A student attempts to write 4x2−5x(x+1)(x−2)2\displaystyle \frac{4x^2 - 5x}{(x+1)(x-2)^2}(x+1)(x−2)24x2−5x in partial fractions with constant numerators.
Their incorrect attempt is shown below:
Step 1 4x2−5x(x+1)(x−2)2≡A(x+1)+B(x−2)2\displaystyle \frac{4x^2 - 5x}{(x+1)(x-2)^2} \equiv \frac{A}{(x+1)} + \frac{B}{(x-2)^2}(x+1)(x−2)24x2−5x≡(x+1)A+(x−2)2B
Step 2 4x2−5x≡A(x−2)2+B(x+1)4x^2 - 5x \equiv A(x-2)^2 + B(x+1)4x2−5x≡A(x−2)2+B(x+1)
Step 3 Let x=2⇒B=2x = 2 \Rightarrow B = 2x=2⇒B=2 Let x=−1⇒A=1x = -1 \Rightarrow A = 1x=−1⇒A=1
Answer 1(x+1)+2(x−2)2\displaystyle \frac{1}{(x+1)} + \frac{2}{(x-2)^2}(x+1)1+(x−2)22
Explain the mistake that the student has made in step 1 and write the correct partial fraction decomposition in exact form.
368 exam-style questions on Edexcel A Level Maths Algebraic Methods, covering 1.1 Proof by Contradiction, 1.2 Algebraic Fractions, 1.3 Partial Fractions, 1.4 Repeated Factors, and 1.5 Algebraic Division. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.