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1.2.25 Partial fractions (A-level only)

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Question 28

An engineering student, Mia, is analyzing a system transfer function H(s)=5s2−2(s+2)(s−1)2H(s) = \frac{5s^2 - 2}{(s + 2)(s - 1)^2}H(s)=(s+2)(s−1)25s2−2​. She attempts to decompose it into partial fractions for an inverse Laplace transform calculation.

Her incorrect attempt is shown below.

Step 1: 5s2−2(s+2)(s−1)2≡Ps+2+Q(s−1)2\frac{5s^2 - 2}{(s + 2)(s - 1)^2} \equiv \frac{P}{s + 2} + \frac{Q}{(s - 1)^2}(s+2)(s−1)25s2−2​≡s+2P​+(s−1)2Q​

Step 2: 5s2−2≡P(s−1)2+Q(s+2)5s^2 - 2 \equiv P(s - 1)^2 + Q(s + 2)5s2−2≡P(s−1)2+Q(s+2)

Step 3: Let s=−2⇒18=9P⇒P=2s = -2 \Rightarrow 18 = 9P \Rightarrow P = 2s=−2⇒18=9P⇒P=2 Let s=1⇒3=3Q⇒Q=1s = 1 \Rightarrow 3 = 3Q \Rightarrow Q = 1s=1⇒3=3Q⇒Q=1

Mia's Result: 5s2−2(s+2)(s−1)2≡2s+2+1(s−1)2\frac{5s^2 - 2}{(s + 2)(s - 1)^2} \equiv \frac{2}{s + 2} + \frac{1}{(s - 1)^2}(s+2)(s−1)25s2−2​≡s+22​+(s−1)21​

a.

(i) By using a counter-example, show that the result obtained by Mia cannot be correct.

(ii) Explain the conceptual mistake Mia made in Step 1.

[3]
b.

Determine the correct partial fraction decomposition for H(s)H(s)H(s), with constant numerators.

[4]

1.2.25 Partial fractions (A-level only) Questions

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