Chapter 4 83 Partial Fraction

Chapter 4
Partial Fractions

4.1 Introduction: A fraction is a symbol indicating the division of

13 2
integers. For example, , are fractions and are called Common
9 3
Fraction. The dividend (upper number) is called the numerator N(x) and
the divisor (lower number) is called the denominator, D(x).
From the previous study of elementary algebra we have learnt how
the sum of different fractions can be found by taking L.C.M. and then add
all the fractions. For example
i)

ii )

Here we study the reverse process, i.e., we split up a single fraction into a
number of fractions whose denominators are the factors of denominator of
that fraction. These fractions are called Partial fractions.
4.2 Partial fractions :
To express a single rational fraction into the sum of two or more
single rational fractions is called Partial fraction resolution.
For example,
2x + x 2  1 1 1 1
  
x(x  1)
2
x x 1 x + 1
2x + x 2  1 1 1 1
is the resultant fraction and   are its
x(x 2  1) x x 1 x + 1
partial fractions.
4.3 Polynomial:
Any expression of the form P(x) = anxn + an-1 xn-1 + ….. + a2x2+
a1x + a0 where an, an-1, ….., a2, a1, a0 are real constants, if an ≠ 0 then P(x)
is called polynomial of degree n.
4.4 Rational fraction:
p
We know that , q  0 is called a rational number. Similarly
q
N(x)
the quotient of two polynomials where D(x)  0 , with no common
D(x)
factors, is called a rational fraction. A rational fraction is of two types:
Chapter 4 84 Partial Fraction

4.5 Proper Fraction:

N(x)
A rational fraction is called a proper fraction if the degree
D(x)
of numerator N(x) is less than the degree of Denominator D(x).
For example
9x 2  9x + 6
(i)
(x  1)(2x  1)(x + 2)
6x + 27
(ii)
3x 3  9x
4.6 Improper Fraction:
N(x)
A rational fraction is called an improper fraction if the
D(x)
degree of the Numerator N(x) is greater than or equal to the degree of the
Denominator D(x)
For example
2x 3  5x 2  3x  10
(i)
x2  1
6x 3  5x 2  7
(ii)
3x 2  2x  1
Note: An improper fraction can be expressed, by division, as the sum of a
polynomial and a proper fraction.
For example:
6x 3 + 5x 2  7 8x  4
= (2x + 3) + 2
3x  2x  1
2
x  2x  1
Which is obtained as, divide 6x2 + 5x2 – 7 by 3x2 – 2x – 1 then we
8x  4
get a polynomial (2x+3) and a proper fraction
x  2x  1
2

4.7 Process of Finding Partial Fraction:

N(x)
A proper fraction can be resolved into partial fractions as:
D(x)
(I) If in the denominator D(x) a linear factor (ax + b) occurs and is
non-repeating, its partial fraction will be of the form
A
,where A is a constant whose value is to be determined.
ax + b
Chapter 4 85 Partial Fraction

(II) If in the denominator D(x) a linear factor (ax + b) occurs n

times, i.e., (ax + b)n, then there will be n partial fractions of the
form
A1 A2 A3 An
 2
 3
 ..... 
ax + b (ax + b) (ax + b) (ax + b)n
,where A1, A2, A3 - - - - - - - - - An are constants whose values
are to be determined
(III) If in the denominator D(x) a quadratic factor ax2 + bx + c
occurs and is non-repeating, its partial fraction will be of the form
Ax + B
2
, where A and B are constants whose values are to
ax + bx + c
be determined.
(IV) If in the denominator a quadratic factor ax2 + bx + c
occurs n times, i.e., (ax2 + bx + c)n ,then there will be n partial
fractions of the form
A1x + B1 A 2 x + B2 A3x + B3
2
 2 2
 
ax + bx + c (ax + bx + c) (ax 2 + bx + c)3
A n x + Bn
- - - - - - - - - -
(ax 2 + bx + c)n
Where A1, A2, A3 - - - - - - - - An and B1, B2, B3 - - - - - - - Bn are
constants whose values are to be determined.
Note: The evaluation of the coefficients of the partial fractions is based
on the following theorem:
If two polynomials are equal for all values of the variables, then the
coefficients having same degree on both sides are equal, for example , if
px2 + qx + a = 2x2 – 3x + 5  x , then
p = 2, q = - 3 and a = 5.
4.8 Type I
When the factors of the denominator are all linear and distinct i.e.,
non repeating.
Example 1:
7x  25
Resolve into partial fractions.
(x  3)(x  4)
Solution:
7x  25 A B
=  ------------------(1)
(x  3)(x  4) x  3 x  4
Multiplying both sides by L.C.M. i.e., (x – 3)(x – 4), we get
7x – 25 = A(x – 4) + B(x – 3) -------------- (2)
7x – 25 = Ax – 4A + Bx – 3B
Chapter 4 86 Partial Fraction

