Theory and Concept
›
Integration of Rational Functions by Partial Fractions
A rational function is a function expressed as the ratio of two polynomials. When the degree of the numerator is less than the degree of the denominator, the rational function is called a proper rational function.
Some rational functions cannot be integrated directly using standard integration formulae. In such cases, we simplify the integrand by expressing it as a sum of simpler fractions. This technique is known as partial fraction decomposition.
For two distinct linear factors, the standard decomposition is:
Here, A and B are constants determined by comparing coefficients or substituting suitable values of x.
Important integration formula:
Thus, once a rational function is decomposed into simpler fractions with linear denominators, each term can be integrated using the logarithmic integration formula.
Conditions to remember:
- The degree of the numerator should be less than the degree of the denominator for direct partial fraction decomposition.
- Distinct linear factors have separate constant numerators.
- The constants are determined by comparing coefficients or substituting convenient values.
- The absolute value sign must be included in logarithmic expressions to account for the domain of the logarithm.
- The constant of integration C must be included in the final answer.
Step-by-step Plan
›
Identify the rational function and observe that its denominator contains two distinct linear factors.
Express the rational function as the sum of two partial fractions with unknown constants A and B.
Multiply both sides by the common denominator to eliminate fractions.
Compare the coefficients of x and the constant terms to obtain two simultaneous linear equations.
Solve the equations to determine the values of A and B.
Substitute the values into the original integral and split it into two simpler integrals.
Apply the standard logarithmic integration formula and simplify the result.
Include the absolute value signs and the constant of integration.
Complete Solution
›
-
Given — \[I=\int \frac{x}{(x+1)(x+2)}\,dx\]
- Apply the method of partial fractions.
- Since the denominator consists of two distinct linear factors, we assume:\[\frac{x}{(x+1)(x+2)}=\frac{A}{x+1}+\frac{B}{x+2}\]
- Taking the LCM on the right-hand side, we get:\[\frac{x}{(x+1)(x+2)}=\frac{A(x+2)+B(x+1)}{(x+1)(x+2)}\]
- Since the denominators on both sides are identical, equating the numerators gives:\[x=A(x+2)+B(x+1)\]
- Expand and collect like terms.
- \[x=Ax+2A+Bx+B\]
- Rearranging and collecting the coefficients of x and the constant terms:\[x=(A+B)x+(2A+B)\]
- Compare coefficients
- Comparing the coefficients of x on both sides:\[A+B=1 \tag{1}\]
- Comparing the constant terms:\[2A+B=0 \tag{2}\]
- Solve the simultaneous equations
- From equation (1):\[A+B=1\]\[B=1-A \tag{3}\]
- Substituting equation (3) into equation (2):\[2A+B=0\]\[2A+(1-A)=0\]
- Removing the brackets:\[2A+1-A=0\]\[A+1=0\]
- Therefore:\[\boxed{A=-1}\]
- Substituting A = -1 into equation (3):\[B=1-(-1)\]\[\boxed{B=2}\]
- Hence, the required partial fraction decomposition is:\[\boxed{\frac{x}{(x+1)(x+2)}=-\frac{1}{x+1}+\frac{2}{x+2}}\]
- Substitute the partial fractions into the integral
- We have:\[I=\int \frac{x}{(x+1)(x+2)}\,dx\]
- Using the partial fraction decomposition:\[I=\int\left(-\frac{1}{x+1}+\frac{2}{x+2}\right)dx\]
- Applying the linearity property of integration:\[I=-\int\frac{1}{x+1}\,dx+2\int\frac{1}{x+2}\,dx\]
- Apply the standard logarithmic integration formula.
-
\[\int\frac{1}{x+a}\,dx=\log|x+a|+C\]
- Therefore, integrating both terms separately:\[I=-\log|x+1|+2\log|x+2|+C\]
- Simplify the logarithmic expression
- Using the logarithmic identity:\[n\log a=\log(a^n)\]
- We obtain:\[I=-\log|x+1|+\log|x+2|^2+C\]
-
Using the property:\[\log a-\log b=\log\left(\frac{a}{b}\right)\]
- we get:\[I=\log\left(\frac{|x+2|^2}{|x+1|}\right)+C\]
- Since |x + 2|² = |(x + 2)²|, the final result can be written as:\[\boxed{\displaystyle\int\frac{x}{(x+1)(x+2)}\,dx=\log\left|\frac{(x+2)^2}{x+1}\right|+C}\]
Final Answer
›
Exam Significance
›
- Application of integration techniques: It tests the ability to recognise when a rational function should be decomposed into partial fractions.
- Algebraic accuracy: Students must correctly expand expressions, collect like terms and solve simultaneous linear equations.
- Logarithmic integration: It reinforces the standard integral of 1/(x + a) and the properties of logarithms.
- Stepwise presentation: Writing the decomposition, determining constants and integrating each term separately makes the solution logically complete and suitable for examination evaluation.
- Verification skills: Differentiating the final answer provides an effective way to check the correctness of an indefinite integral.
Significance for Competitive Entrance Examinations
The concepts used in this question are relevant to JEE Main, JEE Advanced, BITSAT and other engineering entrance examinations.
- Partial fraction decomposition: Questions involving rational functions frequently require the identification of suitable partial fraction forms.
- Algebraic manipulation: Efficient determination of unknown constants helps reduce calculation time in objective-type questions.
- Integration and differentiation connection: The ability to verify an antiderivative by differentiation is useful in solving integral-based problems.
- Logarithmic identities: Combining logarithmic terms correctly is essential in simplifying final expressions and comparing equivalent answer choices.
- Foundation for advanced problems: The same decomposition technique is useful in more complicated rational integrals involving repeated linear factors and irreducible quadratic factors.
Common Mistakes
›
- Incorrect partial fraction assumption: For distinct linear factors, use separate constant numerators over each factor.
- Sign errors: While expanding A(x + 2) + B(x + 1), ensure that both constant terms are included correctly.
- Incorrect coefficient comparison: Remember that coefficients of x and constant terms must be compared separately.
- Missing integration constants: The final indefinite integral must contain only one arbitrary constant C.
- Ignoring absolute values: Write log|x + 1| and log|x + 2| rather than omitting the absolute value signs.
- Incorrect logarithmic simplification: The coefficient 2 in front of log|x + 2| becomes the exponent 2 inside the logarithm.
- Incomplete verification: Always ensure that differentiating the final expression reproduces the original integrand.
Key Takeaways
›
-
Partial fraction decomposition converts a rational function into simpler fractions that can be integrated separately.
-
A rational function with distinct linear factors in its denominator can be decomposed into fractions with constant numerators.
-
The constants in a partial fraction decomposition can be determined by comparing coefficients or substituting suitable values of the variable.
-
The fundamental logarithmic integration formula is:
-
\[ \boxed{ \int\frac{1}{x+a}\,dx=\log|x+a|+C } \]
-
Logarithmic identities help combine the integrated terms into a compact expression.
-
The absolute value sign is essential when the logarithm involves a variable expression that may be positive or negative.
-
Differentiation is an effective method for verifying the correctness of an indefinite integral.
-
Mastering partial fractions provides a foundation for evaluating more complex rational integrals in board and competitive examinations.