Thread: Fraction Expressions

Btw, im not expecting anyone to give me the answer or anything like that. i just want someone to help me understand how to do it.

the problem is: if the expression, 8 / x(x-1)(x-2), is rewritten in the form A/x + B/(x-1) + C/(x-2), what are the values of A, B, and C?

Im not sure how to get it into that form =/

jemadd this is called method of partial fractions...


The first way i would look at something like this would be to multipply both sides of equation by x*(x-1)*(x-2).... you will end up with 8 = A(x-1)(x-2) + B(x)(x-2) + C(x)(x-1)


Then try setting x = 0, see what comes out.

Try setting x = 1, see what you get,

try setting x = 2, see what you get.

the key is to solve for A B and C by cancelling out some of the expression


hope this helps

also id like to caution that the partial fractions you deal with in some subjects get somewhat more complicated, so you may want to check out some further reading. like dynamic systems lol... i had a prof that wouldnt let u use partial fractions he wanted u to solve it by residues.