10.

6
Partial Fraction Decomposition
A rational expression P / Q is called
proper if the degree of the
polynomial in the numerator is less
than the degree of the polynomial in
the denominator. Otherwise the
rational expression is termed
improper.
 CASE 1: Q has only non-repeated linear factors.
Under the assumption that Q has only non-repeated
linear factors, the polynomial Q has the form

where none of the numbers ai are equal. In this

case, the partial fraction decomposition of P / Q
is of the form

where the numbers Ai are to be determined.

Write a partial fraction decomposition of
Solution of this system is A=3, B=2.
CASE 2: Q has repeated linear factors.
If the polynomial Q has a repeated factor,
say, (x - a) n, n > 2 an integer, then, in the
partial fraction decomposition of P / Q, we
allow for the terms
Write the partial fraction decomposition of
Need to solve:

From the last and the first we easily get A and B.

A=-3/4, B=3/4, C=7/2.

 CASE 3: Q contains a non-repeated
irreducible quadratic factor.
If Q contains a non-repeated irreducible
quadratic factor of the form ax2 + bx + c,
then, in the partial fraction decomposition
of P / Q, allow for the term

where the numbers A and B are to be

determined.
Write a partial fraction decomposition of

=
 =
Collect like terms:

Comparing right and left sides gives:

 (1)
(2)
(3)
(4)

Adding (1) and (3) gives Adding (2) and (4) gives
2A+2B = 4 2A-2B = -8
Combining these
4A = -4
Solution is A = -1, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1.
 CASE 4: Q contains repeated irreducible
quadratic factors.
If the polynomial Q contains a repeated
irreducible quadratic fator (ax2 + bx + c)n, n > 2,
n an integer, then, in the partial fraction
decomposition of P / Q, allow for the terms

where the numbers Ai ,Bi are to be determined.

Write the partial fraction decomposition of:
Comparing left and right sides leads to: