Partial Fraction Integration Help =(

In summary, the question is asking if the integrand is \frac{1}{x^3+ x} or \frac{1}{x^3- x}. If it is \frac{1}{x^3-x} then you need to factor more:x3- x= x(x2-1)= x(x-1)(x+1) so \frac{1}{x^3- x}= \frac{A}{x}+ \frac{B}{x-1}+ \frac{C}{x+1}
  • #1
hellos
5
0
can anyone help me with this integration

integral (dx)/(x^3+x)

i tried solving it with partial integration and got stuck when i got find B and C...this was what i did

= integral (dx)/[x(x^2 + 1)]

= 1/[x(x^2 - 1)] = A/x + (Bx+C)/(x^2 + 1)

=> 1 = A(x^2 + 1) + (Bx+C)(x)

=> 1 = Ax^2 +A + Bx^2 + Cx

A = 1

then i got stuck here on how to get the B and C variable

Thanks in advance to those who can help
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The question says [tex]\int\frac{dx}{x^3+x}[/tex] while your answer contains [tex]\int\frac{dx}{x(x^2-1)}[/tex]. Which is right?
 
  • #3
hellos said:
can anyone help me with this integration

integral (dx)/(x^3+x)

i tried solving it with partial integration and got stuck when i got find B and C...this was what i did

= integral (dx)/[x(x^2 - 1)]

= 1/[x(x^2 - 1)] = A/x + (Bx+C)/(x^2 - 1)

=> 1 = A(x^2 - 1) + (Bx+C)(x)

=> 1 = Ax^2 - A + Bx^2 + Cx

A = -1

then i got stuck here on how to get the B and C variable

Thanks in advance to those who can help

?Is your integrand [tex]\frac{1}{x^3+ x}[/tex] or [tex]\frac{1}{x^3- x}[/tex]? You give both.

If it is [tex]\frac{1}{x^3-x}[/tex] then you need to factor more:
x3- x= x(x2-1)= x(x-1)(x+1) so
[tex]\frac{1}{x^3- x}= \frac{A}{x}+ \frac{B}{x-1}+ \frac{C}{x+1}[/tex]
Then 1= A(x-1)(x+1)+ B(x)(x+1)+ C(x)(x-1) and you can determine A, B, C by letting x= -1, 0, 1 in turn.

If it is [itex]\frac{1}{x^3+ x}[/itex] then it is a little harder:
x3+ x= x(x2+ 1) and x2+ 1 cannot be factored further (in terms of real numbers).
[tex]\frac{1}{x^3+x}= \frac{A}{x}+ \frac{Bx+C}{x^2+ 1}[/tex]
then 1= A(x2+1)+ (Bx+ C)x.

Taking x= 0, A= 1. Now there are 3 different ways to determine B and C.

a) Subtract 1/x from the fraction:
[tex]\frac{1}{x^3+x}- \frac{1}{x}= \frac{1}{x^3+x}- \frac{x^2+1}{x^3+x}= -\frac{x}{x^2+1}[/tex]
so that the Bx+ C in [itex]\frac{Bx+C}{x^2+1}[/itex] is clearly B= -1, C= 0.

b) Compare like powers of x:
with 1= A(x2+1)+ (Bx+ C)x and A= 1, we have 1= x2+ 1+ (Bx+ C)x= (B+1)x^2+ Cx+ 1. We must have B+1= x and C= 0 giving, again, B= -1, C= 0.

c) Use some values of x other than 0:
1= 1(x2+1)+ (Bx+ C)x.
Taking x= 1, 1= 2+ B+C and taking x= -1, 1= 2+(-B+C)(-1)= 2+B-C
Now solve the two equation B+ C= -1 and B-C= -1 to get, once again,
B= -1, C= 0.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #4
Thanks for the input guys
 

Related to Partial Fraction Integration Help =(

1. What is partial fraction integration?

Partial fraction integration is a method used in calculus to break down a rational function into smaller, simpler fractions. This allows for easier integration and is often used in solving integrals involving polynomials.

2. Why is partial fraction integration helpful?

Partial fraction integration can make complex integrals more manageable and easier to solve. It can also help in finding antiderivatives of rational functions.

3. How do I know when to use partial fraction integration?

Partial fraction integration is typically used when dealing with integrals involving rational functions, specifically when the degree of the numerator is less than the degree of the denominator.

4. What is the process of partial fraction integration?

The process of partial fraction integration involves breaking down a rational function into smaller fractions, finding the constants for each fraction, and then integrating each fraction separately.

5. Are there any specific techniques for solving partial fraction integrals?

Yes, there are several techniques that can be used to solve partial fraction integrals, such as the method of undetermined coefficients and the Heaviside cover-up method. It is important to choose the appropriate technique based on the specific problem.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
985
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
600
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
412
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
798
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
182
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
186
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
394
Replies
1
Views
512
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
791
Back
Top