Partial fractions 3.6 

Introduction
It is often helpful to break down a complicated algebraic fraction into a sum of simpler fractions.
For example it can be shown that x24x+7+3x+2
has the same value as x+21 3
+ x+1 for any value of x.
We say that
4x + 7 1 3
2
is identically equal to +
x + 3x + 2 x+2 x+1
and that the partial fractions of x24x+7+3x+2
1
are x+2 3
and x+1 . The ability to express a fraction as
its partial fractions is particularly useful in the study of Laplace transforms, of z-transforms, in
Control Theory and in integration. In this Block we explain how partial fractions are found.

 

• be familiar with addition, subtraction,

Prerequisites multiplication and division of algebraic
Before starting this Block you should . . . fractions
 

Learning Outcomes Learning Style

After completing this Block you should be able To achieve what is expected of you . . .
to . . .
✓ understand the distinction between
proper and improper fractions ☞ allocate sufficient study time

✓ express an algebraic fraction as the sum

of its partial fractions ☞ briefly revise the prerequisite material

☞ attempt every guided exercise and most

of the other exercises
1. Proper and improper fractions
Frequently we find that an algebraic fraction appears in the form
numerator
algebraic fraction =
denominator
where both numerator and denominator are polynomials. For example
x3 + x2 + 3x + 7 3x2 − 2x + 5 x
, , and ,
x2 + 1 x2 − 7x + 2 x4 +1
The degree of the numerator, n say, is the highest power occurring in the numerator. The
degree of the denominator, d say, is the highest power occurring in the denominator. If d > n
the fraction is said to be proper; the third expression above is such an example. If d ≤ n the
fraction is said to be improper; the first and second expressions above are examples of this
type. Before calculating the partial fractions of an algebraic fraction it is important to decide
whether the fraction is proper or improper.

Now do this exercise

For each of the following fractions state the degrees of the numerator and denominator.
Hence classify the fractions as proper or improper.
3 2
a) x +xx2 +3x+7
+1
,
3x2 −2x+5
b) x2 −7x+2
, Here n = 2 and d = 2.
x
c) x4 +1
, Noting that x = x1 we see that n = 1 and d = 4.
s2 +4s+5
d) (s2 +2s+4)(s+3)
Find the degree of the numerator and denominator.
Answer

More exercises for you to try

1. For each fraction state the degrees of the numerator and denominator, and hence
determine which are proper and which are improper.
x+1 x2 (x−1)(x−2)(x−3)
a) x
, b) x3 −x
, c) x−5
Answer
The denominator of an algebraic fraction can often be factorised into a product of linear and
quadratic factors. Before we can separate algebraic fractions into simpler (partial) fractions we
will completely factorise the denominators into linear and quadratic factors. Linear factors are
those of the form ax + b; for example 2x + 7, 3x − 2 and 4 − x. Quadratic factors are those of
the form ax2 + bx + c such as x2 + x + 1, and 4x2 − 2x + 3, which cannot be factorised into linear
factors (these are quadratics with complex roots).

2. Proper fractions with linear factors

Firstly we describe how to calculate partial fractions for proper fractions where the denominator
may be written as a product of linear factors. The steps are as follows:

• Factorise the denominator.

• Each factor will produce a partial fraction. A factor such as 3x + 2 will produce a partial

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3.6: Partial fractions
 A
fraction of the form 3x+2
where A is an unknown constant. In general a linear factor
A
ax + b will produce a partial fraction ax+b . The unknown constants for each partial
fraction may be different and so we will call them A, B, C and so on.

• Evaluate the unknown constants by equating coefficients or using specific values of x.

The sum of the partial fractions is identical in value to the original algebraic fraction for any
value of x.

Key Point

A linear factor ax + b in the denominator gives rise to a single partial fraction of the form
A
ax + b
.

The steps involved are illustrated in the following example.

7x+10
Example Express 2x2 +5x+3
in terms of partial fractions.

Solution
Note that this fraction is proper. The denominator is factorised to give (2x + 3)(x + 1). Each
of the linear factors produces a partial fraction. The factor 2x + 3 produces a partial fraction of
A B
the form 2x+3 . The factor x + 1 produces a partial fraction x+1 , where A and B are constants
which we now try to find. We write
7x + 10 A B
= +
(2x + 3)(x + 1) 2x + 3 x + 1

By multiplying both sides by (2x + 3)(x + 1) we obtain

7x + 10 = A(x + 1) + B(2x + 3) (1)

We may now let x take any value we choose. By an appropriate choice we can simplify the
right-hand side. Let x = −1 because this choice eliminates A. We find

7(−1) + 10 = A(0) + B(−2 + 3)

3 = B

so that the constant B must equal 3. The constant A can be found by substituting other values
for x or alternatively by equating coefficients.

