Q.Integrate the following function: (x2−1)(2x+3)2x−3
🔒You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.
🔒 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. …
Factor fully: x2−1=(x−1)(x+1), so the denominator is (x−1)(x+1)(2x+3).
(x−1)(x+1)(2x+3)2x−3=x−1A+x+1B+2x+3C.
Clearing, 2x−3=A(x+1)(2x+3)+B(x−1)(2x+3)+C(x−1)(x+1):
- x=1: −1=A(2)(5)=10A⇒A=−101
- x=−1: −5=B(−2)(1)=−2B⇒B=25
- x=−23: −6=C(−25)(−21)=45C⇒C=−524 …
Three distinct linear factors give A=−101, B=25, C=−524; integrating (with the 21 from 2x+3) gives −101log∣x−1∣+25log∣x+1∣−512log∣2x+3∣+C.
Step 1 — factor completely
(x2−1)(2x+3)2x−3=(x−1)(x+1)(2x+3)2x−3.
Three distinct linear factors, numerator of lower degree — a clean partial-fraction case.
Step 2 — set up
(x−1)(x+1)(2x+3)2x−3=x−1A+x+1B+2x+3C.
Clearing: 2x−3=A(x+1)(2x+3)+B(x−1)(2x+3)+C(x−1)(x+1).
Step 3 — plug in the roots
- x=1: 2(1)−3=−1=A(2)(5)=10A⇒A=−101.
- x=−1: 2(−1)−3=−5=B(−2)(1)=−2B⇒B=25.
- x=−23: 2(−23)−3=−6=C(−23−1)(−23+1)=C(−25)(−21)=45C⇒C=−524.
Step 4 — integrate
∫(x2−1)(2x+3)2x−3dx=−101∫x−1dx+25∫x+1dx−524∫2x+3dx. …
Method: Partial Fractions with a Non-Monic Linear Factor
Use this for a proper fraction whose denominator splits into distinct linear factors, one of which has a leading coefficient other than 1 (like 2x+3).
Steps
Step 1: Factor the denominator fully.
Break every quadratic into linear pieces, e.g. x2−1=(x−1)(x+1), so the denominator becomes (x−1)(x+1)(2x+3).
Step 2: One constant per distinct linear factor.
(x−1)(x+1)(2x+3)P(x)=x−1A+x+1B+2x+3C
Step 3: Solve by the cover-up (root) method. …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Integrating 2x+3C as Clog∣2x+3∣.
Why it's wrong: the inner derivative of 2x+3 is 2, so ∫2x+3dx=21log∣2x+3∣; forgetting this factor makes that term twice too large. Correct approach: ∫2x+3Cdx=2Clog∣2x+3∣ (here −524→−512).
Mistake 2: Using x=23 instead of x=−23 for the cover-up on 2x+3. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 33 on this concept.
- 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 2025Set eng-2025-05-02-AN1 markMCQQ.If (x+2)(x2+1)x2−3=x+2A+x2+1Bx+C then 3A+2B−C= (A) 58 (B) 516 (C) 53 (D) 519
›Reveal solutionSolution
Solving the partial-fraction system gives A=51, B=54, C=−58, so 3A+2B−C=519, option (D).
Clear denominators in (x+2)(x2+1)x2−3=x+2A+x2+1Bx+C:
x2−3=A(x2+1)+(Bx+C)(x+2)=(A+B)x2+(2B+C)x+(A+2C).
Matching coefficients:
A+B=1,2B+C=0,A+2C=−3. …
- TG EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-19-AN1 markMCQQ.If dxd((x+1)2(x−2)2x+1)=(x−2)2A+(x+2)3B+(x+1)2C then A+B+C= (A) 3−2 (B) 32 (C) 31 (D) 3−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
The problem asks for the sum of constants in a partial-fraction-like decomposition of a derivative. By differentiating the given rational function and matching the form, we find A+B+C=−32, which corresponds to option (A).
The key insight here is that the derivative of a rational function can be expressed as a sum of simpler fractions, but the given form is not a standard partial fraction decomposition — it’s a template for the derivative itself. The constants A, B, C are not from splitting the original function, but from rewriting its derivative in that specific pattern. So we must differentiate first, then compare.
Let’s work through it.
-
Differentiate the given function.
Let f(x)=(x+1)2(x−2)2x+1.
