Chapter 5

PARTIAL FRACTIONS
We have come to know how to add two or more rational fractions into a single rational
fraction and got a single fraction. For example
1 2 3x 2 1 3 9 x 2  5x  3
(a)   and (b)   
x  1 x  2 ( x  1)( x  2) x  1 ( x  1) 2 x  2 ( x  1)(x  2)
But now in this chapter we will learn how to reverse this process that is to express a
single rational fraction as a sum of two or more rational fractions which are called Partial
Fractions.

Partial Fraction Resolution

Expressing a rational fraction as a sum of partial fractions is called Partial Fraction Resolution.

Equation
An open sentence formed by using the sign of equality ‘=’ is called Equation.
An equation can be divided into two kinds
1. Conditional Equation: An equation in which two algebraic expressions are equal for
particular value or values of variable is called Conditional Equations or Equation.
For example
2
a) 5x = 2 is a conditional equation and it is true only if x = .
5
2
b) x + x – 6 = 0 is a conditional equation and it is true for x = 2, – 3.
2. Identity: An equation which holds good for all values of the variables is called Identity.
For example
a) (a + b)x ≡ ax + bx is an Identity and its two sides are equal for all values of x.
b) (x + 3)(x + 4) ≡ x2 + 7x + 12 is also an Identity which is true for all values of x.
Note: The symbol ‘=’ shall be used both for Equation and Identity.

Rational Fraction
P( x )
A fraction of the form where P(x), Q(x) are algebraic expressions with no common
Q( x )
factors where Q(x) ≠ 0 is called Rational Fraction.
It has two kinds
P( x )
1. Proper Rational Fraction: A Rational fraction is called a Proper Rational
Q( x )
fraction if the degree of the polynomial P(x) is less than the degree of the polynomial
Q(x).

Prepared By: Rana Faisal Rashid (MSc Mathematics UET Lahore) FSc-I 1
 3 2x  5 9x 2
For example, , 2 and 3 are Proper Rational Fractions or Proper
x 1 x  4 x 1
Fractions.
P( x )
2. Improper Rational Fraction: A Rational fraction is called an Improper Rational
Q( x )
fraction if the degree of the polynomial P(x) is equal to or greater than the degree of the
3x 2 x 2  5 9x 2  3
polynomial Q(x). For example , 2 and are Improper Rational
x 1 x  4 x 1
Fractions or Improper Fractions.
Note: Any Improper Fraction can be converted into a sum of polynomial and Proper Fraction
(mixed form) by long division.

Point to Ponder  Is x2 + 9 an Improper Fraction?

Comparing the Coefficients Method
“If two polynomials are equal for all values of the variable, then the polynomials have the same
degree and coefficients of like powers of the variable in both the polynomials must be equal”.

Example for Concept

If px3 + qx2 – ax + b = 2x3 – 3x2 – 4x + 5 for all values of x.

Then By Comparing the Coefficients of like powers of ‘x’ on both sides, we have
p = 2, q = – 3, a = 4 and b = 5

P(x)
Resolution of a Rational Fraction into Partial Fractions
Q(x)
P(x)
The main points of resolving a Rational Fraction Q(x) into partial fractions are:
i) The degree of P(x) must be less than that of Q(x). If not, divide and work with the
remainder theorem.
P(x)
ii) Write Q(x) as a sum of assumed partial fractions, then taking L.C.M and multiply on
both sides of the Identity.
iii) Comparing the coefficients of like powers of variable on both sides.
iv) Solve the resulting equations for the coefficients and substitute them into the Identity.
P(x)
Case-I: Resolution of into Partial Fraction when Q(x) has only
Q(x)
non-repeated Linear Factors:

Write the polynomial Q(x) as:

Q(x) = (x – a1) (x – a2). . . . (x – an), where a1 ≠ a2 ≠ . . . . ≠ an

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 P(x) A1 A2 An
Therefore, Q(x) =   ....  is an Identity.
x - a1 x - a 2 x - an
Where the coefficients A1, A2, …. , An are the numbers which we have to find.

Example for Concept

7 x  25
Resolve, into Partial Fractions.
( x  3)( x  4)

7 x  25 A B
Solution: Suppose = + ………(i)
( x  3)( x  4) x3 x4

Multiplying on both sides by (x + 3)(x + 4), we get

7x + 25 = A(x + 4) + B(x + 3)
7x + 25 = Ax + 4A + Bx + 3B .……..(ii)
Put x + 3 = 0  x = – 3 in eq. (ii), we have
7(– 3) + 25 = – 3A + 4A – 3B + 3B
– 21 + 25 = A  A = 4
Now put x + 4 = 0  x = – 4 in eq. (ii), we have
7(– 4) + 25 = – 4A + 4A – 4B + 3B
– 28 + 25 = – B  – 3 = – B  B = 3
Therefore, eq. (i) becomes
7 x  25 4 3
= + is the required partial fraction Resolution.
( x  3)( x  4) x3 x4

