Topics
Linear partial fractions
When the denominator of a fraction can be factored, it is possible to split it into the sum of 2 pieces:
(where ≡ means "equal for all x")
Remember that when we add two fractions, we cross multiply the denominators:
Then we can write
The easiest way to solve this is to chose a value of x that eliminates A or B, eg x=1:
and therefore
Linear partial fractions
When the denominator of a fraction can be factored, it is possible to split it into the sum of 2 pieces:
(where ≡ means "equal for all x")
Remember that when we add two fractions, we cross multiply the denominators:
Then we can write
The easiest way to solve this is to chose a value of x that eliminates A or B, eg x=1:
and therefore