7x – 25 = Ax + Bx – 4A – 3B
7x – 25 = (A + B)x – 4A – 3B
Comparing the co-efficients of like powers of x on both sides, we
have
7 = A + B and
–25 = – 4A – 3B
Solving these equation we get
A = 4 and B=3
Hence the required partial fractions are:
7x  25 4 3
 
(x  3)(x  4) x  3 x  4
Alternative Method:
Since 7x – 25 = A(x – 4) + B(x – 3)
Put x -4 = 0,  x = 4 in equation (2)
7(4) – 25 = A(4 – 4) + B(4 – 3)
28 – 25 = 0 + B(1)
B=3
Put x – 3 = 0  x = 3 in equation (2)
7(3) – 25 = A(3 – 4) + B(3 – 3)
21 – 25 = A(–1) + 0
–4=–A
A=4
Hence the required partial fractions are
7x  25 4 3
 
(x  3)(x  4) x  3 x  4
Note : The R.H.S of equation (1) is the identity equation of L.H.S
Example 2:
7x  25
write the identity equation of
(x  3)(x  4)
7x  25
Solution : The identity equation of is
(x  3)(x  4)
7x  25
=
(x  3)(x  4)
Example 3:

1
Resolve into partial fraction: x2 - 1
Chapter 4 87 Partial Fraction

1 A B
Solutios: 2 = +
x -1 x-1 x+1

1 = A(x + 1) + B (x – 1) (1)

Put x – 1 = 0, ⇨ x = 1 in equation (1)

1
1 = A (1 +1) + B(1 – 1) ⇨ A=
2

Put x + 1 = 0, ⇨ x = -1 in equation (1)

1 = A (-1+1) + B (-1-1)

1
1 = -2B, ⇨ B=2

1 1 1
x2 - 1 = 2(x - 1) - 2(x + 1)

Example 4:
6x3 + 5x 2  7
Resolve into partial fractions
3x 2  2x  1
Solution:
This is an improper fraction first we convert it into a polynomial
and a proper fraction by division.
6x 3 + 5x 2  7 8x  4
 (2x + 3)+ 2
3x  2x  1
2
x  2x  1
8x  4 8x  4 A B
Let   
x  2x  1 (3x + 1) x  1 3x + 1
2

Multiplying both sides by (x – 1)(3x + 1) we get

8x – 4 = A(3x + 1) + B(x – 1) (I)
Put x – 1 = 0,  x = 1 in (I), we get
The value of A
8(1) – 4 = A(3(1) + 1) + B(1 – 1)
8 – 4 = A(3 + 1) + 0
4 = 4A
 A=1
1
Put 3x + 1 = 0  x =  in (I)
3
Chapter 4 88 Partial Fraction

 1  1 
8     4 = B    1
 3  3 
8  4
  4 =  
3  3
20 4
 =  B
3 3
20 3
 B= x =5
3 4
Hence the required partial fractions are
6x 3 + 5x 2  7 1 5
 (2x + 3)+ 
3x 2  2x  1 x  1 3x + 1
Example 5:
8x  8
Resolve into partial fraction
x 3  2x 2  8x
8x  8 8x  8 8x  8
Solution:  
x  2x  8x x(x  2x  8) x(x  4)(x + 2)
3 2 2