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Solution
Observe that, by rearranging the right-hand side, Equation (1) can be written as

7x + 10 = (A + 2B)x + (A + 3B)

Comparing the coefficients of x on both sides we see that 7 = A + 2B. We already know B = 3
and so

7 = A + 2(3)
= A+6

from which A = 1. We can therefore write

7x + 10 1 3
= +
2x2 + 5x + 3 2x + 3 x + 1
We have succeeded in expressing the given fraction as the sum of its partial fractions. The result
can always be checked by adding the fractions on the right.

Try each part of this exercise

Express 3x9−4x
2 −x−2 in partial fractions.

Part (a) First factorise the denominator:

Answer
Because there are two linear factors we write
9 − 4x 9 − 4x A B
= = +
3x2 −x−2 (3x + 2)(x − 1) 3x + 2 x − 1

Part (b) Multiply both sides by (3x + 2)(x − 1) to obtain the equation from which we can find
values for A and B.
Answer

Part (c) By substituting an appropriate value for x obtain B.

Answer

Part (d) Finally by equating coefficients of x obtain the value of A.

Answer

Part (e) Finally, write down the partial fractions:

Answer

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3.6: Partial fractions
More exercises for you to try
5x−1
1. (a) Find the partial fractions of (x+1)(x−2)
.
(b) Check your answer by adding the partial fractions together again.
7x+25
(c) Express in partial fractions (x+4)(x+3)
.
(d) Check your answer by adding the partial fractions together again.
11x+1
2. Find the partial fractions of (x−1)(2x+1)
.
Express each of the following as the sum of partial fractions:
3 5 −3
3. (a) (x+1)(x+2)
, (b) x2 +7x+12
, (c) (2x+1)(x−3)
,
Answer

3. Proper fractions with repeated linear factors

Sometimes a linear factor appears more than once. For example in

1 1 1
= which equals
x2 + 2x + 1 (x + 1)(x + 1) (x + 1)2

the factor (x + 1) occurs twice. We call it a repeated linear factor. The repeated linear factor
A B
(x + 1)2 produces two partial fractions of the form x+1 + (x+1) 2 . In general, a repeated linear
2
factor of the form (ax + b) generates two partial fractions of the form

A B
+
ax + b (ax + b)2

This is reasonable since the sum of two such fractions always gives rise to a proper fraction:

A B A(ax + b) B x(Aa) + Ab + B
+ 2
= 2
+ 2
=
ax + b (ax + b) (ax + b) (ax + b) (ax + b)2

Key Point

A repeated linear factor (ax + b)2 in the denominator produces two partial fractions:

A B
+
ax + b (ax + b)2

Once again the unknown constants are found by either equating coefficients and/or substituting
specific values for x.

Try each part of this exercise

10x + 18
Express 2
in partial fractions.
4x + 12x + 9

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3.6: Partial fractions
Part (a) First the denominator is factorised.
Answer
We have found a repeated linear factor.
The repeated linear factor (2x + 3) gives rise to two partial fractions of the form

10x + 18 A B
2
= +
(2x + 3) 2x + 3 (2x + 3)2

Part (b) Multiply both sides through by (2x + 3)2 to obtain the equation which must be solved
to find A and B.
Answer

Part (c) Now evaluate the constants A and B by equating coefficients. Equating coefficients of
x gives
Answer

Equating constant terms gives 18 = 3A + B from which B = 3. So, finally, we may write
10x + 18 5 3
2
= +
(2x + 3) 2x + 3 (2x + 3)2

More exercises for you to try

Express the following in partial fractions.
3−x 7x − 15 3x + 14 5x + 18 2x2 − x + 1
(a) , (b) − (c) (d) (e)
x − 2x + 1
2 (x − 1)2 2
x + 8x + 16 (x + 4)2 (x + 1)(x − 1)2
5x2 + 23x + 24 6x2 − 30x + 25 s+2 2s + 3
(f) (g) (h) (i) .
(2x + 3)(x + 2)2 (3x − 2)2 (x + 7) (s + 1)2 s2
Answer

4. Proper fractions with quadratic factors

Sometimes a denominator is factorised producing a quadratic term which cannot be factorised
into linear factors. One such quadratic factor is x2 + x + 1. This factor produces a partial
fraction of the form xAx+B 2
2 +x+1 . In general a quadratic factor of the form ax + bx + c produces a

single partial fraction of the form axAx+B

2 +bx+c .

