Heinemann Solutionbank: Core Maths 4 C4

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Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
Partial fractions
Exercise A, Question 1

Question:
Express the following as a single fraction:
1
3

1
4

Solution:
1
3

1
4

4
12

3
12

7
12

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Exercise A, Question 2

Question:
Express the following as a single fraction:
3
4

2
5

Solution:
3
4

2
5

15
20

8
20

7
20

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Partial fractions
Exercise A, Question 3

Question:
Express the following as a single fraction:
3
x

2
x+1

Solution:
3
x

2
x+1

3(x+1)
x(x+1)

3 ( x + 1 ) 2x
x(x+1)

3x + 3 2x
x(x+1)

x+3
x(x+1)

2x
x(x+1)

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Partial fractions
Exercise A, Question 4

Question:
Express the following as a single fraction:
2
(x1)

3
(x+2)

Solution:
2
(x1)

=
=

3
(x+2)

2(x+2)
(x1) (x+2)

3(x1)
(x1) (x+2)

2(x+2) +3(x1)
(x1) (x+2)

2x + 4 + 3x 3
(x1) (x+2)

5x + 1
(x1) (x+2)

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Partial fractions
Exercise A, Question 5

Question:
Express the following as a single fraction:
4
( 2x + 1 )

2
(x1)

2
(x1)

Solution:
4
( 2x + 1 )

=
=

4(x1)
( 2x + 1 ) ( x 1 )

2 ( 2x + 1 )
( 2x + 1 ) ( x 1 )

4 ( x 1 ) + 2 ( 2x + 1 )
( 2x + 1 ) ( x 1 )

4x 4 + 4x + 2
( 2x + 1 ) ( x 1 )

8x 2
( 2x + 1 ) ( x 1 )

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Exercise A, Question 6

Question:
Express the following as a single fraction:
7
(x3)

2
(x+4)

Solution:
7
(x3)

=
=

2
(x+4)

7(x+4)
(x3) (x+4)

2(x3)
(x3) (x+4)

7(x+4) 2(x3)
(x3) (x+4)

7x + 28 2x + 6
(x3) (x+4)

5x + 34
(x3) (x+4)

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Partial fractions
Exercise A, Question 7

Question:
Express the following as a single fraction:
3
2x

6
(x1)

Solution:
3
2x

6
(x1)

3(x1)
2x ( x 1 )

3 ( x 1 ) 12x
2x ( x 1 )

3x 3 12x
2x ( x 1 )

9x 3
2x ( x 1 )

or

9x + 3
2x ( x 1 )

or

3 ( 3x + 1 )
2x ( x 1 )

6 2x
2x ( x 1 )

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Partial fractions
Exercise A, Question 8

Question:
Express the following as a single fraction:
3
x

2
(x+1)

1
(x+2)

1
(x+2)

Solution:
3
x

2
(x+1)

3(x+1) (x+2)
x(x+1) (x+2)

3 ( x + 1 ) ( x + 2 ) + 2x ( x + 2 ) + 1x ( x + 1 )
x(x+1) (x+2)

3 ( x2 + 3x + 2 ) + 2x2 + 4x + x2 + x
x(x+1) (x+2)

3x2 + 9x + 6 + 2x2 + 4x + x2 + x
x(x+1) (x+2)

6x2 + 14x + 6
x(x+1) (x+2)

2x ( x + 2 )
x(x+1) (x+2)

1x ( x + 1 )
x(x+1) (x+2)

Add numerators

Expand brackets
Simplify terms

Add like terms

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Partial fractions
Exercise A, Question 9

Question:
Express the following as a single fraction:
4
3x

2
(x2)

1
( 2x + 1 )

1
( 2x + 1 )

Solution:
4
3x

4 ( x 2 ) ( 2x + 1 )
3x ( x 2 ) ( 2x + 1 )

4 ( x 2 ) ( 2x + 1 ) 2 3x ( 2x + 1 ) + 3x ( x 2 )
3x ( x 2 ) ( 2x + 1 )

4 ( 2x2 3x 2 ) 6x ( 2x + 1 ) + 3x2 6x
3x ( x 2 ) ( 2x + 1 )