8x  8 A B C
Let   
x 3  2x 2  8x x x  4 x + 2
Multiplying both sides by L.C.M. i.e., x(x – 4)(x + 2)
8x – 8 = A(x – 4)(x + 2) + Bx(x + 2) + Cx(x – 4)
(I)
Put x = 0 in equation (I), we have
8 (0) – 8 = A(0 – 4)(0 + 2) + B(0)(0 + 2)+C(0)(0 – 4)
–8 = –8A + 0 + 0
 A=1
Put x – 4 = 0  x = 4 in Equation (I), we have
8 (4) – 8 = B (4) (4 + 2)
32 – 8 = 24B
24 = 24B
 B=1
Put x + 2 = 0  x = – 2 in Eq. (I), we have
8(–2) –8 = C(–2)( –2 –4)
–16 –8 = C(–2)( –6)
–24 = 12C
 C = –2
Hence the required partial fractions
Chapter 4 89 Partial Fraction

8x  8 1 1 2
  
x  2x  8x x x  4 x + 2
3 2

Exercise 4.1
Resolve into partial fraction:
2x + 3 2x + 5
Q.1 Q.2
(x  2)(x + 5) 2
x +5x + 6

3x 2  2x  5 (x  1)(x  2)(x  3)
Q.3 Q.4
(x  2)(x + 2)(x + 3) (x  4)(x  5)(x  6)

x 1
Q.5 Q.6
(x  a)(x  b)(x  c) (1  ax)(1  bx)(1  cx)

2x 3  x 2 + 1 1
Q.7 Q.8
(x + 3)(x  1)(x + 5) (1  x)(1  2x)(1  3x)
6x + 27 9x 2  9x + 6
Q.9 Q.10
4x 3  9x (x  1)(2x  1)(x + 2)

x4 2x 3  x 2  x  3
Q.11 Q.12
(x  1)(x  2)(x  3) x(x  1)(2x + 3)

Answers 4.1
1 1 1 1
Q.1  Q.2 
x2 x + 5 x+2 x+3

3 11 28
Q.3  
20(x  2) 4(x  2) 5(x + 3)
3 24 30
Q.4 1  
x 4 x 5 x 6
a b c
Q.5  
(a  b)(a  c)(x  a) (b  a)(b  c)(x  b) (c  b)(c  a)(x  c)
a2 b2 c2
Q.6  
(a  b)(a  c)(1  ax) (b  a)(b  c)(1  bx) (c  b)(c  a)(1  cx)
Chapter 4 90 Partial Fraction

31 1 137
Q.7 2+  
4(x + 3) 12(x  1) 6(x + 5)
1 4 9
Q.8  
2(1  x) (1  2x) 2(1  3x)
3 4 2
Q.9  
x 2x  3 2x + 3
2 3 4
Q.10  
x  1 2x  1 x + 12
1 16 81
Q.11 x + 6 +  
2(x  1) x  2 2(x  3)
1 1 8
Q.12 1 +  
x 5(x  1) 5(2x + 3)

4.9 Type II:

When the factors of the denominator are all linear but some are
repeated.
Example 1:
x 2  3x + 1
Resolve into partial fractions:
(x  1)2 (x  2)
Solution:
x 2  3x + 1 A B C
  
(x  1) (x  2) x  1 (x  1)
2 2
x2
Multiplying both sides by L.C.M. i.e., (x – 1)2 (x – 2), we get
x2 – 3x + 1 = A(x – 1)(x – 2) + B(x – 2) + C(x – 1)2 (I)
Putting x – 1 = 0  x = 1 in (I), then
2
(1) – 3 (1) + 1 = B (1 – 2)
1 – 3 + 1 = –B
–1=–B
 B=1
Putting x – 2 = 0  x = 2 in (I), then
(2)2 – 3 (2) + 1 = C (2 – 1)2
4 – 6 + 1 = C(1)2
 –1=C
Now x – 3x + 1 = A(x2 – 3x + 2) + B(x – 2) + C(x2 – 2x + 1)
2

Comparing the co-efficient of like powers of x on both sides, we get

A+C =1
A=1–C
Chapter 4 91 Partial Fraction

= 1 – (– 1)
=1+1=2
 A=2
Hence the required partial fractions are
x 2  3x + 1 2 1 1
  
