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ERIC Number: EJ1178596
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1051-1970
EISSN: N/A
Partial Fractions via Calculus
Bauldry, William C.
PRIMUS, v28 n5 p425-437 2018
The standard technique taught in calculus courses for partial fraction expansions uses undetermined coefficients to generate a system of linear equations; we present a derivative-based technique that calculus and differential equations instructors can use to reinforce connections to calculus. Simple algebra shows that we can use the derivative to calculate coefficients, reinforcing calculus connections. For irreducible quadratic factors, the simple derivative formula with complex arithmetic gives the coefficients, helping students gain facility with complex numbers. For higher multiplicity factors, we can use higher derivative formulas taken from the Laurent expansion. We conclude with examples of using the technique in different courses, highlighting precalculus and calculus classes.
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A