Partial Fractions

We have seen some techniques that allow us to integrate specific rational functions. For example, we know that

duu=ln\|u\|+Candduu2+a2=1atan−1(ua)+C.

However, we do not yet have a technique that allows us to tackle arbitrary quotients of this type. Thus, it is not immediately obvious how to go about evaluating 3xx2x2dx.

However, we know from material previously developed that

(1x+1+2x2)dx=ln\|x+1\|+2ln\|x2\|+C.

In fact, by getting a common denominator, we see that

1x+1+2x2=3xx2x2.

Consequently,

3xx2x2dx=(1x+1+2x2)dx.

In this section, we examine the method of partial fraction decomposition, which allows us to decompose rational functions into sums of simpler, more easily integrated rational functions. Using this method, we can rewrite an expression such as: 3xx2x2

as an expression such as 1x+1+2x2.

The key to the method of partial fraction decomposition is being able to anticipate the form that the decomposition of a rational function will take. As we shall see, this form is both predictable and highly dependent on the factorization of the denominator of the rational function. It is also extremely important to keep in mind that partial fraction decomposition can be applied to a rational function P(x)Q(x)

only if deg(P(x))<deg(Q(x)).

In the case when deg(P(x))deg(Q(x)),

we must first perform long division to rewrite the quotient P(x)Q(x)

in the form A(x)+R(x)Q(x),

where deg(R(x))<deg(Q(x)).

We then do a partial fraction decomposition on R(x)Q(x).

The following example, although not requiring partial fraction decomposition, illustrates our approach to integrals of rational functions of the form P(x)Q(x)dx,

where deg(P(x))deg(Q(x)).

Integrating P(x)Q(x)dx, where deg(P(x))deg(Q(x))

Evaluate x2+3x+5x+1dx.

Since deg(x2+3x+5)deg(x+1),

we perform long division to obtain

x2+3x+5x+1=x+2+3x+1.

Thus,

x2+3x+5x+1dx=(x+2+3x+1)dx=12x2+2x+3ln\|x+1\|+C.

Visit this website for a review of long division of polynomials.

Evaluate x3x+2dx.

x5ln\|x+2\|+C
Hint

Use long division to obtain x3x+2=15x+2.

To integrate P(x)Q(x)dx,

where deg(P(x))<deg(Q(x)),

we must begin by factoring Q(x).

Nonrepeated Linear Factors

If Q(x)

can be factored as (a1x+b1)(a2x+b2)(anx+bn),

where each linear factor is distinct, then it is possible to find constants A1,A2,…An

satisfying

P(x)Q(x)=A1a1x+b1+A2a2x+b2++Ananx+bn.

The proof that such constants exist is beyond the scope of this course.

In this next example, we see how to use partial fractions to integrate a rational function of this type.

Partial Fractions with Nonrepeated Linear Factors

Evaluate 3x+2x3x22xdx.

Since deg(3x+2)<deg(x3x22x),

we begin by factoring the denominator of 3x+2x3x22x.

We can see that x3x22x=x(x2)(x+1).

Thus, there are constants A,

B,

and C

satisfying

3x+2x(x2)(x+1)=Ax+Bx2+Cx+1.

We must now find these constants. To do so, we begin by getting a common denominator on the right. Thus,

3x+2x(x2)(x+1)=A(x2)(x+1)+Bx(x+1)+Cx(x2)x(x2)(x+1).

Now, we set the numerators equal to each other, obtaining

3x+2=A(x2)(x+1)+Bx(x+1)+Cx(x2).

There are two different strategies for finding the coefficients A,

B,

and C.

We refer to these as the method of equating coefficients and the method of strategic substitution.

Rule: Method of Equating Coefficients

Rewrite [link] in the form

3x+2=(A+B+C)x2+(A+B2C)x+(−2A).

Equating coefficients produces the system of equations

A+B+C=0A+B2C=32A=2.

To solve this system, we first observe that −2A=2A=−1.

Substituting this value into the first two equations gives us the system

B+C=1B2C=2.

Multiplying the second equation by −1

and adding the resulting equation to the first produces

−3C=1,

which in turn implies that C=13.

Substituting this value into the equation B+C=1

yields B=43.

Thus, solving these equations yields A=−1,

B=43,

and C=13.

