Partial Fraction Expansion

In summary: There is no solution to the equation.In summary, the conversation discusses the expansion of a complex expression involving real nonnegative values and an arbitrary positive integer. The person is seeking a closed-form expression for the coefficients A_j and B in the partial fraction decomposition, but it is unclear if such a decomposition is possible.
  • #1
nikozm
54
0
Hi,

I would like to expand the following expression:

1/[((a+s)*(1+b/s)^m)], where a, b, and s are real nonnegative values and m is an arbitrary positive integer.

Particularly, according to partial fraction expansion, it becomes:

Sum[A_j/[(1+b/s)^j],{j,1,m}]+B/(a+s). I look for a closed-form expression of A_j and B.

Any help could be useful.

Thank you in advance.
 
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  • #2
nikozm said:
Hi,

I would like to expand the following expression:

1/[((a+s)*(1+b/s)^m)], where a, b, and s are real nonnegative values and m is an arbitrary positive integer.

Particularly, according to partial fraction expansion, it becomes:

Sum[A_j/[(1+b/s)^j],{j,1,m}]+B/(a+s). I look for a closed-form expression of A_j and B.

Any help could be useful.
I don't know if there is such an expansion. Partial fraction decomposition is used when the denominator is the factorization of some polynomial. For your problem, the denominator is ##(a + s)(1 + \frac b s)^m## which is not a polynomial in s.

Consider a much simpler example. Can we decompose ##\frac 1 {(a + x)(b + 1/x)}##
That is, can we write ##\frac 1 {(a + x)(b + 1/x)}## as ##\frac A {a + x} + \frac B {b + 1/x}##?
If so, multiplying on both sides by (a + x)(b + 1/x) yields the equation ##1 = A(b + 1/x) + B(a + x)##, which must hold for all x for which the original denominator isn't zero.

Multiplying out the right side, we have ##1 = Ab + Ba + \frac A x + Bx##
In order for this equation to be identcally true, we must have 1 = Ab + Ba, ##\frac A x = 0##, and ##Bx = 0##, implying that A = B = 0, and Ab + Ba = 1.
 

Related to Partial Fraction Expansion

What is partial fraction expansion?

Partial fraction expansion is a mathematical technique used to decompose a rational function into simpler fractions. It is used to simplify the integration or differentiation of complex functions.

When is partial fraction expansion used?

Partial fraction expansion is used when integrating or differentiating rational functions, or when solving partial differential equations. It is also commonly used in the field of control systems engineering.

What are the steps involved in partial fraction expansion?

The first step is to factor the denominator of the rational function into linear and irreducible quadratic factors. Then, express the rational function as a sum of simpler fractions with the same denominator. Next, equate the coefficients of the terms on both sides of the equation and solve for the unknown coefficients. Finally, write the original rational function as a sum of the simpler fractions with their respective coefficients.

What types of rational functions can be simplified using partial fraction expansion?

Partial fraction expansion can be used for rational functions with distinct linear or irreducible quadratic factors in the denominator. It cannot be used for functions with repeated factors or higher degree factors in the denominator.

What are the benefits of using partial fraction expansion?

Partial fraction expansion can simplify complex rational functions, making them easier to integrate or differentiate. It can also help in solving partial differential equations and can be useful in engineering applications such as control systems. Additionally, it can provide insight into the behavior of the function and help in finding the roots or poles of the original function.

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