Exercise 5.1

Resolve the following into partial fractions

1 1
Q.1 =
x  1 ( x  1)( x  1)
2

1 A B
Solution: Suppose = + ………(i)
( x  1)( x  1) x 1 x 1
Multiplying on both sides by (x + 1)(x – 1), we get
1 = A(x – 1) + B(x + 1)
1 = Ax – A + Bx + B .……..(ii)
Put x + 1 = 0  x = – 1 in eq. (ii), we have
1=–A–A–B+B

Prepared By: Rana Faisal Rashid (MSc Mathematics UET Lahore) FSc-I 3
 1
 1 = – 2A  A = –
2
Now put x – 1 = 0  x = 1 in eq. (ii), we have
1=A–A+B+B
1
 1 = 2B  B =
2
Therefore, eq. (i) becomes
1  1/ 2 1/ 2
= +
( x  1)( x  1) x 1 x 1
1 1 1
= + is the required partial fraction Resolution.
x 1
2
2( x  1) 2( x  1)
(Answer)
x2 1 x2 1 2
Q.2 = 2 =1+ 2 ………(a)
( x  1)( x  1) x 1 x 1
2 2
Solution: Let =
x  1 ( x  1)( x  1)
2

2 A B
Suppose = + ………(i)
( x  1)( x  1) x 1 x 1
Multiplying on both sides by (x + 1)(x – 1), we get
2 = A(x – 1) + B(x + 1)
2 = Ax – A + Bx + B .……..(ii)
Put x + 1 = 0  x = – 1 in eq. (ii), we have
2=–A–A–B+B  2 = – 2A  A = – 1
Now put x – 1 = 0  x = 1 in eq. (ii), we have
2 = A – A + B + B  2 = 2B  B = 1
Therefore, eq. (i) becomes
2 1 1
= +
( x  1)( x  1) x 1 x 1
2 1 1
Or = –
x 1 2
x 1 x 1
Hence, the required partial fraction Resolution is
x2 1 1 1
= 1+ –
( x  1)( x  1) x 1 x 1
(Answer)

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 2x  1
Q.3
( x  1)(x  2)(x  3)
2x  1 A B C
Solution: Suppose = + + ………(i)
( x  1)(x  2)(x  3) x 1 x  2 x3
Multiplying on both sides by (x – 1)(x + 2)(x + 3), we get
2x + 1 = A(x + 2)(x + 3) + B(x – 1)(x + 3) + C(x – 1)(x + 2) .……..(ii)
Put x – 1 = 0  x = 1 in eq. (ii), we have
1
2(1) + 1 = A(1 + 2)(1 + 3)  3 = A(3)(4)  3 = 12A  A =
4
Now put x + 2 = 0  x = – 2 in eq. (ii), we have
2(– 2) + 1 = B(– 2 – 1)( – 2 + 3)  – 3 = B(– 3)(1)  – 3 = – 3B  B = 1
Now put x + 3 = 0  x = – 3 in eq. (ii), we have
5
2(– 3) + 1 = C(– 3 – 1)( – 3 + 2)  – 5 = C(– 4)(– 1 )  – 5 = 4C  C = 
4
Therefore, eq. (i) becomes
2x  1 1/ 4 1  5/ 4
= + +
( x  1)(x  2)(x  3) x 1 x  2 x3
2x  1 1 1 5
= + – is the required partial fraction
( x  1)(x  2)(x  3) 4( x  1) x2 4( x  3)
Resolution.
(Answer)
3x 2  4x  5 3x 2  4x  5
Q.4 =
( x  2)( x 2  7 x  10) ( x  2)( x  2)(x  5)

