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Calculus Volume 2

3.4 Partial Fractions

Calculus Volume 23.4 Partial Fractions

Learning Objectives

  • 3.4.1 Integrate a rational function using the method of partial fractions.
  • 3.4.2 Recognize simple linear factors in a rational function.
  • 3.4.3 Recognize repeated linear factors in a rational function.
  • 3.4.4 Recognize quadratic factors in a rational function.

We have seen some techniques that allow us to integrate specific rational functions. For example, we know that

duu=ln|u|+Candduu2+a2=1atan−1(ua)+C.duu=ln|u|+Candduu2+a2=1atan−1(ua)+C.

However, we do not yet have a technique that allows us to tackle arbitrary quotients of this type. Thus, it is not immediately obvious how to go about evaluating 3xx2x2dx.3xx2x2dx. However, we know from material previously developed that

(1x+1+2x2)dx=ln|x+1|+2ln|x2|+C.(1x+1+2x2)dx=ln|x+1|+2ln|x2|+C.

In fact, by getting a common denominator, we see that

1x+1+2x2=3xx2x2.1x+1+2x2=3xx2x2.

Consequently,

3xx2x2dx=(1x+1+2x2)dx.3xx2x2dx=(1x+1+2x2)dx.

In this section, we examine the method of partial fraction decomposition, which allows us to decompose rational functions into sums of simpler, more easily integrated rational functions. Using this method, we can rewrite an expression such as: 3xx2x23xx2x2 as an expression such as 1x+1+2x2.1x+1+2x2.

The key to the method of partial fraction decomposition is being able to anticipate the form that the decomposition of a rational function will take. As we shall see, this form is both predictable and highly dependent on the factorization of the denominator of the rational function. It is also extremely important to keep in mind that partial fraction decomposition can be applied to a rational function P(x)Q(x)P(x)Q(x) only if deg(P(x))<deg(Q(x)).deg(P(x))<deg(Q(x)). In the case when deg(P(x))deg(Q(x)),deg(P(x))deg(Q(x)), we must first perform long division to rewrite the quotient P(x)Q(x)P(x)Q(x) in the form A(x)+R(x)Q(x),A(x)+R(x)Q(x), where deg(R(x))<deg(Q(x)).deg(R(x))<deg(Q(x)). We then do a partial fraction decomposition on R(x)Q(x).R(x)Q(x). The following example, although not requiring partial fraction decomposition, illustrates our approach to integrals of rational functions of the form P(x)Q(x)dx,P(x)Q(x)dx, where deg(P(x))deg(Q(x)).deg(P(x))deg(Q(x)).

Example 3.28

Integrating P(x)Q(x)dx,P(x)Q(x)dx, where deg(P(x))deg(Q(x))deg(P(x))deg(Q(x))

Evaluate x2+3x+5x+1dx.x2+3x+5x+1dx.

Media

Visit this website for a review of long division of polynomials.

Checkpoint 3.17

Evaluate x3x+2dx.x3x+2dx.

To integrate P(x)Q(x)dx,P(x)Q(x)dx, where deg(P(x))<deg(Q(x)),deg(P(x))<deg(Q(x)), we must begin by factoring Q(x).Q(x).

Nonrepeated Linear Factors

If Q(x)Q(x) can be factored as (a1x+b1)(a2x+b2)(anx+bn),(a1x+b1)(a2x+b2)(anx+bn), where each linear factor is distinct, then it is possible to find constants A1,A2,…AnA1,A2,…An satisfying

P(x)Q(x)=A1a1x+b1+A2a2x+b2++Ananx+bn.P(x)Q(x)=A1a1x+b1+A2a2x+b2++Ananx+bn.

The proof that such constants exist is beyond the scope of this course.

In this next example, we see how to use partial fractions to integrate a rational function of this type.

Example 3.29

Partial Fractions with Nonrepeated Linear Factors

Evaluate 3x+2x3x22xdx.3x+2x3x22xdx.

In the next example, we integrate a rational function in which the degree of the numerator is not less than the degree of the denominator.

Example 3.30

Dividing before Applying Partial Fractions

Evaluate x2+3x+1x24dx.x2+3x+1x24dx.

As we see in the next example, it may be possible to apply the technique of partial fraction decomposition to a nonrational function. The trick is to convert the nonrational function to a rational function through a substitution.