8x2 12x 8 12x2 6x + 3x2 6x

3x ( x 2 ) ( 2x + 1 )

1x2 24x 8
3x ( x 2 ) ( 2x + 1 )

or

2
(x2)

2 3x ( 2x + 1 )
3x ( x 2 ) ( 2x + 1 )

3x ( x 2 )
3x ( x 2 ) ( 2x + 1 )

Add numerators

Expand brackets

Simplify terms

Add like terms

x2 + 24x + 8
3x ( x 2 ) ( 2x + 1 )

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Partial fractions
Exercise A, Question 10

Question:
Express the following as a single fraction:
3
(x1)

2
(x+1)

4
(x3)

2
(x+1)

4
(x3)

Solution:
3
(x1)

3(x+1) (x3)
(x1) (x+1) (x3)

2(x1) (x3)
(x1) (x+1) (x3)

3(x+1) (x3) +2(x1) (x3) +4(x1) (x+1)

(x1) (x+1) (x3)

3 ( x2 2x 3 ) + 2 ( x2 4x + 3 ) + 4 ( x2 1 )
(x1) (x+1) (x3)

3x2 6x 9 + 2x2 8x + 6 + 4x2 4

(x1) (x+1) (x3)

9x2 14x 7
(x1) (x+1) (x3)

4(x1) (x+1)
(x1) (x+1) (x3)

Add numerators

Expand brackets

Simplify terms

Add like terms

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Partial fractions
Exercise B, Question 1

Question:
Express the following as partial fractions:
(a)

6x 2
(x2) (x+3)

(b)

2x + 11
(x+1) (x+4)

(c)
(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

7x 12
2x ( x 4 )
2x 13
( 2x + 1 ) ( x 3 )
6x + 6
x2 9
7 3x
x2

3x 4

8x
x2 + 4x
2x 14
x2 + 2x 15

Solution:
(a) Let

6x 2
(x2) (x+3)

6x 2
(x2) (x+3)

A
(x2)

B
(x+3)

Add the fractions

A(x+3) +B(x2)
(x2) (x+3)

So 6x 2 A ( x + 3 ) + B ( x 2 )
Set numerators equal
Substitute x = 2 6 2 2 = A ( 2 + 3 ) + B ( 2 2 )

10 = 5A

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A=2

Substitute x = 3
( 32)
20 = B 5

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

B=4

Hence
(b) Let

Page 2 of 5

6x 2
(x2) (x+3)

2x + 11
(x+1) (x+4)

A
(x+1)

2x + 11
(x+1) (x+4)

2
(x2)

4
(x+3)

B
(x+4)

Add the fractions

A(x+4) +B(x+1)
(x+1) (x+4)

So 2x + 11 A ( x + 4 ) + B ( x + 1 )
Set numerators equal
Substitute x = 4 2 ( 4 ) + 11 = A ( 4 + 4 ) + B
( 4+1)
3 = 3B
B= 1

Substitute x = 1

9 = 3A

A=3

Hence
(c) Let

2x + 11
(x+1) (x+4)

7x 12
2x ( x 4 )

2 1 + 11 = A ( 1 + 4 ) + B ( 1 + 1 )

3
(x+1)

B
(x4)

A
2x

7x 12
2x ( x 4 )

A ( x 4 ) + B 2x
2x ( x 4 )

( 1)
(x+4)

3
(x+1)

1
(x+4)

Add the fractions

So 7x 12 A ( x 4 ) + 2Bx
Set numerators equal
Substitute x = 4 7 4 12 = A ( 4 4 ) + 2B 4

40 = 8B
B= 5

Substitute x = 0

Hence

7 0 12 = A ( 0 4 ) + 2B 0

12 = 4A
A=3
7x 12
2x ( x 4 )

3
2x

5
(x4)

3
2x

5
(x4)

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(d) Let

2x 13
( 2x + 1 ) ( x 3 )

A
( 2x + 1 )

2x 13
( 2x + 1 ) ( x 3 )

Page 3 of 5

B
(x3)

Add the fractions

A ( x 3 ) + B ( 2x + 1 )
( 2x + 1 ) ( x 3 )

So 2x 13 A ( x 3 ) + B ( 2x + 1 )
Set numerators equal
Substitute x = 3 2 3 13 = A ( 3 3 ) + B ( 2 3 + 1 )
7=B7

B= 1

1
2

Substitute x =

1
2

14 = A 3
A=4

Hence
6x + 6
x2 + 9

Let

1
2 +1

(e)

1
1
2 13 = A 2 3 + B

2x 13
( 2x + 1 ) ( x 3 )

6x + 6
(x+3) (x3)

6x + 6
(x+3) (x3)

1
(x3)

4
( 2x + 1 )

1
(x3)

Factorise denominator

A
(x+3)

6x + 6
(x+3) (x3)

4
( 2x + 1 )

B
(x3)

Add fractions

A(x3) +B(x+3)
(x+3) (x3)

So 6x + 6 A ( x 3 ) + B ( x + 3 )
Set numerators equal
Substitute x = 3 6 3 + 6 = A ( 3 3 ) + B ( 3 + 3 )

24 = B 6

B=4

Substitute x = 3
( 3+3)
12 = A 6

Hence

6 ( 3) +6=A( 33) +B

A=2
6x + 6
x2 9

2
(x+3)

4
(x3)

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(f)

7 3x
x2 3x 4

Let

7 3x
(x4) (x+1)

7 3x
(x4) (x+1)

7 3x
(x4) (x+1)

Page 4 of 5

Factorise denominator

A
(x4)

B
(x+1)

Add fractions

A(x+1) +B(x4)
(x4) (x+1)

So 7 3x A ( x + 1 ) + B ( x 4 )
Set numerators equal
Substitute x = 1 7 3 ( 1 ) = A ( 1 + 1 ) + B
( 14)
10 = B 5
B= 2

Substitute x = 4
A= 1

7 3x

Hence

x2 3x 4

8x
x2 + 4x

Let

734=A(4+1) +B(44)

5=A5

(g)

8x
x(x+4)

8x
x(x+4)

1
(x4)

A
x

8x
x(x+4)

2
(x+1)

1
(x4)

2
(x+1)

Factorise denominator
+

B
(x+4)

Add fractions

A ( x + 4 ) + Bx
x(x+4)

So 8 x A ( x + 4 ) + Bx
Set numerators equal
Substitute x = 0 8 0 = A ( 0 + 4 ) + B 0

8 = 4A

A=2

+B

4
=A
4+4

12 = 4B

B= 3

Hence

(h)

Substitute x = 4

8x
x2 + 4x

2x 14
x2 + 2x 15

2
x

3
(x+4)

2x 14
(x+5) (x3)

2
x

3
(x+4)

Factorise denominator

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Let

2x 14
(x+5) (x3)

A
(x+5)

2x 14
(x+5) (x3)

Page 5 of 5

B
(x3)

Add fractions

A(x3) +B(x+5)
(x+5) (x3)

So 2x 14 A ( x 3 ) + B ( x + 5 )
Set numerators equal
Substitute x = 3 2 3 14 = A ( 3 3 ) + B ( 3 + 5 )

8=B8
B= 1

Substitute x = 5 2 ( 5 ) 14 = A ( 5 3 ) + B
( 5+5)
24 = A ( 8 )

Hence

A=3
2x 14
x2 + 2x 15

3
(x+5)

1
(x3)

3
(x+5)

1
(x3)

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Exercise B, Question 2

Question:
Show that

2x 5
(4+x) (2x)

can be written in the form

A
(4+x)

B
(2x)

where A

and B are constants to be found.

Solution:
Let

2x 5
(4+x) (2x)

A
(4+x)

B
(2x)

A(2x) +B(4+x)
(4+x) (2x)

So 2x 5 A ( 2 x ) + B ( 4 + x )
Substitute x = 2 2 2 5 = A ( 2 2 ) + B ( 4 + 2 )

9=B6

B=

3
2

Substitute x = 4

4
5=A 2

4
+B

3=A6
1
2

Hence
or

4+

=A
2x 5
(4+x) (2x)

2x 5
(4+x) (2x)

A
(4+x)

1
2(4+x)

B
(2x)

when

A=

1
2 and

B=

3
2 .

