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Ch. 5 - Systems of Equations and Inequalities
Blitzer - College Algebra 8th Edition
Blitzer8th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136970514Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksBlitzer 8th EditionCh. 5 - Systems of Equations and InequalitiesProblem 1
Chapter 6, Problem 1

Write the form of the partial fraction decomposition of the rational expression. It is not necessary to solve for the constants.(11x - 10)/(x − 2) (x + 1)

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1
Identify the denominator factors of the rational expression. Here, the denominator is \( (x - 2)(x + 1) \), which consists of two distinct linear factors.
Since the denominator factors are linear and distinct, set up the partial fraction decomposition as a sum of fractions with unknown constants in the numerators over each linear factor:
\[ \frac{11x - 10}{(x - 2)(x + 1)} = \frac{A}{x - 2} + \frac{B}{x + 1} \]
Here, \( A \) and \( B \) are constants that would be determined if solving the decomposition completely, but for this problem, only the form is required.
This form expresses the original rational expression as a sum of simpler rational expressions, each with a single linear denominator.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Partial Fraction Decomposition

Partial fraction decomposition is a method used to express a rational function as a sum of simpler fractions with linear or quadratic denominators. This technique simplifies integration and other algebraic operations by breaking down complex fractions into manageable parts.
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Factorization of Denominators

Understanding how to factor the denominator into linear or irreducible quadratic factors is essential for setting up the correct form of partial fractions. Each factor determines the structure of the terms in the decomposition, such as constants over linear factors or linear expressions over quadratic factors.
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Rationalizing Denominators

Form of Partial Fractions for Distinct Linear Factors

When the denominator consists of distinct linear factors, the partial fraction decomposition is written as a sum of fractions with unknown constants in the numerators over each linear factor. For example, for (x−2)(x+1), the form is A/(x−2) + B/(x+1), where A and B are constants to be determined.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Solve each system by the substitution method.

{x+y=2y=x2−4\(\begin{cases}\)x + y = 2 \(\y\) = x^2 - 4\(\end{cases}\)

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Textbook Question

Determine whether the given ordered pair is a solution of the system. (2,3)(2, 3)

{x+3y=11x−5y=−13\(\begin{cases}\)x + 3y = 11 \(\x\) - 5y = -13\(\end{cases}\)

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Textbook Question

Solve by the method of your choice. Identify systems with no solution and systems with infinitely many solutions, using set notation to express their solution sets.

{y=4x+13x+2y=13\(\begin{cases}\) y = 4x + 1 \\ 3x + 2y = 13 \(\end{cases}\)

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Textbook Question

Determine if the given ordered triple is a solution of the system. (2,−1,3)(2,−1, 3)

{x+y+z=4x−2y−z=12x−y−2z=−1\(\begin{cases}\)x + y + z = 4 \(\x\) - 2y - z = 1 \\2x - y - 2z = -1\(\end{cases}\)

Textbook Question

Ggraph each inequality. x+2y≤8

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