3x 2  4x  5 A B C
Solution: Suppose = + + ………(i)
( x  2)( x  2)(x  5) x2 x2 x5
Multiplying on both sides by (x – 2)(x + 2)(x + 5), we get
3x2 – 4x – 5 = A(x + 2)(x + 5) + B(x – 2)(x + 5) + C(x – 2)(x + 2) .……..(ii)
Put x – 2 = 0  x = 2 in eq. (ii), we have
1
3(2)2 – 4(2) – 5 = A(2 + 2)(2 + 5)  – 1 = A(4)(7)  –1 = 28A  A = 
28
Now put x + 2 = 0  x = – 2 in eq. (ii), we have
3(–2)2 – 4(–2) – 5 = B(– 2 – 2)( – 2 + 5)  15 = B(– 4)(3)
5
 15 = –12B  B = –
4
Now put x + 5 = 0  x = – 5 in eq. (ii), we have
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 3(– 5)2 – 4(–5) – 5 = C(– 5 – 2)( – 5 + 2)  75 + 20 – 5 = C(– 7)(– 3 )
30
 90 = 21C  C =
7
Therefore, eq. (i) becomes
3x 2  4x  5  1 / 28  5/ 4 30 / 7
= + +
( x  2)( x  2)(x  5) x2 x2 x5
3x 2  4x  5 1 5 30
=  – + is the required partial
( x  2)( x  7 x  10)
2
28( x  2) 4( x  2) 7( x  5)
fraction Resolution.
(Answer)
1
Q.5
( x  1)(2x  1)(3x  1)
1 A B C
Solution: Suppose = + + ………(i)
( x  1)(2x  1)(3x  1) x  1 2x  1 3x  1
Multiplying on both sides by (x – 1)(2x – 1)(3x – 1), we get
1 = A(2x – 1)(3x – 1) + B(x – 1)(3x – 1) + C(x – 1)(2x – 1) .……..(ii)
Put x – 1 = 0  x = 1 in eq. (ii), we have
1
1 = A(2(1) – 1)(3(1) – 1)  1 = A(1)(2)  1 = 2A  A =
2
1
Now put 2x – 1 = 0  x = in eq. (ii), we have
2
1 1 1 1 1
1 = B( – 1)( 3( ) – 1)  1 = B(– )( )  1 = – B  B = – 4
2 2 2 2 4
1
Now put 3x – 1 = 0  x = in eq. (ii), we have
3
1 1 2 1 2 9
1 = C( – 1)(2( ) – 1)  1 = C(– )(– )  1 = C  C =
3 3 3 3 9 2
Therefore, eq. (i) becomes
1 1/ 2 4 9/2
= + +
( x  1)(2x  1)(3x  1) x  1 2x  1 3x  1
1 1 4 9
= – +
( x  1)(2x  1)(3x  1) 2( x  1) 2x  1 2(3x  1)
is the required partial fraction Resolution.
(Answer)

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 x
Q.6
( x  a )(x  b)(x  c)
x A B C
Solution: Suppose = + + ………(i)
( x  a )(x  b)(x  c) xa xb xc
Multiplying on both sides by (x – a)(x – b)(x – c), we get
x = A(x – b)(x – c) + B(x – a)(x – c) + C(x – a)(x – b) .……..(ii)
Put x – a = 0  x = a in eq. (ii), we have
a
a = A(a – b)(a – c)  A=
(a  b)(a  c)
Now put x – b = 0  x = b in eq. (ii), we have
b
b = B(b – a)(b – c)  B=
(b  a )(b  c)
Now put x – c = 0  x = c in eq. (ii), we have
c
c = C(c – a)(c – b)  C =
(c  a )(c  b)
Therefore, eq. (i) becomes
x a b c
= + +
( x  a )(x  b)(x  c) ( x  a )(a  b)(a  c) ( x  b)(b  a )(b  c) ( x  c)(c  a )(c  b)
is the required partial fraction Resolution. (Answer)

6x 3 5x 2  7 7x  3
Q.7 = 3x + 4 + ………(a)
2x  x  1
2
2x 2  x  1
7x  3 7x  3
Solution: Let =
2x  x  1 (2x  1)( x  1)
2

7x  3 A B
Suppose = + ………(i)
(2x  1)( x  1) 2x  1 x  1
Multiplying on both sides by (2x + 1)(x – 1), we get
7x – 3 = A(x – 1) + B(2x + 1) .……..(ii)
1
Put 2x + 1 = 0  x = – in eq. (ii), we have
2
1 1 13 3 13
7(– ) – 3 = A(– – 1)  – =– A  A=
2 2 2 2 3
Now put x – 1 = 0  x = 1 in eq. (ii), we have
4
7(1) – 3 = B(2(1) + 1)  4 = 3B  B =
3

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 Therefore, eq. (i) becomes
7x  3 13 / 3 4/3
= +
(2x  1)( x  1) 2x  1 x  1
7x  3 13 4
Or = +
2x  x  1 3(2x  1) 3( x  1)
2

Hence, the required partial fraction Resolution is

6x 3 5x 2  7 13 4
= 3x + 4 + +
2x  x  1
2
3(2x  1) 3( x  1)
(Answer)
2 x 3  x 2  5x  3
Q.8
2x 3  x 2  3x
2 x 3  x 2  5x  3  2x  3  2x  3
Solution: Let =1+ =1+
2x  x  3x
3 2
2x  x  3x
3 2
x (2x 2  x  3)

2 x 3  x 2  5x  3  2x  3
=1+ ………(a)
2x  x  3x
3 2
x (2x  3)(x  1)
 2x  3 A B C
Suppose = + + ………(i)
x (2x  3)(x  1) x 2x  3 x  1
Multiplying on both sides by x(2x + 3)(x – 1), we get
– 2x + 3 = A (2x + 3)(x – 1) + B x(x – 1) + C x(2x + 3) .……..(ii)
Put x = 0 in eq. (ii), we have
– 2(0) + 3 = A (3)(– 1)  3 = – 3A  A = – 1
3
Put 2x + 3 = 0  x = – in eq. (ii), we have
2
3 3 3 3 5 8
– 2(– ) + 3 = B(– )( – – 1)  6 = B( )( )  B =
2 2 2 2 2 5
Now put x – 1 = 0  x = 1 in eq. (ii), we have
1
– 2(1) + 3 = C(1)(2(1) + 3)  1 = 5C  C =
5
Therefore, eq. (i) becomes
 2x  3 1 8/5 1/ 5 1 8 1
= + + = – + +
x (2x  3)(x  1) x 2x  3 x  1 x 5(2x  3) 5( x  1)
Hence, the required partial fraction Resolution is
2 x 3  x 2  5x  3 1 8 1
=1– + +
2x  x  3x
3 2
x 5(2x  3) 5( x  1)
(Answer)