Key Point

A quadratic factor ax2 + bx + c in the denominator produces a partial fraction of the form
Ax + B
ax2 + bx + c

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3.6: Partial fractions
Try each part of this exercise
3x + 1
Express as partial fractions
(x2 + x + 10)(x − 1)
Note that the quadratic factor cannot be factorised further. We have

3x + 1 Ax + B C
= 2 +
(x2 + x + 10)(x − 1) x + x + 10 x − 1

Part (a) Multiply both sides by (x2 + x + 10)(x − 1)

Answer

To evaluate C we can let x = 1 which eliminates the first term on the right. This gives
1
4 = 12C so that C =
3
Equate coefficients of x2 and hence find A.

Part (b) Using the result that A = −1/3 substitute any other value for x or equate coefficients
of x to find B.

Answer

3x + 1 − 13 x + 73 1
7−x 1
Finally = 2 + 3 = +
(x + x + 10)(x − 1)
2 x + x + 10 x − 1 3(x + x + 10) 3(x − 1)
2

Example Admittance
Admittance, Y , is a quantity which is used in analysing electronic circuits. A
typical expression for admittance is

s2 + 4s + 5
Y (s) =
(s2 + 2s + 4)(s + 3)

where s can be thought of as representing frequency. To predict the behaviour

of the circuit it is often necessary to express the admittance as the sum of its
partial fractions and find the effect of each part separately. Express Y (s) in
partial fractions.

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3.6: Partial fractions
Solution
The fraction is proper. The denominator contains a quadratic factor which cannot be factorised
further, and also a linear factor. Thus

s2 + 4s + 5 As + B C
2
= 2 +
(s + 2s + 4)(s + 3) s + 2s + 4 s + 3

Multiplying both sides by (s2 + 2s + 4)(s + 3) we obtain

s2 + 4s + 5 = (As + B)(s + 3) + C(s2 + 2s + 4)

To find the constant C we can let s = −3 to eliminate A and B. Thus

(−3)2 + 4(−3) + 5 = C((−3)2 + 2(−3) + 4)

so that
2
2 = 7C and so C=
7
Equating coefficients of s2 we find
1=A+C
so that A = 1 − C = 1 − 2
7
= 57 .
Equating constant terms gives 5 = 3B + 4C
µ ¶
2 27
so that 3B = 5 − 4C = 5 − 4 =
7 7
9
so B=
7
5
s2 + 4s + 5 7
s + 97 2
Finally Y (s) = 2 = 2 + 7
(s + 2s + 4)(s + 3) s + 2s + 4 s + 3
5s + 9 2
which can be written as Y (s) = +
7(s2+ 2s + 4) 7(s + 3)

More exercises for you to try

Express each of the following as the sum of its partial fractions.
3 27x2 − 4x + 5
(a) , (b) ,
(x2 + x + 1)(x − 2) (6x2 + x + 2)(x − 3)

2x + 4 6x2 + 13x + 2
(c) 2 , (d) 2
4x + 12x + 9 (x + 5x + 1)(x − 1)
Answer

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3.6: Partial fractions
5. Improper fractions
When calculating the partial fractions of improper fractions an extra polynomial is added to
any partial fractions that would normally arise. The added polynomial has degree n − d where
d is the degree of the denominator and n is the degree of the numerator. Recall that
a polynomial of degree 0 is a constant, A say,
a polynomial of degree 1 has the form Ax + B,
a polynomial of degree 2 has the form Ax2 + Bx + C,
and so on.
If, for example, the improper fraction is such that the numerator has degree 5 and the denomi-
nator has degree 3, then n − d = 2, and we need to add a polynomial of the form Ax2 + Bx + C.

Key Point

If a fraction is improper an additional term is included taking the form of a polynomial of

degree n − d, where n is the degree of the numerator and d is the degree of the denominator.

Example Express as partial fractions

2x2 − x − 2
x+1

Solution
The fraction is improper because n = 2, d = 1 and so d ≤ n. Further, note that n − d = 1. We
therefore need to include an extra term: a polynomial of the form Bx + C, in addition to the
A
usual partial fractions. The linear term in the denominator gives rise to a partial fraction x+1 .
So
2x2 − x − 2 A
= + Bx + C
x+1 x+1
Multiplying both sides by x + 1 we find

2x2 − x − 2 = A + (Bx + C)(x + 1) = Bx2 + (C + B)x + (C + A)

Equating coefficients of x2 gives B = 2.

