Indefinite Integral - Examples of Different Forms of Partial Fraction

  • Partial fraction decomposition is the process of expressing a rational function as the sum of simpler fractions.
  • It is particularly useful when integrating rational functions.
  • In this lecture, we will look at examples of different forms of partial fractions and how to integrate them.

Form 1: Distinct Linear Factors in the Denominator

  • If the denominator of a rational function has distinct linear factors, then we can write the partial fraction decomposition as follows:
  • Example: Consider the function
    • ( \frac{1}{x(x + 1)(x - 2)} = \frac{A}{x} + \frac{B}{x + 1} + \frac{C}{x - 2} )
  • We can find the values of ( A ), ( B ), and ( C ) through various methods, such as comparing coefficients or solving a system of equations.

Example of Form 1: Distinct Linear Factors

  • Given the function ( \frac{2x + 3}{x(x + 2)(x - 1)} )
  • We can write it in partial fraction form as:
    • ( \frac{2x + 3}{x(x + 2)(x - 1)} = \frac{A}{x} + \frac{B}{x + 2} + \frac{C}{x - 1} )
  • To find the values of ( A ), ( B ), and ( C ), we can perform a common denominator and equate coefficients.

Form 2: Repeated Linear Factors in the Denominator

  • If the denominator of a rational function has repeated linear factors, then the partial fraction decomposition will have additional terms.
  • Example: Consider the function
    • ( \frac{4x + 3}{(x - 1)^3} )
  • The partial fraction decomposition of this function will have the following form:
    • ( \frac{4x + 3}{(x - 1)^3} = \frac{A}{(x - 1)} + \frac{B}{(x - 1)^2} + \frac{C}{(x - 1)^3} )
  • Again, we can find the values of ( A ), ( B ), and ( C ) using various methods.

Example of Form 2: Repeated Linear Factors

  • Given the function ( \frac{3x^2 + 5x + 7}{(x + 1)^2} )
  • The partial fraction decomposition will be:
    • ( \frac{3x^2 + 5x + 7}{(x + 1)^2} = \frac{A}{(x + 1)} + \frac{B}{(x + 1)^2} )
  • To find the values of ( A ) and ( B ), we can equate coefficients and simplify the equations.

Form 3: Quadratic Factors in the Denominator

  • If the denominator of a rational function has quadratic factors, then the partial fraction decomposition will involve constants and linear terms.
  • Example: Consider the function
    • ( \frac{2x + 1}{x^2 + 3x + 2} )
  • The partial fraction decomposition of this function will be:
    • ( \frac{2x + 1}{x^2 + 3x + 2} = \frac{A}{x + 1} + \frac{B}{x + 2} )
  • By equating coefficients and solving equations, we can determine the values of ( A ) and ( B ).

Example of Form 3: Quadratic Factors

  • Given the function ( \frac{4x^2 + 5x - 1}{x^2 - 2x + 1} )
  • The partial fraction decomposition will be:
    • ( \frac{4x^2 + 5x - 1}{x^2 - 2x + 1} = \frac{A}{x - 1} + \frac{B}{(x - 1)^2} )
  • We can find the values of ( A ) and ( B ) by equating coefficients and solving the resulting equations.

Form 4: Irreducible Quadratic Factors in the Denominator

  • If the denominator of a rational function has irreducible quadratic factors, then the partial fraction decomposition will involve linear terms with quadratic denominators.
  • Example: Consider the function
    • ( \frac{3x + 2}{x^2 + 4x + 5} )
  • The partial fraction decomposition of this function will be:
    • ( \frac{3x + 2}{x^2 + 4x + 5} = \frac{Ax + B}{x^2 + 4x + 5} )
  • Here, ( Ax + B ) represents the linear term that cannot be further simplified.

Example of Form 4: Irreducible Quadratic Factors

  • Given the function ( \frac{x^2 - x + 2}{x^2 + 4x + 5} )
  • The partial fraction decomposition will be:
    • ( \frac{x^2 - x + 2}{x^2 + 4x + 5} = \frac{Ax + B}{x^2 + 4x + 5} )
  • By comparing coefficients and solving the resulting equations, we can determine the values of ( A ) and ( B ).