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 ( x  1)( x  3)( x  5)
Q.9
( x  2)(x  4)(x  6)

( x  1)( x  3)( x  5) x 3 9x 2  23x  15 3x 2  21x  33

Solution: Let = 3 =1+ 3
( x  2)(x  4)(x  6) x 12x 2  44x  48 x 12x 2  44x  48

( x  1)( x  3)( x  5) 3x 2  21x  33

=1+ ………(a)
( x  2)(x  4)(x  6) ( x  2)(x  4)(x  6)

3x 2  21x  33 A B C
Suppose = + + ………(i)
( x  2)(x  4)(x  6) x2 x4 x6
Multiplying on both sides by (x – 2)(x – 4)(x – 6), we get
3x2 – 21x + 33 = A(x – 4)(x – 6) + B(x – 2)(x – 6) + C(x – 2)(x – 4).……..(ii)
Put x – 2 = 0  x = 2 in eq. (ii), we have
3
3(2)2 – 21(2) + 33 = A(2 – 4)(2 – 6)  3 = 8A  A =
8
Put x – 4 = 0  x = 4 in eq. (ii), we have
3(4)2 – 21(4) + 33 = B(4 – 2)(4 – 6)  48 – 84 + 33 = B(2)( –2)
3
 – 3 = – 4B  B=
4
Now put x – 6 = 0  x = 6 in eq. (ii), we have
3(6)2 – 21(6) + 33 = C(6 – 2)(6 – 4)  108 – 126 + 33 = C(4)(2)
15
 15 = 8C  C=
8
Therefore, eq. (i) becomes
3x 2  21x  33 3/8 3/ 4 15 / 8
= + +
( x  2)(x  4)(x  6) x2 x4 x6
Hence, the required partial fraction Resolution is
( x  1)( x  3)( x  5) 3 3 15
=1+ + + (Answer)
( x  2)(x  4)(x  6) 8( x  2) 4( x  4) 8( x  6)
1
Q.10
(1  ax )(1  bx )(1  cx )
1 A B C
Solution: Suppose = + + ………(i)
(1  ax )(1  bx )(1  cx ) 1  ax 1  bx 1  cx
Multiplying on both sides by (1 – ax)(1 – bx)(1 – cx), we get
1 = A(1 – bx)(1 – cx) + B(1 – ax)(1 – cx) + C(1 – ax)(1 – bx) .……..(ii)
1
Put 1 – ax = 0  x = in eq. (ii), we have
a
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 b c (a  b)(a  c) a2
1 = A(1 – )(1 – )  1 = A( )  A =
a a a2 (a  b)(a  c)

1
Now put 1 – bx = 0  x = in eq. (ii), we have
b
a c (b  a )(b  c) b2
1 = B(1 – )(1 – )  1 = B( )  B=
b b b2 (b  a )(b  c)
1
Now put 1 – cx = 0  x = in eq. (ii), we have
c
a b (c  a )(c  b) c2
1 = C(1 – )(1 – )  1 = C( )  C =
c c c2 (c  a )(c  b)
Therefore, eq. (i) becomes
1 a 2 /( a  b)(a  c) b 2 /( b  a )(b  c) c 2 /( c  a )(c  b)
= + +
(1  ax )(1  bx )(1  cx ) 1  ax 1  bx 1  cx
1 a2 b2 c2
= + +
(1  ax )(1  bx )(1  cx ) (a  b)(a  c)(1  ax ) (b  a )(b  c)(1  bx ) (c  a )(c  b)(1  cx )
is the required partial fraction Resolution. (Answer)

x2  a2
Q.11
( x 2  b 2 )(x 2  c 2 )(x 2  d 2 )

x2  a2
Solution:
( x 2  b 2 )(x 2  c 2 )(x 2  d 2 )
Putting x2 = y, we have
x2  a2 y  a2
= ………(i)
( x 2  b 2 )(x 2  c 2 )(x 2  d 2 ) ( y  b 2 )( y  c 2 )( y  d 2 )

y  a2 A B C
Suppose = + + ………(ii)
( y  b )( y  c )( y  d )
2 2 2
yb 2
yc 2
y  d2
Multiplying on both sides by (y + b2)( y + c2)( y + d2), we get
y + a2 = A( y + c2)( y + d2) + B(y + b2)( y + d2) + C(y + b2)( y + c2) .……..(iii)
Put y + b2 = 0  y = – b2 in eq. (iii), we have
– b2 + a2 = A(– b2 + c2)( – b2 + d2)  a2 – b2 = A(b2 – c2)( b2 – d2)
a 2  b2
 A=
(b 2  c 2 )(b 2  d 2 )