(x  1) (x  2) x  1 (x  1)
2 2
x2
Example 2:
1
Resolve into partial fraction 4
x (x + 1)
Solution
1 A B C D E
4
  2 3 4
x (x + 1) x x x x x+1
Where A, B, C, D and E are constants. To find these constants
multiplying both sides by L.C.M. i.e., x4 (x + 1), we get
1 = A(x3)(x + 1) + Bx2 (x + 1) + Cx (x + 1) + D(x + 1) + Ex4
(I)
Putting x =  1 in Eq. (I)
1 = E(  1)4
 E=1
Putting x = 0 in Eq. (I), we have
1 = D(0 + 1)
1=D
 D=1
1 = A(x4 + x3)+B(x3 + x2)+C(x2 + x)+D(x + 1) + Ex
Comparing the co-efficient of like powers of x on both sides.
Co-efficient of x3 : A + B = 0 ………
(i)
Co-efficient of x2 : B + C = 0 ………
(ii)
Co-efficient of x : C + D = 0 ………
(iii)
Putting the value of D = 1 in (iii)
C+1=0
 C = 1
Putting this value in (ii), we get
B–1=0
 B =1
Putting B = 1 in (i), we have
A+1=0
 A = 1
Chapter 4 92 Partial Fraction

Hence the required partial fraction are

1 1 1 1 1 1
    
x 4 (x + 1) x x 2 x 3 x 4 x + 1
Example 3:
4 + 7x
Resolve into partial fractions
(2 + 3x)(1 + x)2
Solution:
4 + 7x A B C
  
(2 + 3x)(1 + x) 2
2  3x 1  x (1 + x)2
Multiplying both sides by L.C.M. i.e., (2 + 3x) (1 + x)2
We get 4 + 7x = A(1 + x)2 +B(2 + 3x)(1 + x) +C(2 + 3x) …. (I)
2
Put 2 + 3x = 0  x=  in (I)
3
2
 2  2
Then 4  7     A 1  
 3  3
2
14  1
4   A 
3  3
2 1
  A
3 9
2 9
 A= x  6
3 1
A = –6
Put 1+x=0  x = –1 in eq. (I), we get
4 + 7 (–1) = C ( 2 – 3)
4 – 7 = C(–1)
–3=–C
 C=3
4 + 7x = A(x2 + 2x + 1) +B(2 + 5x + 3x2) + C(2 + 3x)
Comparing the co-efficient of x2 on both sides
A + 3B = 0
– 6 + 3B = 0
3B = 6
 B=2
Hence the required partial fraction will be
6 2 3
 
2  3x 1  x (1 + x)2
Chapter 4 93 Partial Fraction

Exercise 4.2
Resolve into partial fraction:
x+4 1
Q.1 Q2.
(x  2)2 (x + 1) (x + 1)(x 2  1)
4x 3 2x + 1
Q.3 Q.4
(x + 1)2 (x 2  1) (x + 3)(x  1)(x + 2)2
6x 2  11x  32 x2  x  3
Q.5 Q.6
(x + 6)(x + 1)2 (x  1)3
5x 2 +36x  27 4x 2  13x
Q.7 Q.8
x 4  6x 3  9x 2 (x + 3)(x  2)2
x4 1 x 3  8x 2  17x  1
Q.9 Q.10
x 2 (x  1) (x  3)3
x2 2x + 1
Q.11 Q.12
(x  1)3 (x + 2) (x + 2)(x  3)2

Answers4.2
Q.1 
1 1 1
Q.2  
4(x  1) 4(x + 1) 2(x + 1)2
1 7 5 2
Q.3   
2(x  1) 2(x + 1) (x + 1) 2
(x + 1)3
5 1 4 1
Q.4   
4(x + 3) 12(x  1) 3(x + 2) (x + 2)2
10 4 3
Q.5  
x + 6 x + 1 (x  1)2
1 1 3
Q.6  
x  1 (x  1) 2
(x  1)3
2 3 2 14
Q.7  2 
x x (x  3) (x  3)2
3 1 2
Q.8  
x + 3 x  2 (x  2)2
Chapter 4 94 Partial Fraction

1 1 2
Q.9 x+1   2
x x x 1
1 4 7
Q.10 1   
x  3 (x  3) 2
(x  3)3
4 5 1 4
Q.11   
27(x  1) 9(x  1) 2
3(x  1) 27(x + 2)
3

3 3 7
Q.12   
25(x + 2) 25(x  3) 5(x  3)2

4.10 Type III:

When the denominator contains ir-reducible quadratic factors
which are non-repeated.
Example 1:
9x  7
Resolve into partial fractions
(x + 3)(x 2  1)
Solution:
9x  7 A Bx + C
 
