Chapter 12: Problem 23
(a) Find an appropriate viewing rectangle to demonstrate that the following purported partial fraction decomposition is incorrect: $$\frac{2 x+5}{(x-4)(x+3)}=\frac{13 / 7}{x-4}+\frac{2 / 7}{x+3}$$ (b) Follow part (a) using $$\frac{2 x+5}{(x-4)(x+3)}=\frac{13 / 7}{x-4}-\frac{1 / 7}{x+3}$$ (c) Determine the correct partial fraction decomposition. given that it has the general form $$\frac{2 x+5}{(x-4)(x+3)}=\frac{A}{x-4}+\frac{B}{x+3}$$
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Analyze the Given Partial Fraction Decomposition
Graphing to Disprove the Equation
Analyze the Corrected Partial Fraction
Determine the Correct Partial Fraction From
Solve for A and B
Conclusion
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Rational Functions
- A rational function has potential for discontinuities, points where it does not have a defined value. This typically happens when the denominator becomes zero.
- They often have asymptotes, lines that the graph approaches but never touches, which can be horizontal, vertical, or oblique.
- They can also sometimes simplify into other types of functions if parts of the numerator and denominator cancel each other out.
Asymptotes
- Vertical asymptotes occur when the denominator of a rational function is zero and the numerator isn't. This is observed as the graph shooting up to infinity or plunging down to negative infinity.
- Horizontal asymptotes are found by examining the degrees of the polynomials in the numerator and the denominator. If they are the same, the horizontal asymptote is \( y = \frac{a_n}{b_n} \) where \(a_n\) and \(b_n\) are the leading coefficients.
- Oblique, or slant, asymptotes arise when the degree of the numerator is greater than the degree of the denominator by one; they can be found through polynomial long division.
Graphing Techniques
- Start by finding the intercepts: solve for when the function equals zero or when the numerator equals zero to find the x-intercepts, and set \(x = 0\) to find the y-intercept.
- Determine the asymptotes by checking the zeros of the denominator for vertical asymptotes, and compare the degree of the numerator and denominator for horizontal or oblique asymptotes.
- Plot additional points as needed to ensure the general shape of the curve is captured, particularly around the vertical asymptotes where the behavior can change dramatically.
System of Equations
- Systems may be linear, comprising equations of straight lines, or nonlinear, featuring curves and more complex shapes.
- To solve, you can use various methods like substitution, elimination, or matrix approaches, depending on the system's complexity.
- In the context of partial fraction decomposition, systems of equations is crucial. By equating coefficients of like terms, you can determine values for unknown constants in your decomposition equations.