An improper fraction is any fraction where the order of the constant (power of x) is equal or greater in the nuberator than the denominator, take for example;
(x2-3x-2)/(x2-3x+2)
This can first be factorised to give (x2-3x-2)/(x2-3x+2)=(x2-3x-2)/(x-1)(x-2).
We then set this fraction to be equal to a series of constants, divided by the factors i.e
(x2-3x-2)/(x-1)(x-2) = A/(x-1) + B/(x-2). Multiplying by the denominator gives us;
(x2-3x-2) = A(x-2) + B(x-1). This can be solved for A and B by substitution of values. The best place to start is by setting one factor equal to 0, in this case we first let x=2 so that the A term is 0, and find B=-4. We then set x=1 so that the B term=0 to find A=4. We can then write:
(x2-3x-2)/(x2-3x+2) = 4/(x-1) -4/(x-2). Which is an easier form to handle for further calculation such as differentiation.