Now put y + c2 = 0  y = – c2 in eq. (iii), we have

– c + a = B(– c + b )( – c + d2)  a2 – c2 = B(c2 – b2)( c2 – d2)
2 2 2 2 2

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 a 2  c2
 B=
(c 2  b 2 )(c 2  d 2 )

Now put y + d2 = 0  y = – d2 in eq. (iii), we have

– d2 + a2 = B(– d2 + b2)( – d2 + c2)  a2 – d2 = C(d2 – b2)( d2 – c2)
a2  d2
 C= 2
(d  b 2 )(d 2  c 2 )

Therefore, eq. (ii) becomes

y  a2
( y  b 2 )( y  c 2 )( y  d 2 )
a 2  b 2 /( b 2  c 2 )(b 2  d 2 ) a 2  c 2 /( c 2  b 2 )(c 2  d 2 ) a 2  d 2 /( d 2  b 2 )(d 2  c 2 )
= + +
y  b2 y  c2 y  d2
Now back substitution, y = x2 , we have
x2  a2
( x 2  b 2 )(x 2  c 2 )(x 2  d 2 )
a 2  b2 a 2  c2 a2  d2
= + +
(b 2  c 2 )(b 2  d 2 )( x 2  b 2 ) (c 2  b 2 )(c 2  d 2 )( x 2  c 2 ) (d 2  b 2 )(d 2  c 2 )( x 2  d 2 )
is the required partial fraction Resolution. (Answer)

Prepared by: Rana Faisal Rashid

MSc Mathematics, UET Lahore
Punjab College Kamoke
Email: chfaisalrana@gmail.com

Prepared By: Rana Faisal Rashid (MSc Mathematics UET Lahore) FSc-I 11
Case-II: When Q(x) has repeated Linear Factors:

If the polynomial has a factor (x – a)n , n  2 and n is a +ve integer, then

P(x)
Q(x) may be written as:
P(x) A1 A2 An
= + + …. + , where a1 ≠ a2 ≠ . . . . ≠ an
Q(x) (x  a 1 ) (x  a 2 ) 2
(x  a n ) n
Where the coefficients A1, A2, …. , An are the numbers which we have to find.

Example for Concept

x 2  x 1
Resolve, into Partial Fractions.
( x  2) 3

x 2  x 1 A B C
Solution: Suppose = + + ………(i)
( x  2) 3
x2 ( x  2) 2
( x  2) 3

Multiplying on both sides by (x + 2)3 , we get

x2 + x – 1 = A(x + 2)2 + B(x + 2) + C ……...(ii)
x2 + x – 1 = A(x2 + 4x + 4) + B(x + 2) + C
x2 + x – 1 = Ax2 + (4A + B)x + 4A + 2B + C ……...(iii)
Put x + 2 = 0  x = – 2 in eq. (ii), we have
(– 2)2 – 2 – 1 = C  C = 1
From (iii), 1x2 + 1x – 1 = Ax2 + (4A + B)x + 4A + 2B + C
By comparing the coefficients of like powers of ‘x’ on both sides, we have
x2 : A=1
x : 4A + B = 1  4(1) + B = 1  B = – 3
Therefore, eq. (i) becomes
x 2  x 1 1 3 1
= + + is the required partial fraction Resolution.
( x  2) 3
x2 ( x  2) 2
( x  2) 3
(Answer)

Note: Equation (iii) should be used for comparing/equating the coefficients of like powers of ‘x’
on both sides in each problem.

Prepared By: Rana Faisal Rashid (MSc Mathematics UET Lahore) FSc-I 12
 Exercise 5.2

Resolve the following into partial fractions

2x 2  3x  4
Q.1
( x  1) 3
2x 2  3x  4 A B C
Solution: Suppose = + + ………(i)
( x  1) 3
x  1 ( x  1) 2
( x  1) 3

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

2x2 – 3x + 4 = A(x – 1)2 + B(x – 1) + C ……...(ii)
2x2 – 3x + 4 = A(x2 – 2x + 1) + B(x – 1) + C
2x2 – 3x + 4 = Ax2 + (– 2A + B)x + A – B + C ……...(iii)
Put x – 1 = 0  x = 1 in eq. (ii), we have
2(1)2 – 3(1) + 4 = C  C = 3
From (iii), 2x2 – 3x + 4 = Ax2 + (– 2A + B)x + A – B + C
By comparing the coefficients of like powers of ‘x’ on both sides, we have
x2 : A=2
x : – 2A + B = – 3  – 2(2) + B = – 3  B = 1
Therefore, eq. (i) becomes
2x 2  3x  4 2 1 3
= + + is the required partial fraction Resolution.
( x  1) 3
x  1 ( x  1) 2
( x  1) 3
(Answer)
5x 2  2 x  3
Q.2
( x  2) 3
5x 2  2 x  3 A B C
Solution: Suppose = + + ………(i)
( x  2) 3
x2 ( x  2) 2
( x  2) 3

