<< Chapter < Page | Chapter >> Page > |
Given a rational expression with repeated linear factors, decompose it.
Decompose the given rational expression with repeated linear factors.
The denominator factors are To allow for the repeated factor of the decomposition will include three denominators: and Thus,
Next, we multiply both sides by the common denominator.
On the right side of the equation, we expand and collect like terms.
Next, we compare the coefficients of both sides. This will give the system of equations in three variables:
Solving for , we have
Substitute into equation (1).
Then, to solve for substitute the values for and into equation (2).
Thus,
Find the partial fraction decomposition of the expression with repeated linear factors.
So far, we have performed partial fraction decomposition with expressions that have had linear factors in the denominator, and we applied numerators or representing constants. Now we will look at an example where one of the factors in the denominator is a quadratic expression that does not factor. This is referred to as an irreducible quadratic factor. In cases like this, we use a linear numerator such as etc.
The partial fraction decomposition of such that has a nonrepeated irreducible quadratic factor and the degree of is less than the degree of is written as
The decomposition may contain more rational expressions if there are linear factors. Each linear factor will have a different constant numerator: and so on.
Given a rational expression where the factors of the denominator are distinct, irreducible quadratic factors, decompose it.
Notification Switch
Would you like to follow the 'Precalculus' conversation and receive update notifications?