Example 3.31

Applying Partial Fractions after a Substitution

Evaluate cosxsin2xsinxdx.cosxsin2xsinxdx.

Checkpoint 3.18

Evaluate x+1(x+3)(x2)dx.x+1(x+3)(x2)dx.

Repeated Linear Factors

For some applications, we need to integrate rational expressions that have denominators with repeated linear factors—that is, rational functions with at least one factor of the form (ax+b)n,(ax+b)n, where nn is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.2. If the denominator contains the repeated linear factor (ax+b)n,(ax+b)n, then the decomposition must contain

A1ax+b+A2(ax+b)2++An(ax+b)n.A1ax+b+A2(ax+b)2++An(ax+b)n.

As we see in our next example, the basic technique used for solving for the coefficients is the same, but it requires more algebra to determine the numerators of the partial fractions.

Example 3.32

Partial Fractions with Repeated Linear Factors

Evaluate x2(2x1)2(x1)dx.x2(2x1)2(x1)dx.

Checkpoint 3.19

Set up the partial fraction decomposition for x+2(x+3)3(x4)2dx.x+2(x+3)3(x4)2dx. (Do not solve for the coefficients or complete the integration.)

The General Method

Now that we are beginning to get the idea of how the technique of partial fraction decomposition works, let’s outline the basic method in the following problem-solving strategy.

Problem-Solving Strategy

Problem-Solving Strategy: Partial Fraction Decomposition

To decompose the rational function P(x)/Q(x),P(x)/Q(x), use the following steps:

  1. Make sure that degree(P(x))<degree(Q(x)).degree(P(x))<degree(Q(x)). If not, perform long division of polynomials.
  2. Factor Q(x)Q(x) into the product of linear and irreducible quadratic factors. An irreducible quadratic is a quadratic that has no real zeros.
  3. Assuming that deg(P(x))<deg(Q(x)),deg(P(x))<deg(Q(x)), the factors of Q(x)Q(x) determine the form of the decomposition of P(x)/Q(x).P(x)/Q(x).
    1. If Q(x)Q(x) can be factored as (a1x+b1)(a2x+b2)(anx+bn),(a1x+b1)(a2x+b2)(anx+bn), where each linear factor is distinct, then it is possible to find constants A1,A2,...AnA1,A2,...An satisfying
      P(x)Q(x)=A1a1x+b1+A2a2x+b2++Ananx+bn.P(x)Q(x)=A1a1x+b1+A2a2x+b2++Ananx+bn.
    2. If Q(x)Q(x) contains the repeated linear factor (ax+b)n,(ax+b)n, then the decomposition must contain
      A1ax+b+A2(ax+b)2++An(ax+b)n.A1ax+b+A2(ax+b)2++An(ax+b)n.
    3. For each irreducible quadratic factor ax2+bx+cax2+bx+c that Q(x)Q(x) contains, the decomposition must include
      Ax+Bax2+bx+c.Ax+Bax2+bx+c.
    4. For each repeated irreducible quadratic factor (ax2+bx+c)n,(ax2+bx+c)n, the decomposition must include
      A1x+B1ax2+bx+c+A2x+B2(ax2+bx+c)2++Anx+Bn(ax2+bx+c)n.A1x+B1ax2+bx+c+A2x+B2(ax2+bx+c)2++Anx+Bn(ax2+bx+c)n.
    5. After the appropriate decomposition is determined, solve for the constants.
    6. Last, rewrite the integral in its decomposed form and evaluate it using previously developed techniques or integration formulas.

Simple Quadratic Factors

Now let’s look at integrating a rational expression in which the denominator contains an irreducible quadratic factor. Recall that the quadratic ax2+bx+cax2+bx+c is irreducible if ax2+bx+c=0ax2+bx+c=0 has no real zeros—that is, if b24ac<0.b24ac<0.

Example 3.33

Rational Expressions with an Irreducible Quadratic Factor

Evaluate 2x3x3+xdx.2x3x3+xdx.

Example 3.34

Partial Fractions with an Irreducible Quadratic Factor

Evaluate dxx38.dxx38.

Example 3.35

Finding a Volume

Find the volume of the solid of revolution obtained by revolving the region enclosed by the graph of f(x)=x2(x2+1)2f(x)=x2(x2+1)2 and the x-axis over the interval [0,1][0,1] about the y-axis.