Multiplying on both sides by (x + 2)3 , we get

5x2 – 2x + 3 = A(x + 2)2 + B(x + 2) + C ……...(ii)
5x2 – 2x + 3 = A(x2 + 4x + 4) + B(x + 2) + C
5x2 – 2x + 3 = Ax2 + (4A + B)x + 4A + B + C ……...(iii)
Put x + 2 = 0  x = – 2 in eq. (ii), we have

Prepared By: Rana Faisal Rashid (MSc Mathematics UET Lahore) FSc-I 13
 5(– 2)2 – 2(– 2) + 3 = C  C = 27
From (iii), 5x2 – 2x + 3 = Ax2 + (4A + B)x + 4A + B + C
By comparing the coefficients of like powers of ‘x’ on both sides, we have
x2 : A=5
x : 4A + B = – 2  4(5) + B = – 2  B = – 22
Therefore, eq. (i) becomes
5x 2  2 x  3 5  22 27
= + + is the required partial fraction Resolution.
( x  2) 3
x2 ( x  2) 2
( x  2) 3
(Answer)
4x
Q.3
( x  1) 2 ( x  1)
4x A B C
Solution: Suppose = + + ………(i)
( x  1) ( x  1)
2
x  1 ( x  1) 2
x 1

Multiplying on both sides by (x + 1)2(x – 1) , we get

4x = A(x + 1)(x – 1) + B(x – 1) + C(x + 1)2 ……...(ii)
4x = A(x2 – 1) + B(x – 1) + C(x2 + 2x + 1)
4x = (A + C)x2 + (B + 2C)x – A – B + C ……...(iii)
Put x + 1 = 0  x = – 1 in eq. (ii), we have
4(– 1) = B(– 1 – 1)  B = 2
Put x – 1 = 0  x = 1 in eq. (ii), we have
4(1) = C(1 + 1)2  4 = 4C  C = 1
From (iii), 0x2 + 4x + 0 = (A + C)x2 + (B + 2C)x – A – B + C
By comparing the coefficients of like powers of ‘x’ on both sides, we have
x2 : A+C=0  A+1=0  A=–1
Therefore, eq. (i) becomes
4x 1 2 1
= + + is the required partial fraction Resolution.
( x  1) ( x  1)
2
x  1 ( x  1) 2
x 1
(Answer)
9
Q.4
( x  2) 2 ( x  1)
9 A B C
Solution: Suppose = + + ………(i)
( x  2) ( x  1)
2
x2 ( x  2) 2
x 1

Multiplying on both sides by (x + 2)2(x – 1) , we get (Try it yourself)

Prepared By: Rana Faisal Rashid (MSc Mathematics UET Lahore) FSc-I 14
 1
Q.5
( x  3) 2 ( x  1)
1 A B C
Solution: Suppose = + + ………(i)
( x  3) ( x  1)
2
x 3 ( x  3) 2
x 1

Multiplying on both sides by (x – 3)2(x + 1) , we get (Try it yourself)

x2
Q.6
( x  2)( x  1) 2
x2 A B C
Solution: Suppose = + + ………(i)
( x  2)( x  1) 2
x2 ( x  1) ( x  1) 2

Multiplying on both sides by (x – 2)(x – 1)2 , we get

x2 = A(x – 1)2 + B(x – 2)(x – 1) + C(x – 2) ……...(ii)
2 2 2
x = A(x – 2x + 1) + B(x – 1) + C(x – 2)
x2 = (A + B)x2 + (– 2A + C)x + A – B – 2C ……...(iii)
Put x – 2 = 0  x = 2 in eq. (ii), we have
(2)2 = A(2 – 1)2  A = 4
Put x – 1 = 0  x = 1 in eq. (ii), we have
(1)2 = C(1 – 2)  C = – 1
From (iii), x2 + 0x + 0 = (A + B)x2 + (– 2A + C)x + A – B – 2C
By comparing the coefficients of like powers of ‘x’ on both sides, we have
x2 : A+B=1  4+B=1  B=–3
Therefore, eq. (i) becomes
x2 4 3 1
= + + is the required partial fraction Resolution.
( x  2)( x  1) 2
x2 ( x  1) ( x  1) 2
(Answer)
1
Q.7
( x  1) 2 ( x  1)
1 A B C
Solution: Suppose = + + ………(i)
( x  1) ( x  1)
2
x  1 ( x  1) 2
x 1

Multiplying on both sides by (x – 1)2(x + 1) , we get

1 = A(x + 1)(x – 1) + B(x + 1) + C(x – 1)2 ……...(ii)
2 2
1 = A(x – 1) + B(x + 1) + C(x – 2x + 1)
1 = (A + C)x2 + (B – 2C)x – A + B + C ……...(iii)