It is important to note that the system produced by this method is consistent if and only if we have set up the decomposition correctly. If the system is inconsistent, there is an error in our decomposition.

Rule: Method of Strategic Substitution

The method of strategic substitution is based on the assumption that we have set up the decomposition correctly. If the decomposition is set up correctly, then there must be values of A,

B,

and C

that satisfy [link] for all values of x.

That is, this equation must be true for any value of x

we care to substitute into it. Therefore, by choosing values of x

carefully and substituting them into the equation, we may find A,

B,

and C

easily. For example, if we substitute x=0,

the equation reduces to 2=A(−2)(1).

Solving for A

yields A=−1.

Next, by substituting x=2,

the equation reduces to 8=B(2)(3),

or equivalently B=4/3.

Last, we substitute x=−1

into the equation and obtain −1=C(−1)(−3).

Solving, we have C=13.

It is important to keep in mind that if we attempt to use this method with a decomposition that has not been set up correctly, we are still able to find values for the constants, but these constants are meaningless. If we do opt to use the method of strategic substitution, then it is a good idea to check the result by recombining the terms algebraically.

Now that we have the values of A,

B,

and C,

we rewrite the original integral:

3x+2x3x22xdx=(1x+43·1(x2)13·1(x+1))dx.

Evaluating the integral gives us

3x+2x3x22xdx=ln\|x\|+43ln\|x2\|13ln\|x+1\|+C.

In the next example, we integrate a rational function in which the degree of the numerator is not less than the degree of the denominator.

Dividing before Applying Partial Fractions

Evaluate x2+3x+1x24dx.

Since degree(x2+3x+1)degree(x24),

we must perform long division of polynomials. This results in

x2+3x+1x24=1+3x+5x24.

Next, we perform partial fraction decomposition on 3x+5x24=3x+5(x+2)(x2).

We have

3x+5(x2)(x+2)=Ax2+Bx+2.

Thus,

3x+5=A(x+2)+B(x2).

Solving for A

and B

using either method, we obtain A=11/4

and B=1/4.

Rewriting the original integral, we have

x2+3x+1x24dx=(1+114·1x2+14·1x+2)dx.

Evaluating the integral produces

x2+3x+1x24dx=x+114ln\|x2\|+14ln\|x+2\|+C.

As we see in the next example, it may be possible to apply the technique of partial fraction decomposition to a nonrational function. The trick is to convert the nonrational function to a rational function through a substitution.

Applying Partial Fractions after a Substitution

Evaluate cosxsin2xsinxdx.

Let’s begin by letting u=sinx.

Consequently, du=cosxdx.

After making these substitutions, we have

cosxsin2xsinxdx=duu2u=duu(u1).

Applying partial fraction decomposition to 1/u(u1)

gives 1u(u1)=1u+1u1.

Thus,

cosxsin2xsinxdx=ln\|u\|+ln\|u1\|+C=ln\|sinx\|+ln\|sinx1\|+C.

Evaluate x+1(x+3)(x2)dx.

25ln\|x+3\|+35ln\|x2\|+C
Hint
x+1(x+3)(x2)=Ax+3+Bx2

Repeated Linear Factors

For some applications, we need to integrate rational expressions that have denominators with repeated linear factors—that is, rational functions with at least one factor of the form (ax+b)n,

where n

is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

If the denominator contains the repeated linear factor (ax+b)n,

then the decomposition must contain

A1ax+b+A2(ax+b)2++An(ax+b)n.

As we see in our next example, the basic technique used for solving for the coefficients is the same, but it requires more algebra to determine the numerators of the partial fractions.

Partial Fractions with Repeated Linear Factors

Evaluate x2(2x1)2(x1)dx.

We have degree(x2)<degree((2x1)2(x1)),

so we can proceed with the decomposition. Since (2x1)2

is a repeated linear factor, include A2x1+B(2x1)2

in the decomposition. Thus,

x2(2x1)2(x1)=A2x1+B(2x1)2+Cx1.

After getting a common denominator and equating the numerators, we have

x2=A(2x1)(x1)+B(x1)+C(2x1)2.

We then use the method of equating coefficients to find the values of A,

B,

and C.

x2=(2A+4C)x2+(−3A+B4C)x+(AB+C).

Equating coefficients yields 2A+4C=0,

−3A+B4C=1,

and AB+C=−2.