Equating coefficients of x gives −1 = C + B and so C = −1 − B = −3.
Equating the constant terms gives −2 = C + A and so A = −2 − C = −2 − (−3) = 1.
Finally we have
2x2 − x − 2 1
= + 2x − 3
x+1 x+1

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3.6: Partial fractions
More exercises for you to try
Express each of the following improper fractions in terms of partial fractions.
x+3 3x − 7 x2 + 2x + 2 2x2 + 7x + 7
(a) , (b) , (c) , (d)
x+2 x−3 x+1 x+2
3x5 + 4x4 − 21x3 − 40x2 − 24x − 29 4x5 + 8x4 + 23x3 + 27x2 + 25x + 9
(e) , (f)
(x + 2)2 (x − 3) (x2 + x + 1)(2x + 1)
Answer

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3.6: Partial fractions
6. Computer Exercise or Activity

For this exercise it will be necessary for you to access the

computer package DERIVE.

DERIVE can be used to obtain the partial fraction expansion of both proper and improper frac-
x3 − 3x2 + 1
tions. For example to find the partial fraction version of (an improper fraction)
(x − 1)(x + 2)
simply key Author:Expression (x ∧ 3 − 3x ∧ 2 + 1)/((x − 1)(x + 2)). DERIVE responds
x3 − 3 · x 2 + 1
(x − 1) · (x + 2)
Now hit Simplify:Expand to obtain the Expand Expression box. Choose x as the Expansion
Variable and Rational in the Amount box. Hit the Expand button and DERIVE responds
19 1
− +x−4
3 · (x + 2) 3 · (x − 1)
It would be a useful exercise to check the partial fraction expansions of the many algebraic
fractions presented in this Block.

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 End of Block 3.6

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3.6: Partial fractions
(a) The degree of the numerator, n, is 3. The degree of the denominator, d, is 2. Because
d ≤ n the fraction is improper.

(b) d ≤ n; the fraction is improper.

(c) d > n; the fraction is proper.

(d) Removing the brackets in the denominator we see that it has degree 3. The degree of the
numerator is 2 and so this fraction is proper.

Back to the theory

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3.6: Partial fractions
1. a) n = 1, d = 1, improper, b) n = 2, d = 3, proper, c) n = 3, d = 1, improper.

Back to the theory

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3.6: Partial fractions
(3x + 2)(x − 1)

Back to the theory

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3.6: Partial fractions
9 − 4x = A(x − 1) + B(3x + 2)

Back to the theory

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3.6: Partial fractions
substitute x = 1 and get B = 1

Back to the theory

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3.6: Partial fractions
−4 = A + 3B, A = −7 since B = 1

Back to the theory

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3.6: Partial fractions
 −7 1
+
3x + 2 x − 1
Back to the theory

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3.6: Partial fractions
 2 3 3 4
1. + , c) +
x+1 x−2 x+4 x+3
4 3
2. + ,
x − 1 2x + 1
3 3 5 5 6 3
3. (a) − , (b) − , (c) − .
x+1 x+2 x+3 x+4 7(2x + 1) 7(x − 3)

Back to the theory

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3.6: Partial fractions
(2x + 3)(2x + 3) = (2x + 3)2

Back to the theory

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3.6: Partial fractions
10x + 18 = A(2x + 3) + B

Back to the theory

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3.6: Partial fractions
10 = 2A so A = 5.

Back to the theory

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3.6: Partial fractions
 1 2 7 8 3 2
(a) − + (b) − + (c) +
x − 1 (x − 1)2 x − 1 (x − 1)2 x + 4 (x + 4)2
5 2 1 1 1 3 1 2
(d) − (e) + + (f) + +
x + 4 (x + 4)2 x + 1 x − 1 (x − 1)2 2x + 3 x + 2 (x + 2)2
1 1 1 1 1 2 3
(g) − + + (h) + (i) + 2.
3x − 2 (3x − 2)2 x + 7 s + 1 (s + 1)2 s s

Back to the theory

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3.6: Partial fractions
3x + 1 = (Ax + B)(x − 1) + C(x2 + x + 10)

Back to the theory

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3.6: Partial fractions
7
.
3
Back to the theory

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3.6: Partial fractions
 3 3(x + 3) 3x + 1 4
(a) − (b) +
7(x − 2) 7(x2 + x + 1) 6x2+x+2 x−3
1 1 3x + 1 3
(c) + (d) + .
2x + 3 (2x + 3)2 x2 + 5x + 1 x − 1

Back to the theory

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3.6: Partial fractions
 1 2
(a) 1 + ’ (b) 3 + ,
x+2 x−3
1 1
(c) 1 + x + (d) 2x + 3 + ,
x+1 x+2
1 1 1 1 1
(e) + + + 3x2 + x + 2, (f) 2x2 + x + 7 + + 2
(x + 2)2 x+2 x−3 2x + 1 x + x + 1

Back to the theory

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3.6: Partial fractions