Prepared By: Rana Faisal Rashid (MSc Mathematics UET Lahore) FSc-I 15
 Put x – 1 = 0  x = 1 in eq. (ii), we have
1
1 = B(1 + 1)  B =
2
Put x + 1 = 0  x = – 1 in eq. (ii), we have
1
1 = C(– 1 – 1)2  1 = 4C  C =
4
From (iii), 0x2 + 0x + 1 = (A + C)x2 + (B – 2C)x – A + B + C
By comparing the coefficients of like powers of ‘x’ on both sides, we have
1 1
x2 : A+C=0  A+ =0  A=–
4 4
Therefore, eq. (i) becomes
1 1 1 1
= + + is the required partial fraction
( x  1) ( x  1)
2
4( x  1) 2( x  1) 2
4( x  1)
Resolution.
(Answer)
x2
Q.8
( x  1) 3 ( x  1)
Solution: Suppose

x2 A B C D
= + + + ………(i)
( x  1) ( x  1)
3
x  1 ( x  1) 2
( x  1) 3
x 1

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

x2 = A(x – 1)2(x + 1) + B(x + 1)(x – 1) + C(x + 1) + D(x – 1)3 ……...(ii)
x2 = A(x2 – 2x + 1)(x + 1) + B(x2 – 1) + C(x + 1) + D(x3 – 3x2 – 3x – 1)
x2 = A(x3 – x2 – x + 1) + B(x2 – 1) + C(x + 1) + D(x3 – 3x2 – 3x – 1)
x2 = (A + D)x3 + (– A + B – 3D)x2 + (– A + C – 3D)x + A – B + C – D ……...(iii)
Put x – 1 = 0  x = 1 in eq. (ii), we have
1
(1)2 = C(1 + 1)  C =
2
Put x + 1 = 0  x = – 1 in eq. (ii), we have
1
(–1)2 = D(– 1 – 1)3  1 = – 8D  D = 
8
From (iii),
0x3 + 1x2 + 0x + 0 = (A + D)x3 + (– A + B – 3D)x2 + (– A + C – 3D)x + A – B + C – D
By comparing the coefficients of like powers of ‘x’ on both sides, we have

Prepared By: Rana Faisal Rashid (MSc Mathematics UET Lahore) FSc-I 16
 1 1
x3 : A+D=0  A– =0  A=
8 8
1 1 1 3
x2 : – A + B – 3D = 1  – + B – 3(– ) = 1  – +B+ =1
8 8 8 8
1 3 8 1 3 6 3
 B=1+ –  B=   B=
8 8 8 8 4
Therefore, eq. (i) becomes
x2 1 3 1 1
= + + + is the required partial fraction
( x  1) ( x  1)
3
8( x  1) 4( x  1) 2
2( x  1) 3
8( x  1)
Resolution.
(Answer)
x-1
Q.9 (x - 2)(x + 1)3
Solution: Suppose

x–1 A B C D
………(i)
(x – 2)(x + 1)3 = x – 2 + (x + 1) + (x + 1)2 + (x + 1)3

Multiplying on both sides by (x – 2) (x + 1)3, we get

x – 1 = A(x + 1) 3 + B(x + 1) 2 (x – 2) + C(x + 1)( x – 2) + D(x – 2) ……...(ii)
x – 1 = A(x3 + 3x2 + 3x + 1) + B(x2 + 2x + 1)(x – 2) + C(x2 – x – 2) + D(x – 2)
x – 1 = A(x3 + 3x2 + 3x + 1) + B(x3 – 3x – 2) + C(x2 – x – 2) + D(x – 2)
x – 1 = (A + B)x3 + (3A + C)x2 + (3A – 3B – C + D)x + A – 2B – 2C – 2D ……...(iii)
Put x – 2 = 0  x = 2 in eq. (ii), we have
1
2 – 1 = A(2 + 1)3  A =
27
Put x + 1 = 0  x = – 1 in eq. (ii), we have
2
–1 – 1 = D(– 1 – 2)  – 2 = – 3D  D =
3
From (iii),
0x3 + 0x2 + 1x – 1 = (A + B)x3 + (3A + C)x2 + (3A – 3B – C + D)x + A – 2B – 2C – 2D
By comparing the coefficients of like powers of ‘x’ on both sides, we have
1 1
x3 : A + B = 0  27 + B= 0  B = –
27
1 1 1
x2 : 3A + C = 0  3(27) + C = 0   C=–
9+C=0 9
Therefore, eq. (i) becomes

Prepared By: Rana Faisal Rashid (MSc Mathematics UET Lahore) FSc-I 17
 x–1 1 1 1 2
3 = – – 2 +
(x – 2)(x + 1) 27(x – 2) 27(x + 1) 9(x + 1) 3(x + 1)3 is the required partial
fraction Resolution.
(Answer)
4x3 4x3 4x3
Q.10 (x2 - 1)(x + 1)2 = (x - 1)(x + 1)(x + 1)2 = (x - 1)(x + 1)3
Solution: Suppose