Solving this system yields A=2,

B=3,

and C=−1.

Alternatively, we can use the method of strategic substitution. In this case, substituting x=1

and x=1/2

into [link] easily produces the values B=3

and C=−1.

At this point, it may seem that we have run out of good choices for x,

however, since we already have values for B

and C,

we can substitute in these values and choose any value for x

not previously used. The value x=0

is a good option. In this case, we obtain the equation −2=A(−1)(−1)+3(−1)+(−1)(−1)2

or, equivalently, A=2.

Now that we have the values for A,

B,

and C,

we rewrite the original integral and evaluate it:

x2(2x1)2(x1)dx=(22x1+3(2x1)21x1)dx=ln\|2x1\|32(2x1)ln\|x1\|+C.

Set up the partial fraction decomposition for x+2(x+3)3(x4)2dx.

(Do not solve for the coefficients or complete the integration.)

x+2(x+3)3(x4)2=Ax+3+B(x+3)2+C(x+3)3+D(x4)+E(x4)2
Hint

Use the problem-solving method of [link] for guidance.

The General Method

Now that we are beginning to get the idea of how the technique of partial fraction decomposition works, let’s outline the basic method in the following problem-solving strategy.

Problem-Solving Strategy: Partial Fraction Decomposition

To decompose the rational function P(x)/Q(x),

use the following steps:

  1. Make sure that degree(P(x))<degree(Q(x)).

    If not, perform long division of polynomials.

  2. Factor Q(x)

    into the product of linear and irreducible quadratic factors. An irreducible quadratic is a quadratic that has no real zeros.

  3. Assuming that deg(P(x))<deg(Q(x)),

    the factors of

    Q(x)

    determine the form of the decomposition of

    P(x)/Q(x).
    1. If Q(x)

      can be factored as

      (a1x+b1)(a2x+b2)(anx+bn),

      where each linear factor is distinct, then it is possible to find constants

      A1,A2,...An

      satisfying


      P(x)Q(x)=A1a1x+b1+A2a2x+b2++Ananx+bn.
    2. If Q(x)

      contains the repeated linear factor

      (ax+b)n,

      then the decomposition must contain


      A1ax+b+A2(ax+b)2++An(ax+b)n.
    3. For each irreducible quadratic factor ax2+bx+c

      that

      Q(x)

      contains, the decomposition must include


      Ax+Bax2+bx+c.
    4. For each repeated irreducible quadratic factor (ax2+bx+c)n,

      the decomposition must include


      A1x+B1ax2+bx+c+A2x+B2(ax2+bx+c)2++Anx+Bn(ax2+bx+c)n.
    5. After the appropriate decomposition is determined, solve for the constants.
    6. Last, rewrite the integral in its decomposed form and evaluate it using previously developed techniques or integration formulas.

Simple Quadratic Factors

Now let’s look at integrating a rational expression in which the denominator contains an irreducible quadratic factor. Recall that the quadratic ax2+bx+c

is irreducible if ax2+bx+c=0

has no real zeros—that is, if b24ac<0.

Rational Expressions with an Irreducible Quadratic Factor

Evaluate 2x3x3+xdx.

Since deg(2x3)<deg(x3+x),

factor the denominator and proceed with partial fraction decomposition. Since x3+x=x(x2+1)

contains the irreducible quadratic factor x2+1,

include Ax+Bx2+1

as part of the decomposition, along with Cx

for the linear term x.

Thus, the decomposition has the form

2x3x(x2+1)=Ax+Bx2+1+Cx.

After getting a common denominator and equating the numerators, we obtain the equation

2x3=(Ax+B)x+C(x2+1).

Solving for A,B,

and C,

we get A=3,

B=2,

and C=−3.

Thus,

2x3x3+x=3x+2x2+13x.

Substituting back into the integral, we obtain

2x3x3+xdx=(3x+2x2+13x)dx=3xx2+1dx+21x2+1dx31xdxSplit up the integral.=32ln\|x2+1\|+2tan−1x3ln\|x\|+C.Evaluate each integral.

Note: We may rewrite ln\|x2+1\|=ln(x2+1),

if we wish to do so, since x2+1>0.

Partial Fractions with an Irreducible Quadratic Factor

Evaluate dxx38.