(x + 3)(x 2  1) x + 3 x 2 + 1
Multiplying both sides by L.C.M. i.e., (x + 3)(x2 + 1), we get
9x – 7 = A(x2 + 1) + (Bx + C)(x + 3) (I)
Put x+3=0  x = –3 in Eq. (I), we have
9(–3) –7 = A((–3)2 + 1) + (B(–3) + C)(–3 + 3)
–27 –7 = 10A + 0
17
34 A= 
A=   5
10
9x – 7 = A(x2 + 1) + B(x2 + 3x) + C(x + 3)
Comparing the co-efficient of like powers of x on both sides
A+B=0
3B + C = 9
Putting value of A in Eq. (i)
17 17
 +B=0  B=
5
5
From Eq. (iii)
 17 
C = 9 – 3B = 9 – 3  
 4
51 6
= 9  C= 
5 5
Chapter 4 95 Partial Fraction

Hence the required partial fraction are

17 17x  6

5(x + 3) 5(x 2 + 1)
Example 2:
x2 + 1
Resolve into partial fraction 4
x + x2 + 1
Solution:
x2 + 1 x2 + 1
Let 
x 4 + x 2 + 1 (x 2  x + 1)(x 2  x+1)
x2 + 1 Ax + B Cx + D
 
(x 2  x + 1)(x 2  x+1) (x 2  x + 1) (x 2  x+1)
Multiplying both sides by L.C.M. i.e., (x 2  x + 1)(x 2  x+1)
x2 + 1 = (Ax + B)(x2 + x + 1) + (Cx + D)(x2 – x + 1)
Comparing the co-efficient of like powers of x, we have
Co-efficient of x3 : A+C=0 …………. (i)
Co-efficient of x2 : A + B – C + D = 1 ……….. (ii)
Co-efficient of x : A + B + C – D = 0 ……….. (iii)
Constant B+D=1 ……….. (iv)
Subtract (iv) from (ii) we have
A–C=0 …………… (v)
A=C …………… (vi)
Adding (i) and (v), we have
A=0
Putting A = 0 in (vi), we have
C=0
Putting the value of A and C in (iii), we have
B–D=0 …………… (vii)
Adding (iv) and (vii)
1
2B = 1  B=
2
from (vii) B = D, therefore
1
D=
2
Hence the required partial fraction are
Chapter 4 96 Partial Fraction

1 1
0x + 0x +
2  2
(x  x + 1) (x  x+1)
2 2

1 1
i.e., 
2(x 2  x + 1) 2(x 2 + x + 1)
Exercise 4.3
Resolve into partial fraction:
x 2 + 3x  1 x2  x + 2
Q.1 Q.2
(x  2)(x 2 + 5) (x + 1)(x 2 + 3)
3x + 7 1
Q.3 Q.4
(x + 3)(x 2 + 1) 3
(x + 1)
1 3x + 7
Q.5 Q.6
(x + 1)(x 2 + 1) (x 2 + x + 1)(x 2  4)
3x 2  x + 1 x+a
Q.7 Q.8
(x + 1)(x 2  x + 3) x (x  a)(x 2 + a 2 )
2

x5 x2 + x + 1
Q.9 Q.10
x4 1 (x 2  x  2)(x 2  2)
1 x 2 + 3x + 3
Q.11 Q.12
x3  1 (x 2  1)(x 2  4)
Answers 4.3
1 3 1 1
Q.1  2 Q.2  2
x2 x 5 x + 1 x 3
1 (x  2)
Q.3  Q.4 
3(x + 1) 3(x 2  x + 1)
1 x 1
Q.5 
2(x + 1) 2(x 2 + 1)
Q.6

1 2x  2
Q.7  2
x+1 x x+3
Q.8
Chapter 4 97 Partial Fraction

1 1 x
Q.9 x+  
4(x  1) 4(x + 1) 2(x  1)
2

1 7 3x + 2
Q.10  
3(x + 1) 6(x  2) 2(x 2  2)
1 x+2
Q.11 
3(x  1) 3(x 2  x+1)
7 1 3x  1
Q.12  
10(x  1) 10(x + 1) 5(x 2  4)

4.11 Type IV: Quadratic repeated factors

When the denominator has repeated Quadratic factors.
Example 1:
x2
Resolve into partial fraction
(1  x)(1+x 2 )2
Solution:
x2 A Bx + C Dx + E
  