Recap

  • Today, we discussed examples of different forms of partial fractions and how to integrate them.
  • We looked at partial fraction decomposition for functions with distinct linear factors, repeated linear factors, quadratic factors, and irreducible quadratic factors.
  • Partial fraction decomposition is a crucial technique when integrating rational functions.
  • Practice solving more examples to strengthen your understanding.

Review: Indefinite Integral

  • The indefinite integral of a function ( f(x) ) is denoted as ( \int f(x) , dx ) and represents the antiderivative of ( f(x) ).
  • It is the reverse process of differentiation.
  • The indefinite integral of a continuous function ( f(x) ) yields a family of functions with different constants of integration.

Applying Partial Fraction Decomposition to Indefinite Integration

  • When integrating rational functions, partial fraction decomposition can make the integration process easier.
  • It allows us to break down a complex fraction into simpler, more manageable components.
  • By doing this, we can integrate each term of the partial fraction separately.

Steps for Integrating Partial Fractions

  1. Perform partial fraction decomposition to express the rational function as a sum of simpler fractions.
  1. Rewrite each fraction as a power of ( x ).
  1. Integrate each fraction using the power rule for integration.
  1. If necessary, perform additional simplification to express the final answer.

Example: Integrating a Function with Distinct Linear Factors

  • Given the function ( \frac{2x + 3}{x(x + 2)(x - 1)} )
  • We previously found its partial fraction decomposition as:
    • ( \frac{2x + 3}{x(x + 2)(x - 1)} = \frac{A}{x} + \frac{B}{x + 2} + \frac{C}{x - 1} )
  • Now, let’s integrate each term separately.
    • ( \int \frac{2x + 3}{x(x + 2)(x - 1)} , dx = \int \frac{A}{x} , dx + \int \frac{B}{x + 2} , dx + \int \frac{C}{x - 1} , dx )

Example (continued): Integrating a Function with Distinct Linear Factors

  • Integrating each term separately:
    • ( \int \frac{A}{x} , dx = A \ln|x| + C_1 )
    • ( \int \frac{B}{x + 2} , dx = B \ln|x + 2| + C_2 )
    • ( \int \frac{C}{x - 1} , dx = C \ln|x - 1| + C_3 )
  • Where ( C_1, C_2, C_3 ) are constants of integration.
  • The final answer will be the sum of these integrals.

Example: Integrating a Function with Repeated Linear Factors

  • Given the function ( \frac{3x^2 + 5x + 7}{(x + 1)^2} )
  • The partial fraction decomposition is:
    • ( \frac{3x^2 + 5x + 7}{(x + 1)^2} = \frac{A}{(x + 1)} + \frac{B}{(x + 1)^2} )
  • Now, let’s integrate each term individually.
    • ( \int \frac{3x^2 + 5x + 7}{(x + 1)^2} , dx = \int \frac{A}{(x + 1)} , dx + \int \frac{B}{(x + 1)^2} , dx )

Example (continued): Integrating a Function with Repeated Linear Factors

  • Integrating each term separately:
    • ( \int \frac{A}{(x + 1)} , dx = A \ln|x + 1| + C_1 )
    • ( \int \frac{B}{(x + 1)^2} , dx = -B \frac{1}{x + 1} + C_2 )
  • Where ( C_1 ) and ( C_2 ) are constants of integration.
  • The final answer will be the sum of these integrals.

Example: Integrating a Function with Quadratic Factors

  • Given the function ( \frac{2x + 1}{x^2 + 3x + 2} )
  • The partial fraction decomposition is:
    • ( \frac{2x + 1}{x^2 + 3x + 2} = \frac{A}{x + 1} + \frac{B}{x + 2} )
  • Now, let’s integrate each term separately.
    • ( \int \frac{2x + 1}{x^2 + 3x + 2} , dx = \int \frac{A}{x + 1} , dx + \int \frac{B}{x + 2} , dx )

Example (continued): Integrating a Function with Quadratic Factors

  • Integrating each term individually:
    • ( \int \frac{A}{x + 1} , dx = A \ln|x + 1| + C_1 )
    • ( \int \frac{B}{x + 2} , dx = B \ln|x + 2| + C_2 )
  • Where ( C_1 ) and ( C_2 ) are constants of integration.
  • The final answer will be the sum of these integrals.

