Partial Fractions for Cubic: Setup & Solve

In summary: The degree of $P(x)$ is $1$ and the degree of $Q(x)$ is $3$. In both cases, we have a repeated linear factor. But for the quadratic, we don't need a cubic. Why is that?For the quadratic, the degree of $P(x)$ is less than $2n=2(1)=2$, so we only need a linear numerator. For the cubic, the degree of $P(x)$ is not less than $2n=2(2)=4$, so we need a cubic numerator.
  • #1
Dustinsfl
2,281
5
I am trying to separate out
\[
\frac{s}{(s+1)^3}
\]
for an inverse Laplace transform.

How does one setup up partial fractions for a cubic? I know for a square I would do
\[
\frac{A}{s+1} + \frac{Bs+C}{(s+1)^2}
\]
I tried doing
\[
\frac{A+Bs}{(s+1)^2} + \frac{Cs^2+Ds+E}{(s+1)^3}
\]
which led to
\[
s^2(B+C) + s(A+B+D) + A + E = s
\]
Therefore, let \(A = B = 1\). Then \(C = E = -1\) and \(D = -1\).
\[
\frac{1}{s+1} - \frac{s^2+s+1}{(s+1)^2} = \frac{2}{s+1} + \frac{1}{(s+1)^3} - \frac{1}{(s+1)^2}
\]
but the answer is
\[
\frac{1}{(s+1)^2} - \frac{1}{(s+1)^3}
\]

How can I solve this?


I now tried
\[
\frac{A}{s+1} + \frac{Bs+C}{(s+1)^2} + \frac{Ds^2 + Es + F}{(s+1)^2}
\]
which led to
\begin{align}
A + B + D &=0\\
2A + B + C +E &= 1\\
A + C + F &= 0
\end{align}
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
You have too many unknowns on the right side of the equation.Assume $ \displaystyle \frac{s}{(s+1)^{3}} = \frac{A}{s+1} + \frac{B}{(s+1)^{2}} + \frac{C}{(s+1)^{3}}$Multiply both sides by $(s+1)^{3}$ and let $s=-1$.

Then $-1 = C$.Now subtract the partial fraction from both sides.

$ \displaystyle \frac{s}{(s+1)^{3}} + \frac{1}{(s+1)^{3}}= \frac{1}{(s+1)^{2}} = \frac{A}{s+1} + \frac{B}{(s+1)^{2}}$.Multiply both sides by $(s+1)^{2}$ and let $s=-1$.

Then $1 = B$.Subtract the partial fraction from both sides.

$\displaystyle \frac{1}{(s+1)^{2}} - \frac{1}{(s+1)^{2}} = 0 = \frac{A}{s+1}$.

Then $A=0$.
 
  • #3
dwsmith said:
I am trying to separate out
\[
\frac{s}{(s+1)^3}
\]
for an inverse Laplace transform.

How does one setup up partial fractions for a cubic? I know for a square I would do
\[
\frac{A}{s+1} + \frac{Bs+C}{(s+1)^2}
\]
I tried doing
\[
\frac{A+Bs}{(s+1)^2} + \frac{Cs^2+Ds+E}{(s+1)^3}
\]
which led to
\[
s^2(B+C) + s(A+B+D) + A + E = s
\]
Therefore, let \(A = B = 1\). Then \(C = E = -1\) and \(D = -1\).
\[
\frac{1}{s+1} - \frac{s^2+s+1}{(s+1)^2} = \frac{2}{s+1} + \frac{1}{(s+1)^3} - \frac{1}{(s+1)^2}
\]
but the answer is
\[
\frac{1}{(s+1)^2} - \frac{1}{(s+1)^3}
\]

How can I solve this?