(1  x)(1+x 2 )2 1  x (1+x 2 ) (1+x 2 )2
Multiplying both sides by L.C.M. i.e., (1  x)(1+x 2 )2 on both
sides, we have
x2 = A(1 + x2)2 + (Bx + C)(1 – x)(1 + x2)+(Dx + E)(1 – x) ……(i)
x2 = A(1 + 2x2 + x4) + (Bx + C)(1 – x + x2 – x3)+(Dx + E)(1 – x)
Put 1 – x = 0  x = 1 in eq. (i), we have
2 2 2
(1) = A(1 + (1) )
1
1 = 4A  A=
4
x2 = A(1 + 2x2 + x4) + B(x – x2 + x3 – x4)+C(1 – x + x2 – x3)
+ D(x–x2)+ E(1 – x) …………………… (ii)
Comparing the co-efficients of like powers of x on both sides in
Equation (II), we have
Co-efficient of x4 : A–B=0 ……………. (i)
Co-efficient of x3 : B–C=0 ……………. (ii)
2
Co-efficient of x : 2A – B + C – D = 1 ……. (iii)
Co-efficient of x : B–C+D–E=0 ……. (iv)
Co-efficient term : A + C + E = 0 ……………. (v)
from (i), B=A
1 1
 B= A=
4 4
Chapter 4 98 Partial Fraction

from (i) B=C

1 1
 C= C=
4 4
from (iii) D = 2A – B + C – 1
1 1 1
= 2   1
4 4 4
1
 D= 
2
from (v) E=–A–C
1 1 1
E =  =
4 4 2
Hence the required partial fractions are by putting the values of A,
B, C, D, E,
1 1 1 1 1
x+  x
4 4 4 2 2
1 x 1 x 2
(1  x )
2 2

1 (x + 1) x+1
 
4(1  x) 4(1  x ) 2(1  x 2 )2
2

Example 2:
x2 + x + 2
Resolve into partial fractions 2 2
x (x  3)2
Solution:
x 2 + x + 2 A B Cx + D Ex + F
Let    
x 2 (x 2  3)2 x x 2 x 2  3 (x 2  3) 2
Multiplying both sides by L.C.M. i.e., x 2 (x 2  3)2 , we have
x2 + x  2  Ax(x 2  3)2  B(x 2  3)2
(cx + D)x 2 (x 2  3)  (Ex + F)(x 2 )
Putting x = 0 on both sides, we have
2 = B (0 + 3)2
2
2 = 9B  B=
9

Now x 2 + x  2  Ax(x 4  6x 2  9)  B(x 4  6x 2  9)

C(x5 + 3x2 )+D(x4  3x2 )  E(x3 ) + Fx2
x2 + x  2  (A  C)x5  (B  D)x 4  (6A + 3C+E)x3
Chapter 4 99 Partial Fraction

+(6B+3D+F)x2  (x+9B)
Comparing the co-efficient of like powers of x on both sides of Eq.
(I), we have
Co-efficient of x5 : A+C=0 ………
(i)
Co-efficient of x4 : B–D=0 ………
(ii)
Co-efficient of x3 : 6A + 3C + E = 0 ………
(iii)
Co-efficient of x2 : 6B + 3D + F = 1 ………
(iv)
Co-efficient of x : 9A = 1 ………
(v)
Co-efficient term : 9B = 1 ………
(vi)
from (v) 9A = 1
1
 A=
9
from (i) A+C=0
C = –A
1
 C=–
9
from (i) B+D=0
D = –B
2
 D=–
9
from (iii) 6A + 3C + E =
1  1
6    3    E = 0
9  9
3 6
E= 
9 9
1
 E= 
3
from (iv) 6B + 3D + F = 1
F = 1 – 6B – 3D
2 2
 1  6    3 
9 9
Chapter 4 100 Partial Fraction