Checkpoint 3.20

Set up the partial fraction decomposition for x2+3x+1(x+2)(x3)2(x2+4)2dx.x2+3x+1(x+2)(x3)2(x2+4)2dx.

Section 3.4 Exercises

Express the rational function as a sum or difference of two simpler rational expressions.

182.

1 ( x 3 ) ( x 2 ) 1 ( x 3 ) ( x 2 )

183.

x 2 + 1 x ( x + 1 ) ( x + 2 ) x 2 + 1 x ( x + 1 ) ( x + 2 )

184.

1 x 3 x 1 x 3 x

185.

3 x + 1 x 2 3 x + 1 x 2

186.

3x2x2+13x2x2+1 (Hint: Use long division first.)

187.

2 x 4 x 2 2 x 2 x 4 x 2 2 x

188.

1 ( x 1 ) ( x 2 + 1 ) 1 ( x 1 ) ( x 2 + 1 )

189.

1 x 2 ( x 1 ) 1 x 2 ( x 1 )

190.

x x 2 4 x x 2 4

191.

1 x ( x 1 ) ( x 2 ) ( x 3 ) 1 x ( x 1 ) ( x 2 ) ( x 3 )

192.

1 x 4 1 = 1 ( x + 1 ) ( x 1 ) ( x 2 + 1 ) 1 x 4 1 = 1 ( x + 1 ) ( x 1 ) ( x 2 + 1 )

193.

3 x 2 x 3 1 = 3 x 2 ( x 1 ) ( x 2 + x + 1 ) 3 x 2 x 3 1 = 3 x 2 ( x 1 ) ( x 2 + x + 1 )

194.

2 x ( x + 2 ) 2 2 x ( x + 2 ) 2

195.

3 x 4 + x 3 + 20 x 2 + 3 x + 31 ( x + 1 ) ( x 2 + 4 ) 2 3 x 4 + x 3 + 20 x 2 + 3 x + 31 ( x + 1 ) ( x 2 + 4 ) 2

Use the method of partial fractions to evaluate each of the following integrals.

196.

d x ( x 3 ) ( x 2 ) d x ( x 3 ) ( x 2 )

197.

3 x x 2 + 2 x 8 d x 3 x x 2 + 2 x 8 d x

198.

d x x 3 x d x x 3 x

199.

x x 2 4 d x x x 2 4 d x

200.

d x x ( x 1 ) ( x 2 ) ( x 3 ) d x x ( x 1 ) ( x 2 ) ( x 3 )

201.

2 x 2 + 4 x + 22 x 2 + 2 x + 10 d x 2 x 2 + 4 x + 22 x 2 + 2 x + 10 d x

202.

d x x 2 5 x + 6 d x x 2 5 x + 6

203.

2 x x 2 + x d x 2 x x 2 + x d x

204.

2 x 2 x 6 d x 2 x 2 x 6 d x

205.

d x x 3 2 x 2 4 x + 8 d x x 3 2 x 2 4 x + 8

206.

d x x 4 10 x 2 + 9 d x x 4 10 x 2 + 9

Evaluate the following integrals, which have irreducible quadratic factors.

207.

2 ( x 4 ) ( x 2 + 2 x + 6 ) d x 2 ( x 4 ) ( x 2 + 2 x + 6 ) d x

208.

x 2 x 3 x 2 + 4 x 4 d x x 2 x 3 x 2 + 4 x 4 d x

209.

x 3 + 6 x 2 + 3 x + 6 x 3 + 2 x 2 d x x 3 + 6 x 2 + 3 x + 6 x 3 + 2 x 2 d x

210.

x ( x 1 ) ( x 2 + 2 x + 2 ) 2 d x x ( x 1 ) ( x 2 + 2 x + 2 ) 2 d x

Use the method of partial fractions to evaluate the following integrals.

211.

3 x + 4 ( x 2 + 4 ) ( 3 x ) d x 3 x + 4 ( x 2 + 4 ) ( 3 x ) d x

212.

2 ( x + 2 ) 2 ( 2 x ) d x 2 ( x + 2 ) 2 ( 2 x ) d x

213.

3x+4x32x4dx3x+4x32x4dx (Hint: Use the rational root theorem.)