4x3 A B C D
………(i)
(x - 1)(x + 1)3 = x – 1 + (x + 1) + (x + 1)2 + (x + 1)3

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

4x3 = A(x + 1) 3 + B(x + 1) 2 (x – 1) + C(x + 1)( x – 1) + D(x – 1) ……...(ii)
4x3 = A(x3 + 3x2 + 3x + 1) + B(x2 + 2x + 1)(x – 1) + C(x2 – 1) + D(x – 1)
4x3 = A(x3 + 3x2 + 3x + 1) + B(x3 + x2 – x – 1) + C(x2 – 1) + D(x – 1)
4x3 = (A + B)x3 + (3A + B + C)x2 + (3A – B + D)x + A – B – C – D ……...(iii)
Put x – 1 = 0  x = 1 in eq. (ii), we have
1
4(1)3 = A(1 + 1)3  4 = 8A  A=
2
Put x + 1 = 0  x = – 1 in eq. (ii), we have
4(–1)3 = D(– 1 – 1)  – 4 = – 2D  D =2
From (iii),
4x3 + 0x2 + 0x + 0 = (A + B)x3 + (3A + B + C)x2 + (3A – B + D)x + A – B – C – D
By comparing the coefficients of like powers of ‘x’ on both sides, we have
1 1 7
x3 : A+B=4  2+B=4  B=4–2  B=
2
1 7 10
x2 : 3A + B + C = 0  3( ) + + C = 0  +C=0  C=–5
2 2 2
Therefore, eq. (i) becomes
4x3 1 7 5 2
(x - 1)(x + 1)3 = 2(x – 1) + 2(x + 1) – (x + 1)2 + (x + 1)3
4x3 1 7 5 2
OR (x2 - 1)(x + 1)2 = 2(x – 1) + 2(x + 1) – (x + 1)2 + (x + 1)3 is the required partial
fraction Resolution.
(Answer)

2x + 1
Q.11 (x + 3)(x – 1)(x + 2)2
Solution: Suppose

Prepared By: Rana Faisal Rashid (MSc Mathematics UET Lahore) FSc-I 18
 2x + 1 A B C D
2 = + + + ………(i)
(x + 3)(x – 1)(x + 2) x + 3 x – 1 (x + 2) (x + 2)2

Multiplying on both sides by (x + 3)(x – 1)(x + 2)2, we get

5 1 4
Now solve the remaining question yourself ( A = 4, B = 12, C = – 3, D = 1)

2x4
Q.12 (x – 3)(x + 2)2
Solution:

2x4 4x3 4x3 18x2 + 8x – 24

2= 2 = 3 2 = 2x – 2 +
(x – 3)(x + 2) (x – 3)(x + 4x + 4) (x + x – 8x – 12) x3 + x2 – 8x – 12

18x2 + 8x – 24
= 2x – 2 + (x – 3)(x + 2)2 ………(a)

Suppose

18x2 + 8x – 24 A B C
2 = + + ………(i)
(x – 3)(x + 2) x – 3 (x + 2) (x + 2)2

Multiplying on both sides by (x – 3)(x + 2)2, we get

18x2 + 8x – 24 = A(x + 2) 2 + B(x + 2)(x – 3) + C( x – 3) ……...(ii)
18x2 + 8x – 24 = A(x 2 + 4x + 4) + B(x2 – x – 6) + C( x – 3)
18x2 + 8x – 24 = (A + B)x2 + (4A – B + C)x + (4A – 6B – C) ……...(iii)
Put x – 3 = 0  x = 3 in eq. (ii), we have
162
18(3)2 + 8(3) – 24 = A(3 + 2)2  162 + 24 – 24 = 25A  A=
25
Put x + 2 = 0  x = – 2 in eq. (ii), we have
32
18(–2)2 + 8(–2) – 24 = C(– 2 – 3)  72 – 16 – 24 = – 5C  32 = – 5C  C=–
5
From (iii),
18x2 + 8x – 24 = (A + B)x2 + (4A – B + C)x + (4A – 6B – C)
By comparing the coefficients of like powers of ‘x’ on both sides, we have
162 162 288
x2 : A + B = 18  25 + B = 18  B = 18 – 25  B =
25
Therefore, eq. (i) becomes
18x2 + 8x – 24 162 288 32
2 = + –
(x – 3)(x + 2) 25(x – 3) 25(x + 2) 5(x + 2)2

Prepared By: Rana Faisal Rashid (MSc Mathematics UET Lahore) FSc-I 19
 Eq.(a) becomes,
2x4 162 288 32
2 = 2x – 2 + + – is the required partial
(x – 3)(x + 2) 25(x – 3) 25(x + 2) 5(x + 2)2
fraction Resolution. (Answer)

Prepared By: Rana Faisal Rashid (MSc Mathematics UET Lahore) FSc-I 20