12 6
 1 
9 9
1
 F=
3
Hence the required partial fractions are
1 2 1 2 1 1
 x  x+
9 9  9 9 3 3
x x 2
x 3
2
(x 2  3)2
1 2 x+2 x 1
=  2 
9x 9x 9(x 2  3) 3(x 2  3)2
Exercise 4.4
Resolve into Partial Fraction:
7 x2
Q.1 Q.2
(x + 1)(x 2  2)2 (1  x)(1 + x 2 ) 2
5x 2  3x+9 4x 4  3x 3 +6x 2 +5x
Q.3 Q.4
x(x 2  3) 2 (x  1)(x 2  x  1) 2
2
2x 4  3x 3  4x x 3  15x 2  8x  7
Q.5 Q.6
(x + 1)(x 2  2)2 (2x  5)(1 + x 2 ) 2
49 8x 2
Q.7 Q.8
(x  2)(x 2  3)2 (1  x 2 )(1  x 2 )2
x 4  x 3  2x 2  7 x2  2
Q.9 Q.10
(x + 2)(x 2  x+1)2 (x 2 +1)(x 2  4)2
1
Q.11
x + x2 1
4

Answers 4.4

Q.1
1 x 1 x 1
Q.2  
4(1 + x) 4(1 + x ) 2(1 + x 2 )2
2

1 x 2x+3
Q.3  2  2
x x +3 (x +3)2
Q.4
Chapter 4 101 Partial Fraction

1 5(x  1) 2(3x  1)
Q.5  
3(x + 1) 3(x 2 + 2) (x 2 + 1)2
2 x+3 x2
Q.6   
2x  5 1 + x 2
(1 + x 2 )2
1 x + 2 7x + 14
Q.7  2 
x  2 x  3 (x 2  3)2
1 1 2 4
Q.8   
1  x 1 + x 1 + x 2 (1 + x 2 )2
1 2x  3 1
Q.9  2  2
x + 2 (x  x+1) 2
x x+1
1 1 2
Q.10  
9(x + 1) 9(x  4) 3(x  4)2
2 2 2

(x  1) (x + 1)
Q.11  
2(x 2  x + 1) 2(x 2  x +1)

Summary
N(x)
Let N(x) ≠ and D(x) ≠ 0 be two polynomials. The is called a
D(x)
proper fraction if the degree of N(x) is smaller than the degree of D(x).
x 1
For example: 2
is a proper fraction.
x + 5x + 6
N(x1 )
Also is called an improper fraction of the degree of N(x) is
D(x)
greater than or equal to the degree of D(x).
x5
For example: is an improper fraction.
x4 1
In such problems we divide N(x) by D(x) obtaining a quotient Q(x) and a
remainder R(x) whose degree is smaller than that of D(x).
N(x)' R(x) R(x)'
Thus  Q(x) + where is proper fraction.
D(x) D(x) D(x)
Types of proper fraction into partial fractions.
Type 1:
Linear and distinct factors in the D(x)
Chapter 4 102 Partial Fraction

x a A B
 
(x + a)(x + b) x + a x + b
Type 2:
Linear repeated factors in D(x)
x a A Bx + C
  2
(x + a)(x + b ) x + a x + b2
2 2

Type 3:
Quadratic Factors in the D(x)
x a A Bx + C
2 2
  2
(x + a)(x + b) x + a x + b2
Type 4:
Quadratic repeated factors in D(x):
x a Ax + B Cx + D Ex + F
  
(x 2 + a 2 )(x 2 + b2 ) x 2 + a 2 x 2 + b 2 (x 2 + b 2 ) 2
Chapter 4 103 Partial Fraction

Short Questions:
Write the short answers of the following:

Q.1: What is partial fractions?

Q.2: Define proper fraction and give example.

Q.3: Define improper fraction and given one example:

2x
Q.4: Resolve into partial fractions (x - 2) (x + 5)

1
Q.5: Resolve into partial fractions: x2 - x

7x + 25
Q.6: Resolve (x + 3)(x + 4) into partial fraction.

1
Q.7: Resolve x - 1 into partial fraction:
2

x2 + 1
Q.8: Resolve (x + 1)(x - 1) into partial fractions.