Recap

  • In this lecture, we looked at various examples of integrating partial fractions.
  • We covered both distinct and repeated linear factors, as well as quadratic factors in the partial fraction decomposition.
  • Remember to integrate each term separately by applying the power rule for integration.
  • Practicing more examples will help you gain confidence in this topic.

Slide 21:

  • Form 5: Mixed Factors in the Denominator
    • When the denominator of a rational function has a combination of distinct linear factors, repeated linear factors, and/or quadratic factors, the partial fraction decomposition will involve a combination of linear terms and quadratic terms.
    • Example: ( \frac{1}{x(x + 1)(x - 1)^2(x^2 + 1)} )
      • The partial fraction decomposition will have terms like ( \frac{A}{x} ), ( \frac{B}{x + 1} ), ( \frac{C}{(x - 1)} ), ( \frac{D}{(x - 1)^2} ), and ( \frac{Ex + F}{x^2 + 1} )
    • Solving for the values of ( A ), ( B ), ( C ), ( D ), ( E ), and ( F ) will require a system of equations to be solved.

Slide 22:

  • Example of Form 5: Mixed Factors
    • Given the function ( \frac{3x + 1}{x(x + 1)(x - 1)^2(x^2 + 1)} )
    • The partial fraction decomposition will involve terms like ( \frac{A}{x} ), ( \frac{B}{x + 1} ), ( \frac{C}{(x - 1)} ), ( \frac{D}{(x - 1)^2} ), and ( \frac{Ex + F}{x^2 + 1} )
    • By solving a system of equations, we can determine the values of ( A ), ( B ), ( C ), ( D ), ( E ), and ( F ) to complete the partial fraction decomposition.

Slide 23:

  • Choosing the Appropriate Method for Finding Coefficients
    • There are multiple methods that can be used to find the coefficients in the partial fraction decomposition.
    • For simple cases, comparing coefficients or equating the numerators may be sufficient.
    • For more complex cases, solving a system of equations or using algebraic manipulation may be necessary.
    • Choose the method that suits the given rational function and allows for easier solving.

Slide 24:

  • Review: Power Rule for Integration
    • The power rule states that ( \int x^n , dx = \frac{x^{n+1}}{n+1} + C )
    • This rule applies when integrating terms with a variable raised to a power.
    • Here, ( n ) is a real number that is not equal to -1, and ( C ) represents the constant of integration.

Slide 25:

  • Review: Natural Logarithm Function
    • The natural logarithm function, denoted as ( \ln(x) ), is the inverse of the exponential function.
    • It is defined only for positive real numbers.
    • Integrating the reciprocal of a function gives the natural logarithm of the absolute value of the function.
    • Example: ( \int \frac{1}{x} , dx = \ln|x| + C )

Slide 26:

  • Integrating Trigonometric Functions
    • Trigonometric functions like sine, cosine, and tangent can also be integrated using specific rules.
    • These rules involve trigonometric identities and substitution techniques.
    • The integrals of trigonometric functions often give logarithmic or inverse trigonometric functions as solutions.

Slide 27:

  • Example: Integrating Trigonometric Functions
    • Given the function ( \int \sin(x) , dx )
    • The integral of the sine function is equal to the negative cosine function, plus a constant of integration.
    • ( \int \sin(x) , dx = -\cos(x) + C )

Slide 28:

  • Example: Integrating Exponential Functions
    • Exponential functions like ( e^x ) can be integrated using a straightforward rule.
    • The integral of ( e^x ) is equal to itself, plus a constant of integration.
    • ( \int e^x , dx = e^x + C )

Slide 29:

  • Application of Indefinite Integrals
    • Indefinite integrals are used to find the most general antiderivative of a function.
    • The constant of integration, denoted as ( C ), allows for an infinite family of functions to be represented.
    • Indefinite integrals are useful in various fields such as physics, economics, and engineering.
    • They allow for the calculation of cumulative values, areas under curves, and the solution of differential equations.

Slide 30:

  • Conclusion
    • In this lecture, we explored examples of different forms of partial fractions and how to integrate them.
    • We also reviewed various integration rules, such as the power rule for integration and the integration of trigonometric and exponential functions.
    • Understanding partial fractions and indefinite integrals is an essential skill for success in higher-level mathematics and related disciplines.
    • Continue practicing different examples and exploring real-world applications to strengthen your understanding and problem-solving abilities.