What are the rules for decomposition of partial fractions?

There are some very useful rules when dealing with partial fractions1) For every linear factor such as ax + b in the denominator, there will be a partial fraction of the form A / ax + b. 2)  For every repeated factor such as (ax + b)2 in the denominator, there will be two partial fractions: A/ ax + b and B/ (ax + b)2  . For higher powers there will be correspondingly more terms. 3) For quadratic factors in the denominator e.g. ax2 + bx + c there will be a partial fraction of the form: Ax + B / ax2 + bx +c.For example, let's decompose (7x + 2) / [(x + 2)^2 * (x - 2)]. Using the rules above, (x + 2)^2 would give us A / (x + 2) + B / (x+2)^2. (x - 2) in the denominator would give C / (x - 2). Therefore, the partial fraction (7x + 2) / [(x + 2)^2 * (x - 2)] can also be written in the form: A / (x + 2) + B / (x+2)^2 +  C / (x - 2).In fact, having equated appropriate coefficients we find out that: (7x + 2) / [(x + 2)^2 * (x - 2)] = - 1/ (x + 2) + 3 / (x+2)^2 + 1 / (x - 2).

FW
Answered by Filip W. Maths tutor

7654 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Solve the differential equation dy/dx = y/x(x + 1) , given that when x = 1, y = 1. Your answer should express y explicitly in terms of x.


How do you differentiate a function comprised of two functions multiplied together?


C1 June 2014 Q)4 - https://pmt.physicsandmathstutor.com/download/Maths/A-level/C1/Papers-Edexcel/June%202014%20QP%20-%20C1%20Edexcel.pdf


(i) Prove sin(θ)/cos(θ) + cos(θ)/sin(θ) = 2cosec(2θ) , (ii) draw draph of y = 2cosec(2θ) for 0<θ< 360°, (iii) solve to 1 d.p. : sin(θ)/cos(θ) + cos(θ)/sin(θ) = 3.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning