Solving Partial Fractions for Integrals

In summary, the integral is evaluated using partial fractions to get the antiderivative as 2ln|y| + 9ln|5y+2| + ln|y-3|. However, there were mistakes in determining the coefficients for the partial fractions, resulting in incorrect terms in the antiderivative. The correct answer is \frac{27}{5}ln2 - \frac{9}{5}ln3.
  • #1
TsAmE
132
0

Homework Statement



Evaluate the integral:

[tex]\int_{1}^2 \frac{4y^2 - 7y -12}{y(y+2)(y-3)}dy
[/tex]

Homework Equations



None.

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]\frac{4y^2 -7y -12}{y(y+2)(y-3)} = \frac{A}{y} + \frac{B}{y+2} + \frac{D}{y-3}[/tex]

[tex]y = 0: -12 = -6A \rightarrow A=2[/tex]

[tex]y = -2: 16 + 14 - 12 = 10B[/tex]

[tex]18 = 10B \rightarrow B = \frac{18}{10} = \frac{9}{5}[/tex]

[tex]y = 3: 36 - 21 -12 = 15D
[/tex]

[tex]3 = 15D \rightarrow D = \frac{3}{15} = \frac{1}{5}[/tex]

=[tex]\int_{1}^2 \frac{2}{y} + \frac {\frac{9}{5}}{y + 2} + \frac{\frac{1}{5}}{y - 3} dy[/tex]

=[tex]2ln|y| + 9ln|5y+2| + ln|y - 3| ]_{1}^{2}[/tex]

[tex]2ln2 + 9ln12 - (9ln7 + ln2)[/tex]

[tex]ln2 + 9ln12 - 9ln7

[/tex]

The correct answer is [tex]\frac {27}{5}ln2 - \frac{9}{5}ln3[/tex] but I can't see what I did wrong.
 
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  • #2
TsAmE said:

Homework Statement



Evaluate the integral:

[tex]\int_{1}^2 \frac{4y^2 - 7y -12}{y(y+2)(y-3)}dy
[/tex]

Homework Equations



None.

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]\frac{4y^2 -7y -12}{y(y+2)(y-3)} = \frac{A}{y} + \frac{B}{y+2} + \frac{D}{y-3}[/tex]

[tex]y = 0: -12 = -6A \rightarrow A=2[/tex]

[tex]y = -2: 16 + 14 - 12 = 10B[/tex]

[tex]18 = 10B \rightarrow B = \frac{18}{10} = \frac{9}{5}[/tex]

[tex]y = 3: 36 - 21 -12 = 15D
[/tex]

[tex]3 = 15D \rightarrow D = \frac{3}{15} = \frac{1}{5}[/tex]

=[tex]\int_{1}^2 \frac{2}{y} + \frac {\frac{9}{5}}{y + 2} + \frac{\frac{1}{5}}{y - 3} dy[/tex]

=[tex]2ln|y| + 9ln|5y+2| + ln|y - 3| ]_{1}^{2}[/tex]
The mistakes are above. The 2nd and 3rd terms in your antiderivative are incorrect. I was able to get the same answer as in the book.
TsAmE said:
[tex]2ln2 + 9ln12 - (9ln7 + ln2)[/tex]

[tex]ln2 + 9ln12 - 9ln7

[/tex]

The correct answer is [tex]\frac {27}{5}ln2 - \frac{9}{5}ln3[/tex] but I can't see what I did wrong.
 

Related to Solving Partial Fractions for Integrals

1. What are partial fractions?

Partial fractions are a method used in algebra to decompose a rational function into simpler fractions. This is helpful in simplifying complex equations and solving integrals.

2. When do I use partial fractions?

Partial fractions are used when you have a rational function with a denominator that can be factored into linear and quadratic terms. It is used to simplify and solve these types of equations.

3. How do I solve for the coefficients in partial fractions?

To solve for the coefficients in partial fractions, you need to set up a system of equations using the given equation and then solve for the coefficients using algebraic methods such as substitution or elimination.

4. Can I use partial fractions for improper fractions?

Yes, partial fractions can be used for improper fractions as long as the degree of the numerator is less than the degree of the denominator after factoring.

5. Are there any tips for solving partial fractions?

Some tips for solving partial fractions include factoring the denominator, setting up a system of equations, and using algebraic methods to solve for the coefficients. It is also important to check your answers and simplify the fractions as much as possible.

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