I now tried
\[
\frac{A}{s+1} + \frac{Bs+C}{(s+1)^2} + \frac{Ds^2 + Es + F}{(s+1)^2}
\]
which led to
\begin{align}
A + B + D &=0\\
2A + B + C +E &= 1\\
A + C + F &= 0
\end{align}

Let $\dfrac{P(x)}{Q(x)}$ be a rational function, Whenever you have a repeated linear factor $(a_1x+b_1)^n$ in your denominator $Q(x)$, you need to use the following decomposition rule:
\[\frac{P(x)}{Q(x)} = \frac{A_1}{a_1x+b_1}+\frac{A_2}{(a_1x+b_1)^2}+ \ldots+\frac{A_n}{(a_1x+b_1)^n}.\]
In your case, the decomposition you want will be of the form
\[\frac{s}{(s+1)^3} = \frac{A}{s+1}+\frac{B}{(s+1)^2} + \frac{C}{(s+1)^3}\]
Can you take things from here?

Edit: Ninja'd by Random Variable.
 
  • #4
I have one question. Why, when we have a square, do we do:
\[
\frac{A}{s + 1} + \frac{Bs+C}{(s + 1)^2}
\]
but for the cubic, we had to do:
\[
\frac{A}{s+1} + \frac{B}{(s+1)^2} + \frac{C}{(s+1)^3}
\]
 
  • #5
dwsmith said:
I have one question. Why, when we have a square, do we do:
\[
\frac{A}{s + 1} + \frac{Bs+C}{(s + 1)^2}
\]
but for the cubic, we had to do:
\[
\frac{A}{s+1} + \frac{B}{(s+1)^2} + \frac{C}{(s+1)^3}
\]

We don't...only when we have quadratic factors in the denominator do we use linear numerators. If the degree of $P(x)$ is less than $2n$ then we may state the following:

i) For non-repeated quadratic factors:

\(\displaystyle \frac{P(x)}{\prod\limits_{k=1}^n\left(a_kx^2+b_kx+c_k \right)}=\sum_{k=1}^n\left(\frac{A_kx+B_k}{a_kx^2+b_kx+c_k} \right)\)

ii) For repeated quadratic factors:

\(\displaystyle \frac{P(x)}{\left(ax^2+bx+c \right)^n}=\sum_{k=1}^n\left(\frac{A_kx+B_k}{\left(ax^2+bx+c \right)^k} \right)\)
 
  • #6
MarkFL said:
We don't...only when we have quadratic factors in the denominator do we use linear numerators. If the degree of $P(x)$ is less than $2n$ then we may state the following:

i) For non-repeated quadratic factors:

\(\displaystyle \frac{P(x)}{\prod\limits_{k=1}^n\left(a_kx^2+b_kx+c_k \right)}=\sum_{k=1}^n\left(\frac{A_kx+B_k}{a_kx^2+b_kx+c_k} \right)\)

ii) For repeated quadratic factors:

\(\displaystyle \frac{P(x)}{\left(ax^2+bx+c \right)^n}=\sum_{k=1}^n\left(\frac{A_kx+B_k}{\left(ax^2+bx+c \right)^k} \right)\)

I don't understand what you mean.
 

FAQ: Partial Fractions for Cubic: Setup & Solve

What is partial fractions for cubic?

Partial fractions for cubic is a mathematical technique used to simplify a rational function with a cubic denominator into a sum of simpler fractions. This can be helpful when integrating rational functions, solving equations, or finding the limits of a function.

When is partial fractions for cubic used?

Partial fractions for cubic is typically used when the degree of the denominator is greater than or equal to the degree of the numerator in a rational function. It can also be used to solve equations with cubic roots or to find the inverse Laplace transform of a function.

What is the process for setting up and solving partial fractions for cubic?

The first step in setting up partial fractions for cubic is to factor the denominator into linear and irreducible quadratic factors. Then, for each factor, write a fraction with the factor as the denominator and an undetermined coefficient as the numerator. Next, equate the original rational function with the sum of the fractions and solve for the undetermined coefficients. Finally, integrate the fractions to find the solution.

What are the benefits of using partial fractions for cubic?

Partial fractions for cubic can simplify complex rational functions, making them easier to integrate or solve. It can also help to identify patterns and relationships between the coefficients of the original function and the coefficients of the fractions, making it easier to solve equations or identify important points on a graph.

Are there any limitations to using partial fractions for cubic?

Partial fractions for cubic can only be used for rational functions with cubic denominators. It also requires that the denominator can be factored into linear and irreducible quadratic factors. Additionally, the process can become more complex and time-consuming for higher degree polynomials.

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