How to use fractional decomposition to integrate rational functions?

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In summary, the conversation discusses how to integrate the function \int \frac{2x}{3x^{2}+10x+3} dx and suggests using partial fraction decomposition. The process of finding the partial fraction decomposition is explained and the final result is \frac{2x}{(3+x)(3x+1)} = \frac{\frac{3}{4}}{3+x} + \frac{\frac{-1}{4}}{3x+1}. It is recommended to check the answer by simplifying the numerator to 2x.
  • #1
QuarkCharmer
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Homework Statement


[tex]\int \frac{2x}{3x^{2}+10x+3} dx[/tex]

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



I can't think of a U-substitution that would work, nor a trigonometric substitution, or integration by part.

[tex]\int \frac{2x}{3x^{2}+10x+3} dx[/tex]
[tex]\int \frac{2x}{(x+3)(3x+1)} dx[/tex]

I factored the denominator out thinking that I could somehow substitute for one product, but that doesn't work clearly. How do you integrate functions like these??

I popped it into wolfram and it had a step about fractional decomposition, but I am having a hard time understanding it and we have not covered it yet in my course.

Here is my go at it:
It has to be in this form right?
[tex]\frac{2x}{(3+x)(3x+1)} = \frac{A}{3+x} + \frac{B}{3x+1}[/tex]

So now I would multiply the LCD through the equation leaving:
[tex]2x = A(3x+1) + B(3+x)[/tex]

I don't understand what to do now though?
 
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  • #2
Multiply out the right side, and then factor out x from all possible terms.
 
  • #3
Well, it seems like, in this partial fraction decomposition, you can expand the right hand side of your last equation, collect terms, and then solve for A and B.
 
  • #4
George Jones said:
Multiply out the right side, and then factor out x from all possible terms.

[tex]2x = A(3x+1) + B(3+x)[/tex]
[tex]2x = x(3A+B) + A +3B[/tex]

?
 
  • #5
left = right.

How many x's on the left? On the right?

What is the constant on the left? On the right?
 
  • #6
George Jones said:
left = right.

How many x's on the left? On the right?

What is the constant on the left? On the right?

So,

The constant is A + 3B

The other equation is 2=(3A+B) ?

I'm guessing I system of equation these guys to find A and B now? What does the constant equal? 0?
 
  • #7
That makes this I believe:

[tex]\frac{2x}{(3+x)(3x+1)} = \frac{\frac{3}{4}}{3+x} + \frac{\frac{-1}{4}}{3x+1}[/tex]

Does that look correct? I can integrate those.
 
  • #8
Yeah, it seems like you've got it. You can always check your answer by doing the reverse (combine the two terms on the right hand side into one fraction with a common denominator and check that the numerator simplifies to 2x).
 

FAQ: How to use fractional decomposition to integrate rational functions?

What is an integral and why is it important?

An integral is a mathematical concept that represents the area under a curve in a graph. It is important because it allows us to solve problems involving continuous quantities and is used in many fields such as physics, engineering, and economics.

How do you calculate an integral?

To calculate an integral, you need to use a technique called integration. This involves finding the antiderivative of a function and evaluating it at the given limits. There are various integration techniques, such as substitution and integration by parts, that can be used to solve different types of integrals.

What is the difference between definite and indefinite integrals?

A definite integral has specific limits of integration, whereas an indefinite integral does not. In other words, a definite integral gives a numerical value, while an indefinite integral gives a function. Definite integrals are used to find the area under a curve, while indefinite integrals are used to find the original function.

Why is integration the inverse of differentiation?

Integration and differentiation are inverse operations because they undo each other's effects. When we differentiate a function, we find its rate of change, and when we integrate a function, we find the total change over a given interval. This relationship between integration and differentiation is known as the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.

What are some real-world applications of integrals?

Integrals have many real-world applications, such as calculating the area under a velocity-time graph to find the displacement, finding the volume of irregular shapes, and determining the work done by a force. They are also used in economics to find total revenue and in engineering to calculate electrical power and fluid flow.

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