Use the quotient rule: f′(x)=v2u′v−uv′, where u=2x+1 and v=(x+1)2(x−2).
First, u′=2.
For v′, use the product rule: v=(x+1)2⋅(x−2).
Derivative: v′=2(x+1)(1)⋅(x−2)+(x+1)2⋅1=2(x+1)(x−2)+(x+1)2.
Simplify: v′=(x+1)[2(x−2)+(x+1)]=(x+1)(2x−4+x+1)=(x+1)(3x−3)=3(x+1)(x−1).
So f′(x)=(x+1)4(x−2)22⋅(x+1)2(x−2)−(2x+1)⋅3(x+1)(x−1).
-
Simplify the numerator.
Factor out (x+1) from the numerator (common factor):
Numerator =(x+1)[2(x+1)(x−2)−3(2x+1)(x−1)].
Expand inside:
2(x+1)(x−2)=2(x2−x−2)=2x2−2x−4.
3(2x+1)(x−1)=3(2x2−2x+x−1)=3(2x2−x−1)=6x2−3x−3.
Subtract: (2x2−2x−4)−(6x2−3x−3)=−4x2+x−1.
So numerator =(x+1)(−4x2+x−1).
Thus f′(x)=(x+1)4(x−2)2(x+1)(−4x2+x−1)=(x+1)3(x−2)2−4x2+x−1.
-
Match to the given form.
We are told f′(x)=(x−2)2A+(x+2)3B+(x+1)2C.
But our denominator has factors (x+1)3 and (x−2)2 — note the (x+2)3 term in the given form is suspicious. That’s likely a typo in the problem statement (common in such questions); it should be (x+1)3 instead of (x+2)3. We’ll proceed assuming the intended form is (x−2)2A+(x+1)3B+(x+1)2C.
So we need to decompose (x+1)3(x−2)2−4x2+x−1 into partial fractions with denominators as above.
-
Set up the decomposition.
Write:
(x+1)3(x−2)2−4x2+x−1=(x−2)2A+(x+1)3B+(x+1)2C.
Multiply both sides by (x+1)3(x−2)2:
−4x2+x−1=A(x+1)3+B(x−2)2+C(x+1)(x−2)2.
- Find constants by substitution.
- Put x=2: −4(4)+2−1=−16+1=−15. …
-
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-14-FN1 markMCQQ.If (x+1)(2x2+3)3x+2=x+1A+2x2+3Bx+C, then A−B+C= (A) 2 (B) 1 (C) 3 (D) 6
›Reveal solutionSolution
We find the constants in the partial fraction decomposition by clearing denominators and equating coefficients, then compute A−B+C=1.
The problem gives a rational function and its partial fraction decomposition. The key idea: multiply both sides by the common denominator to get a polynomial identity, then match coefficients to solve for A, B, and C. Once we have them, the expression A−B+C is straightforward.
- Set up the equation We have
(x+1)(2x2+3)3x+2=x+1A+2x2+3Bx+C.
Multiply both sides by (x+1)(2x2+3) to clear denominators:
3x+2=A(2x2+3)+(Bx+C)(x+1).
- Expand the right-hand side First term: A(2x2+3)=2Ax2+3A. Second term: (Bx+C)(x+1)=Bx2+Bx+Cx+C=Bx2+(B+C)x+C. Adding them:
3x+2=(2A+B)x2+(B+C)x+(3A+C).
- Equate coefficients Since the left side has no x2 term, its coefficient is 0. So:
⎩⎨⎧Coefficient of x2:Coefficient of x:Constant term:2A+B=0(1)B+C=3(2)3A+C=2(3)
- Solve the system From (1): B=−2A. Substitute into (2): −2A+C=3⇒C=3+2A. Substitute into (3): 3A+(3+2A)=2⇒5A+3=2⇒5A=−1⇒A=−51. …
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-03-FN1 markMCQQ.If (x2+2)(x2+3)x2+1=x2+2Ax+B+x2+3Cx+D, then A+B+C+D= (A) 1 (B) 0 (C) −1 (D) 6
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to combine the partial fractions into a single rational expression, equate numerators, and solve for the constants. The sum A+B+C+D turns out to be 0.
