Chapter 9: Problem 33
Find the partial fraction decomposition of the given rational expression. $$ \frac{40}{x^{3}+3 x^{2}-4 x-12} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(\frac{5}{x+3} + \frac{3}{x-2} - \frac{8}{x+2}\) is the partial fraction decomposition.
Step by step solution
01
Factor the Denominator
First, factor the cubic polynomial in the denominator: \[x^3 + 3x^2 - 4x - 12.\]Try factoring by grouping or synthetic division. Through testing potential rational roots (using the Rational Root Theorem), find that \(x + 3\) divides the polynomial. Use synthetic division to divide:\((x^3 + 3x^2 - 4x - 12) \div (x + 3) = (x^2 - 4).\)The factored form is:\[x^3 + 3x^2 - 4x - 12 = (x + 3)(x^2 - 4).\]
02
Factor the Quadratic Term
Next, factor the quadratic term \(x^2 - 4\), which is a difference of squares:\[x^2 - 4 = (x - 2)(x + 2).\]
03
Write Partial Fraction Decomposition
The denominator is now fully factored:\[(x+3)(x-2)(x+2).\]The partial fraction decomposition will have the form:\[\frac{A}{x+3} + \frac{B}{x-2} + \frac{C}{x+2}.\]
04
Set Up Equation and Solve for Constants
Multiply through by the common denominator \((x+3)(x-2)(x+2)\) to clear fractions:\[40 = A(x-2)(x+2) + B(x+3)(x+2) + C(x+3)(x-2).\]Expand and simplify this equation, and equate coefficients or substitute suitable values for \(x\) to solve for \(A\), \(B\), and \(C\).
05
Substitute Values of Constants
By substituting values:- Let \(x = -3\) gives \(40 = C(-3-2)(-3+2)\) thus \(C = -8.\)- Let \(x = 2\) gives \(40 = A(2+3)(2-2)\), thus \(A = 5.\)- Let \(x = -2\) gives \(40 = B(-2+3)(-2+2)\), thus \(B = 3.\)Now substitute these back into the partial fractions.
06
Write the Final Decomposition
Substitute the values of \(A\), \(B\), and \(C\) into the partial fraction expression:\[\frac{40}{x^3 + 3x^2 - 4x - 12} = \frac{5}{x+3} + \frac{3}{x-2} + \frac{-8}{x+2}.\]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Rational Expressions
Rational expressions are essentially fractions that consist of two polynomials: one in the numerator and the other in the denominator. Understanding rational expressions is key to mastering partial fraction decomposition. Let's break it down further:
- The numerator and denominator of a rational expression are polynomials. This means they can include variables raised to different powers, such as \(x^3\) or \(x^2\).
- The goal is to express complex rational expressions as simpler parts that are easier to work with, known as partial fractions.
- In the given exercise, the rational expression \(\frac{40}{x^{3}+3x^{2}-4x-12}\) is simplified by factoring the polynomial in the denominator. This allows you to break down a single complex expression into several simpler fractions.
Synthetic Division
Synthetic division is a simplified form of polynomial division, especially useful when dividing by linear factors. In the given problem, synthetic division is used to simplify the polynomial denominator. Here’s how it works:
- Identify the divisor, which in this case is \(x+3\). This linear factor tells us how we will divide the polynomial.
- Using synthetic division, test roots that satisfy the original polynomial equation. Choose potential roots using the Rational Root Theorem.
- The division helps to simplify the cubic polynomial \(x^3 + 3x^2 - 4x - 12\) into \((x + 3)(x^2 - 4)\).
Difference of Squares
The difference of squares is a mathematical identity that is used to factor expressions of the form \(a^2 - b^2\). It simplifies expressions into multiplicative factors. Here's why it's important:
- For the exercise, the quadratic term \(x^2 - 4\) in the denominator can be seen as a difference of squares since \(4 = 2^2\).
- Accordingly, \(x^2 - 4\) is factored as \((x - 2)(x + 2)\), simplifying the quadratic expression.
- This factoring method is straightforward and provides deeper insights into the structure of polynomials, aiding in partial Fraction Decomposition.