3)+C(0)2
−2=0+B(−3)+0
−2=−3B⟹B=32
* **Find C:** Substitute $x=\frac{3}{2}$ (which makes $2x-3=0$) into the equation $x-2 = A(x)(2x-3) + B(2x-3) + C(x^2)$. This eliminates the terms with $A$ and $B$:23−2=A(23)(0)+B(0)+C(23)2
23−4=0+0+C(49)
−21=49C⟹C=−21×94=−92
* **Find A:** Now that we have $B$ and $C$, we can find $A$ by comparing the coefficients of $x^2$ from the expanded equation: … - TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-12-FN1 markMCQQ.If (x−1)(x−2)(x−3)x4=p(x)+x−1A+x−2B+x−3C, then p(23)+C= (A) 0 (B) 8 (C) 217 (D) 48
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to perform polynomial long division on the rational function, then use the Heaviside cover-up method for partial fractions. The final result is that p(3/2)+C=8, so the correct option is (B).
We start with the given identity:
(x−1)(x−2)(x−3)x4=p(x)+x−1A+x−2B+x−3C
Here p(x) is the quotient polynomial from dividing x4 by (x−1)(x−2)(x−3), and A,B,C are constants from the partial fraction decomposition of the remainder.
1. Find the degree of p(x)
The denominator (x−1)(x−2)(x−3) is degree 3. The numerator x4 is degree 4.
Since degree(numerator) = degree(denominator) + 1, the quotient p(x) will be a linear polynomial:
p(x)=ax+b
2. Perform polynomial long division conceptually
Instead of doing the full division, note that:
(x−1)(x−2)(x−3)x4=x3−6x2+11x−6x4
Divide:
- x4÷x3=x, so first term is x.
- Multiply back: x(x3−6x2+11x−6)=x4−6x3+11x2−6x.
- Subtract from x4: remainder is 6x3−11x2+6x.
- Now divide 6x3 by x3 gives 6.
- Multiply: 6(x3−6x2+11x−6)=6x3−36x2+66x−36.
- Subtract: (6x3−11x2+6x)−(6x3−36x2+66x−36)=25x2−60x+36.
Thus:
(x−1)(x−2)(x−3)x4=x+6+(x−1)(x−2)(x−3)25x2−60x+36
So p(x)=x+6.
3. Find C using the cover-up method
We have:
(x−1)(x−2)(x−3)25x2−60x+36=x−1A+x−2B+x−3C
To find C, multiply both sides by (x−3) and then set x=3:
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