Use substitution to convert the integrals to integrals of rational functions. Then use partial fractions to evaluate the integrals.

214.

01ex36e2xdx01ex36e2xdx (Give the exact answer and the decimal equivalent. Round to five decimal places.)

215.

e x e 2 x e x d x e x e 2 x e x d x

216.

sin x d x 1 cos 2 x sin x d x 1 cos 2 x

217.

sin x cos 2 x + cos x 6 d x sin x cos 2 x + cos x 6 d x

218.

1 x 1 + x d x 1 x 1 + x d x

219.

d t ( e t e t ) 2 d t ( e t e t ) 2

220.

1 + e x 1 e x d x 1 + e x 1 e x d x

221.

d x 1 + x + 1 d x 1 + x + 1

222.

d x x + x 4 d x x + x 4

223.

cos x sin x ( 1 sin x ) d x cos x sin x ( 1 sin x ) d x

224.

e x ( e 2 x 4 ) 2 d x e x ( e 2 x 4 ) 2 d x

225.

1 2 1 x 2 4 x 2 d x 1 2 1 x 2 4 x 2 d x

226.

1 2 + e x d x 1 2 + e x d x

227.

1 1 + e x d x 1 1 + e x d x

Use the given substitution to convert the integral to an integral of a rational function, then evaluate.

228.

1 t t 3 d t t = x 3 1 t t 3 d t t = x 3

229.

1 x + x 3 d x ; x = u 6 1 x + x 3 d x ; x = u 6

230.

Graph the curve y=x1+xy=x1+x over the interval [0,5].[0,5]. Then, find the area of the region bounded by the curve, the x-axis, and the line x=4.x=4.

This figure is a graph of the function y = x/(1 + x). The graph is only in the first quadrant. It begins at the origin and increases into the first quadrant. The curve stops at x = 5.
231.

Find the volume of the solid generated when the region bounded by y=1/x(3x),y=1/x(3x), y=0,y=0, x=1,x=1, and x=2x=2 is revolved about the x-axis.

232.

The velocity of a particle moving along a line is a function of time given by v(t)=88t2t2+1.v(t)=88t2t2+1. Find the distance that the particle has traveled after t=5t=5 sec.

Solve the initial-value problem for x as a function of t.

233.

( t 2 7 t + 12 ) d x d t = 1 , ( t > 4 , x ( 5 ) = 0 ) ( t 2 7 t + 12 ) d x d t = 1 , ( t > 4 , x ( 5 ) = 0 )

234.

( t + 5 ) d x d t = x 2 + 1 , t > 5 , x ( 1 ) = tan 1 ( t + 5 ) d x d t = x 2 + 1 , t > 5 , x ( 1 ) = tan 1

235.

( 2 t 3 2 t 2 + t 1 ) d x d t = 3 , x ( 2 ) = 0 ( 2 t 3 2 t 2 + t 1 ) d x d t = 3 , x ( 2 ) = 0

236.

Find the x-coordinate of the centroid of the area bounded by

y(x29)=1,y(x29)=1, y=0,x=4,andx=5.y=0,x=4,andx=5. (Round the answer to two decimal places.)

237.

Find the volume generated by revolving the area bounded by y=1x3+7x2+6x,x=1,x=7,andy=0y=1x3+7x2+6x,x=1,x=7,andy=0 about the y-axis.

238.

Find the area bounded by y=x12x28x20,y=x12x28x20, y=0,x=2,andx=4.y=0,x=2,andx=4. (Round the answer to the nearest hundredth.)

239.

Evaluate the integral dxx3+1.dxx3+1.

For the following problems, use the substitutions tan(x2)=t,tan(x2)=t, dx=21+t2dt,dx=21+t2dt, sinx=2t1+t2,sinx=2t1+t2, and cosx=1t21+t2.cosx=1t21+t2.

240.

d x 3 5 sin x d x 3 5 sin x

241.

Find the area under the curve y=11+sinxy=11+sinx between x=0x=0 and x=π.x=π. (Assume the dimensions are in inches.)

242.

Given tan(x2)=t,tan(x2)=t, derive the formulas dx=21+t2dt,dx=21+t2dt, sinx=2t1+t2,sinx=2t1+t2, and cosx=1t21+t2.cosx=1t21+t2.

243.

Evaluate x83xdx.x83xdx.

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