We are given the partial fraction decomposition:
(x2+2)(x2+3)x2+1=x2+2Ax+B+x2+3Cx+D
We need A+B+C+D. The natural approach: combine the right-hand side over a common denominator, match coefficients, and solve.
1. Combine the fractions on the right.
x2+2Ax+B+x2+3Cx+D=(x2+2)(x2+3)(Ax+B)(x2+3)+(Cx+D)(x2+2)
Since the denominators are already equal, we equate the numerators:
x2+1=(Ax+B)(x2+3)+(Cx+D)(x2+2)
2. Expand both products.
First term: (Ax+B)(x2+3)=Ax3+3Ax+Bx2+3B
Second term: (Cx+D)(x2+2)=Cx3+2Cx+Dx2+2D
Add them:
(A+C)x3+(B+D)x2+(3A+2C)x+(3B+2D)
So we have:
x2+1=(A+C)x3+(B+D)x2+(3A+2C)x+(3B+2D)
3. Equate coefficients.
The left side has no x3 term, no x term, constant term 1, and x2 coefficient 1. So:
- Coefficient of x3: A+C=0
- Coefficient of x2: B+D=1
- Coefficient of x: 3A+2C=0
- Constant term: 3B+2D=1
4. Solve the system.
From A+C=0 we have C=−A.
Plug into 3A+2C=0: 3A+2(−A)=3A−2A=A=0.
Thus A=0 and then C=0. …
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-03-AN1 markMCQQ.If (x2+2)(x2+3)x2+1=x2+2Ax+B+x2+3Cx+D, then A+B+C+D= (A) 0 (B) 1 (C) −1 (D) 6
›Reveal solutionSolution
We decompose the rational function into partial fractions with linear numerators, then equate coefficients to solve for A, B, C, D; summing them gives 0.
We are given:
(x2+2)(x2+3)x2+1=x2+2Ax+B+x2+3Cx+D
and need A+B+C+D.
Concept & Intuition
Since the denominator factors are irreducible quadratics, each partial fraction gets a linear numerator (Ax+B form). The standard method: multiply through by the common denominator, expand, and equate coefficients of like powers of x. This yields a system of equations for A,B,C,D. Summing them is then trivial.
Step-by-step
- Clear denominators Multiply both sides by (x2+2)(x2+3):
x2+1=(Ax+B)(x2+3)+(Cx+D)(x2+2)
- Expand each term
(Ax+B)(x2+3)=Ax3+3Ax+Bx2+3B
(Cx+D)(x2+2)=Cx3+2Cx+Dx2+2D
- Combine like powers
x2+1=(A+C)x3+(B+D)x2+(3A+2C)x+(3B+2D)
-
Equate coefficients
- Coefficient of x3: A+C=0
- Coefficient of x2: B+D=1
- Coefficient of x1: 3A+2C=0
- Constant term: 3B+2D=1
-
Solve the system
From A+C=0 we have C=−A.
Substitute into 3A+2C=0: 3A+2(−A)=A=0 → A=0, then C=0.
From B+D=1 we have D=1−B. …
- TG EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-05-AN1 markMCQQ.The partial fraction decomposition of (x+3)(x2+1)9x−7 is (A) 5(x+3)17−5(x2+1)(17x−6) (B) 5(x+3)−17−5(x2+1)(17x−6) (C) 5(x+3)17+5(x2+1)(17x−6) (D) 5(x+3)−17+5(x2+1)(17x−6)
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to decompose a rational function with an irreducible quadratic factor into a sum of a linear-over-quadratic term and a constant-over-linear term, then solve for the unknown coefficients. The correct decomposition is option (D).
When you see a denominator with a linear factor (x+3) and an irreducible quadratic factor (x2+1), the standard partial fraction form is:
(x+3)(x2+1)9x−7=x+3A+x2+1Bx+C
The numerator over the quadratic must be linear (degree 1) because the denominator is degree 2 — a common point where students mistakenly put just a constant. The goal is to find A, B, and C by clearing denominators and equating coefficients.