We can start by factoring x38=(x2)(x2+2x+4).

We see that the quadratic factor x2+2x+4

is irreducible since 224(1)(4)=−12<0.

Using the decomposition described in the problem-solving strategy, we get

1(x2)(x2+2x+4)=Ax2+Bx+Cx2+2x+4.

After obtaining a common denominator and equating the numerators, this becomes

1=A(x2+2x+4)+(Bx+C)(x2).

Applying either method, we get A=112,B=112,andC=13.

Rewriting dxx38,

we have

dxx38=1121x2dx112x+4x2+2x+4dx.

We can see that

1x2dx=ln\|x2\|+C,

but x+4x2+2x+4dx

requires a bit more effort. Let’s begin by completing the square on x2+2x+4

to obtain

x2+2x+4=(x+1)2+3.

By letting u=x+1

and consequently du=dx,

we see that

x+4x2+2x+4dx=x+4(x+1)2+3dxComplete the square on thedenominator.=u+3u2+3duSubstituteu=x+1,x=u1,anddu=dx.=uu2+3du+3u2+3duSplit the numerator apart.=12ln\|u2+3\|+33tan−1u3+CEvaluate each integral.=12ln\|x2+2x+4\|+3tan−1(x+13)+C.Rewrite in terms ofxandsimplify.

Substituting back into the original integral and simplifying gives

dxx38=112ln\|x2\|124ln\|x2+2x+4\|312tan−1(x+13)+C.

Here again, we can drop the absolute value if we wish to do so, since x2+2x+4>0

for all x.

Finding a Volume

Find the volume of the solid of revolution obtained by revolving the region enclosed by the graph of f(x)=x2(x2+1)2

and the x-axis over the interval [0,1]

about the y-axis.

Let’s begin by sketching the region to be revolved (see [link]). From the sketch, we see that the shell method is a good choice for solving this problem.

This figure is the graph of the function f(x) = x^2/(x^2+1)^2. It is a curve above the x-axis. It is decreasing in the second quadrant, intersects at the origin, and increases in the first quadrant. Between x = 0 and x = 1, there is shaded area under the curve.

The volume is given by

V=2π01x·x2(x2+1)2dx=2π01x3(x2+1)2dx.

Since deg((x2+1)2)=4>3=deg(x3),

we can proceed with partial fraction decomposition. Note that (x2+1)2

is a repeated irreducible quadratic. Using the decomposition described in the problem-solving strategy, we get

x3(x2+1)2=Ax+Bx2+1+Cx+D(x2+1)2.

Finding a common denominator and equating the numerators gives

x3=(Ax+B)(x2+1)+Cx+D.

Solving, we obtain A=1,

B=0, C=−1,

and D=0.

Substituting back into the integral, we have

V=2π01x3(x2+1)2dx=2π01(xx2+1x(x2+1)2)dx=2π(12ln(x2+1)+12·1x2+1)\|01=π(ln212).

Set up the partial fraction decomposition for x2+3x+1(x+2)(x3)2(x2+4)2dx.

x2+3x+1(x+2)(x3)2(x2+4)2=Ax+2+Bx3+C(x3)2+Dx+Ex2+4+Fx+G(x2+4)2
Hint

Use the problem-solving strategy.

Key Concepts

Express the rational function as a sum or difference of two simpler rational expressions.

1(x3)(x2)
x2+1x(x+1)(x+2)
2x+1+52(x+2)+12x
1x3x
3x+1x2
1x2+3x
3x2x2+1

(Hint: Use long division first.)

2x4x22x
2x2+4x+8+16x2
1(x1)(x2+1)
1x2(x1)
1x21x+1x1
xx24
1x(x1)(x2)(x3)
12(x2)+12(x1)16x+16(x3)
1x41=1(x+1)(x1)(x2+1)
3x2x31=3x2(x1)(x2+x+1)
1x1+2x+1x2+x+1
2x(x+2)2
3x4+x3+20x2+3x+31(x+1)(x2+4)2
2x+1+xx2+41(x2+4)2

Use the method of partial fractions to evaluate each of the following integrals.

dx(x3)(x2)
3xx2+2x8dx
ln\|2x\|+2ln\|4+x\|+C
dxx3x
xx24dx
12ln\|4x2\|+C
dxx(x1)(x2)(x3)
2x2+4x+22x2+2x+10dx
2(x+13arctan(1+x3))+C
dxx25x+6
2xx2+xdx
2ln\|x\|3ln\|1+x\|+C
2x2x6dx
dxx32x24x+8
116(4−2+xln\|−2+x\|+ln\|2+x\|)+C
dxx410x2+9

Evaluate the following integrals, which have irreducible quadratic factors.

