ERIC Number: EJ875526
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0740-8404
EISSN: N/A
An Alternative Method to the Classical Partial Fraction Decomposition
Cherif, Chokri
AMATYC Review, v29 n1 p31-37 Fall 2007
PreCalculus students can use the Completing the Square Method to solve quadratic equations without the need to memorize the quadratic formula since this method naturally leads them to that formula. Calculus students, when studying integration, use various standard methods to compute integrals depending on the type of function to be integrated. Before integrating rational functions, students often need to know how to decompose the function by using the Partial Fraction Decomposition. In some cases, extending the Completing the Square Method beyond polynomial functions, to include rational functions, can be very helpful in avoiding lengthy computations where the potential of error is high. In this manuscript we propose an alternative method to the lengthy Partial Fraction Decomposition, used in standard calculus textbooks, to compute the indefinite integral of a family of rational functions. We will also demonstrate how the integral of the rational function, one over one plus x to the fourth power, can be thought of as a special case of the integral of the family of rational functions.
Descriptors: Textbooks, Mathematical Concepts, Calculus, Algebra, College Mathematics, Two Year Colleges, Mathematics Instruction, Problem Solving, Equations (Mathematics)
American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges. 5983 Macon Cove, Memphis, TN 38134. Tel: 901-333-4643; Fax: 901-333-4651; e-mail: amatyc@amatyc.org; Web site: http://www.amatyc.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A