- Set up the equation Multiply both sides by (x+3)(x2+1):
9x−7=A(x2+1)+(Bx+C)(x+3)
- Expand the right-hand side
A(x2+1)=Ax2+A
(Bx+C)(x+3)=Bx2+3Bx+Cx+3C=Bx2+(3B+C)x+3C
Adding them:
9x−7=(A+B)x2+(3B+C)x+(A+3C)
- Equate coefficients Comparing coefficients of x2, x, and the constant term gives three equations:
⎩⎨⎧A+B=03B+C=9A+3C=−7(coefficient of x2)(coefficient of x)(constant term)
- Solve the system From the first equation: B=−A. Substitute into the second: 3(−A)+C=9⟹−3A+C=9. The third equation is A+3C=−7. Solve these two:
−3A+CA+3C=9=−7
Multiply the first equation by 3: −9A+3C=27. Subtract the second equation from this:
(−9A+3C)−(A+3C)=27−(−7)⟹−10A=34⟹A=−1034=−517
Then B=−A=517. …
- 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-2022-07-20-FN1 markMCQQ.If (2x+3)(x2+2)3x2+ax+3=2x+33+x2+2Bx+C then a (B+C)= (A) −2 (B) 3 (C) −3 (D) 2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Clear the denominators and match coefficients: B=0, C=−1, a=−2, so a(B+C)=(−2)(−1)=2.
Multiply both sides by (2x+3)(x2+2):
3x2+ax+3=3(x2+2)+(Bx+C)(2x+3).
Expand the right side:
3(x2+2)+(Bx+C)(2x+3)=3x2+6+2Bx2+3Bx+2Cx+3C=(3+2B)x2+(3B+2C)x+(6+3C).
Compare coefficients with 3x2+ax+3:
- x2: 3=3+2B⇒B=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 2022Set eng-2022-07-20-FN1 markMCQQ.If (x−7)32x2−3x+5=x−7A+(x−7)2B+(x−7)3C, then 2A−3B+C= (A) 0 (B) 27 (C) 11 (D) 15
›Reveal solutionSolution
To find the coefficients A,B,C in the partial fraction decomposition, we can use a combination of substitution and differentiation. This method efficiently isolates each coefficient. The final value of 2A−3B+C is 11.
The problem asks us to find the value of an expression involving coefficients A,B,C from a partial fraction decomposition. The given rational function has a repeated linear factor in the denominator, (x−7)3. Understanding how to decompose such functions is key.
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 simpler fractions. This is particularly useful in calculus for integration, but also in other areas like inverse Laplace transforms.
When the denominator contains a repeated linear factor, say (x−a)n, the decomposition must include terms for each power of that factor, from 1 up to n. For (x−7)3, this means we need terms with denominators (x−7), (x−7)2, and (x−7)3.
The general form for a repeated linear factor (x−a)n is:
(x−a)nQ(x)P(x)=x−aA1+(x−a)2A2+⋯+(x−a)nAn+terms from Q(x)
In our specific problem, the denominator is just (x−7)3, so the decomposition is:
(x−7)32x2−3x+5=x−7A+(x−7)2B+(x−7)3C
To find A,B,C, we typically clear the denominators and then equate the numerators. For repeated factors, a powerful method involves differentiating the resulting polynomial equation.
Let's see why this differentiation method works. When we clear the denominators, we get:
2x2−3x+5=A(x−7)2+B(x−7)+C
Let P(x)=2x2−3x+5. So, P(x)=A(x−7)2+B(x−7)+C.
If we substitute x=7, all terms with (x−7) become zero, directly giving us C.
If we differentiate P(x) once, we get P′(x)=2A(x−7)+B. Substituting x=7 into P′(x) makes the 2A(x−7) term zero, directly giving us B.
If we differentiate P(x) a second time, we get P′′(x)=2A. This directly gives us A.
This method is often more efficient than comparing coefficients, especially for higher powers of repeated factors.
Step-by-step Derivation
- Clear the denominators and equate numerators. We start with the given equation:
(x−7)32x2−3x+5=x−7A+(x−7)2B+(x−7)3C
Multiply both sides by $(x-7)^3$ to eliminate the denominators:2x2−3x+5=A(x−7)2+B(x−7)+C
Let's call the left-hand side $P(x)$, so $P(x) = 2x^2 - 3x + 5$.2. Find C by substitution.
Substitute x=7 into the equation P(x)=A(x−7)2+B(x−7)+C:
P(7)=A(7−7)2+B(7−7)+C
2(7)2−3(7)+5=A(0)2+B(0)+C
2(49)−21+5=C
98−21+5=C
82=C
So, $C = 82$. … - 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 …
🎓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.