8 x2
Q.9: Write an identity equation of
(1 - x2)(1 + x2)2

2x + 5
Q.10: Write an identity equation of x2 + 5x + 6

x-5
Q.11: Write identity equation of (x + 1)(x2 + 3)
6x3 + 5 x2 - 7
Q.12: Write an identity equation of 3x2 - 2x - 1
(x - 1) (x -2)(x - 3)
Q.13: Write an identity equation of (x - 4) (x - 5) ( x - 6)

x5
Q.14: Write an identity equation of x4 - 1

2x4 - 3x2 - 4x
Q.15: Write an identity equation of (x + 1)(x2 + 2)2
Chapter 4 104 Partial Fraction

1
Q16. Form of partial fraction of is __________.
(x + 1)(x  2)
1
Q.17. Form of partial fraction of is __________.
(x + 1)2 (x  2)
1
Q.18. Form of partial fraction of 2 is __________.
(x + 1)(x  2)
1
Q.19. Form of partial fraction of 2 is __________.
(x + 1)(x  4)2
1
Q.20. Form of partial fraction of is __________.
(x  1)(x 2 + 1)
3

Answers
4 10 -1 1
Q4. 7(x - 2) - 7(x + 5) Q5. +
x x-1

4 3 1 1 1
Q6. x +3 + x + 4 Q7. x2 - 1 = 2(x - 1) - 2(x + 1)

1 1 A B Cx + D Ex + F
Q8. 1 + x + 1 + x - 1 Q9. 1 - x + 1 + x + 1 + x2 + (1 + x2)2
A B A Bx + C
Q10. x + 2 + x + 3 Q11. x + 1 + x2 +3

A B A B C
Q12. (2x +3) + + Q13. 1+ + +
x - 1 3x + 1 4-4 x-5 x-6

A B Cx + D A Bx + C Dx +E
Q14. x + x - 1 + x + 1 + x2 + 1 Q15. + 2 +
x +1 x +2 (x2 + 2)2

A B A B C
Q16.  Q17.  
x + 1 x2 x + 1 (x + 1) 2
x2

Ax + B C Ax + B C D
Q18.  Q19.  
x 1 x  2
2
x  1 x  1 (x  1)2
2

A Bx + C Dx + E
Q20.  2  2
(x  1) (x + x + 1) x + 1
Chapter 4 105 Partial Fraction

Objective Type Questions

Q.1 Each questions has four possible answers. Choose the correct
answer and encircle it.
__1. If the degree of numerator N(x) is equal or greater than the degree
of denominator D(x), then the fraction is:
(a) proper (b) improper
(c) Neither proper non-improper (d) Both proper and improper
__2. If the degree of numerator is less than the degree of denominator,
then the fraction is:
(a) Proper (b) Improper
(c) Neither proper non-improper (d) Both proper and improper
2x + 5
__3. The fraction 2
is known as:
x + 5x + 6
(a) Proper (b) Improper
(c) Both proper and improper (d) None of these
6x + 27
__4. The number of partial fractions of are:
4x 3  9x
(a) 2 (b) 3
(c) 4 (d) None of these
x 3  3x 2  1
__5. The number of partial fractions of are:
(x  1)(x + 1)(x 2  1)
(a) 2 (b) 3
(c) 4 (d) 5
x  11
__6. The equivalent partial fraction of is:
(x + 1)(x  3)2
A B A B
(a)  (b) 
x + 1 (x  3)2 x + 1 x 3
A B C A Bx + C
(c)   (d) 
x + 1 x  3 (x  3)2 x + 1 (x  3)2
x4
__7. The equivalent partial fraction of is:
(x 2 + 1)(x 2  3)
Ax + B Cx + D Ax + B Cx
(a)  2 (b)  2
x2 + 1 x +3 2
x +1 x +3
Ax + B Cx + D Ax Bx
(c) 1 2  2 (d) 
x +1 x +3 x2 + 1 x2 + 3
Chapter 4 106 Partial Fraction

2
__8. Partial fraction of is:
x(x  1)
2 1 1 2
(a)  (b) 
x x+1 x x+1
2 2 2 2
(c)  (d) 
x x+1 x x+1
2x + 3
__9. Partial fraction of is called:
(x  2)(x + 5)
2 1 3 1
(a)  (b) 
x2 x + 5 x2 x + 5
2 3 1 1
(c)  (d) 
x2 x + 5 x2 x + 5
(x  1)(x  2)(x  3)
__10. The fraction is called:
(x  4)(x  5)(x  6)
(a) Proper (ii) Improper
(c) Both proper and Improper (iv) None of these

Answers:
1. b 2. a 3. a 4. b 5. c
6. c 7. c 8. c 9. d 10. B