2(x4)(x2+2x+6)dx
130(−25arctan[1+x5]+2ln\|−4+x\|ln\|6+2x+x2\|)+C
x2x3x2+4x4dx
x3+6x2+3x+6x3+2x2dx
3x+4ln\|x+2\|+x+C
x(x1)(x2+2x+2)2dx

Use the method of partial fractions to evaluate the following integrals.

3x+4(x2+4)(3x)dx
ln\|3x\|+12ln\|x2+4\|+C
2(x+2)2(2x)dx
3x+4x32x4dx

(Hint: Use the rational root theorem.)

ln\|x2\|12ln\|x2+2x+2\|+C

Use substitution to convert the integrals to integrals of rational functions. Then use partial fractions to evaluate the integrals.

01ex36e2xdx

(Give the exact answer and the decimal equivalent. Round to five decimal places.)

exdxe2xexdx
x+ln\|1ex\|+C
sinxdx1cos2x
sinxcos2x+cosx6dx
15ln\|cosx+3cosx2\|+C
1x1+xdx
dt(etet)2
122e2t+C
1+ex1exdx
dx1+x+1
21+x2ln\|1+1+x\|+C
dxx+x4
cosxsinx(1sinx)dx
ln\|sinx1sinx\|+C
ex(e2x4)2dx
121x24x2dx
34
12+exdx
11+exdx
xln(1+ex)+C

Use the given substitution to convert the integral to an integral of a rational function, then evaluate.

1tt3dtt=x3
1x+x3dx;x=u6
6x1/63x1/3+2x6ln(1+x1/6)+C

Graph the curve y=x1+x

over the interval [0,5].

Then, find the area of the region bounded by the curve, the x-axis, and the line x=4.

This figure is a graph of the function y = x/(1 + x). The graph is only in the first quadrant. It begins at the origin and increases into the first quadrant. The curve stops at x = 5.

Find the volume of the solid generated when the region bounded by y=1/x(3x),

y=0, x=1,

and x=2

is revolved about the x-axis.

43πarctanh[13]=13πln4

The velocity of a particle moving along a line is a function of time given by v(t)=88t2t2+1.

Find the distance that the particle has traveled after t=5

sec.

Solve the initial-value problem for x as a function of t.

(t27t+12)dxdt=1,(t>4,x(5)=0)
x=ln\|t3\|+ln\|t4\|+ln2
(t+5)dxdt=x2+1,t>5,x(1)=tan1
(2t32t2+t1)dxdt=3,x(2)=0
x=ln\|t1\|2arctan(2t)12ln(t2+12)+2arctan(22)+12ln4.5

Find the x-coordinate of the centroid of the area bounded by

y(x29)=1, y=0,x=4,andx=5.

(Round the answer to two decimal places.)

Find the volume generated by revolving the area bounded by y=1x3+7x2+6xx=1,x=7,andy=0

about the y-axis.

25πln2813

Find the area bounded by y=x12x28x20,

y=0,x=2,andx=4.

(Round the answer to the nearest hundredth.)

Evaluate the integral dxx3+1.

arctan[−1+2x3]3+13ln\|1+x\|16ln\|1x+x2\|+C

For the following problems, use the substitutions tan(x2)=t,

dx=21+t2dt, sinx=2t1+t2,

and cosx=1t21+t2.

dx35sinx

Find the area under the curve y=11+sinx

between x=0

and x=π.

(Assume the dimensions are in inches.)

2.0 in.2

Given tan(x2)=t,

derive the formulas dx=21+t2dt,

sinx=2t1+t2,

and cosx=1t21+t2.

Evaluate x83xdx.

3(−8+x)1/3
−23arctan[−1+(−8+x)1/33]
−2ln[2+(−8+x)1/3]
+ln[42(−8+x)1/3+(−8+x)2/3]+C

Glossary

partial fraction decomposition
a technique used to break down a rational function into the sum of simple rational functions

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