3
2(2x)

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Partial fractions
Exercise C, Question 1

Question:
Express the following as partial fractions:
(a)

2x2 12x 26
(x+1) (x2) (x+5)

(b)

10x2 8x + 2
x ( 2x + 1 ) ( 3x 2 )

(c)

5x2 19x 32
(x+1) (x+2) (x5)

Solution:
(a) Let

2x2 12x 26
(x+1) (x2) (x+5)

A
(x+1)

B
(x2)

C
(x+5)

Add

fractions

2x2 12x 26
(x+1) (x2) (x+5)

A(x2) (x+5) +B(x+1) (x+5) +C(x+1) (x2)

(x+1) (x2) (x+5)

So 2x2 12x 26 A ( x 2 ) ( x + 5 ) + B ( x + 1 ) ( x + 5 ) + C
(x+1) (x2)
Substitute x = 2 8 24 26 = A 0 + B 3 7 + C 0

42 = 21B
B= 2

Substitute x = 1

2 + 12 26 = A ( 3 ) 4 + B 0 + C 0

12 = 12A
A=1

Substitute x = 5

84 = 28C

C=3

50 + 60 26 = A 0 + B 0 + C 28

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Hence

(b) Let

2x2 12x 26
(x+1) (x2) (x+5)

10x2 8x + 2
x ( 2x + 1 ) ( 3x 2 )

Page 2 of 3

1
(x+1)

B
( 2x + 1 )

2
(x2)

C
( 3x 2 )

3
(x+5)

A
x

10x2 8x + 2
x ( 2x + 1 ) ( 3x 2 )

A ( 2x + 1 ) ( 3x 2 ) + Bx ( 3x 2 ) + Cx ( 2x + 1 )
x ( 2x + 1 ) ( 3x 2 )

Add fractions

So 10x2 8x + 2 A ( 2x + 1 ) ( 3x 2 ) + Bx ( 3x 2 ) + Cx
( 2x + 1 )
Substitute x = 0 0 0 + 2 = A 1 ( 2 ) + B 0 + C 0

2 = 2A

A= 1
1
2

Substitute x =
7
2

10
4

+4+2=A0+B

1
2

+C0
7
2

=B

7
4

B=2

Equate coefficients in x2:

10 = 6A + 3B + 2C
10 = 6 + 6 + 2C

10 = 2C

5=C

Hence

(c) Let

10x2 8x + 2
x ( 2x + 1 ) ( 3x 2 )

1
x

5x2 19x 32
(x+1) (x+2) (x5)

5x2 19x 32
(x+1) (x+2) (x5)

2
( 2x + 1 )

A
(x+1)

B
(x+2)

5
( 3x 2 )

C
(x5)

A(x+2) (x5) +B(x+1) (x5) +C(x+1) (x+2)

(x+1) (x+2) (x5)

So 5x2 19x 32 A ( x + 2 ) ( x 5 ) + B ( x + 1 ) ( x 5 ) + C
(x+1) (x+2)
Substitute x = 1 5 + 19 32 = A 1 ( 6 )
+B0+C0
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18 = 6A
A=3

Substitute x = 5

125 95 32 = A 0 + B 0 + C 6 7

252 = 42C
C= 6

Substitute x = 2
7

Page 3 of 3

20 + 38 32 = A 0 + B

+C0

Hence

14 = 7B
B= 2
5x2 19x 32
(x+1) (x+2) (x5)

3
(x+1)

2
(x+2)

6
(x5)

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Exercise C, Question 2

Question:
By firstly factorising the denominator, express the following as partial fractions:
(a)

(b)

(c)

6x2 + 7x 3
x3 x
5x2 + 15x + 8
x3 + 3x2 + 2x
5x2 15x 8
x3 4x2 + x + 6

Solution:
(a) x3 x x ( x2 1 ) x ( x + 1 ) ( x 1 )
So

6x2 + 7x 3
x3

6x2 + 7x 3
x(x+1) (x1)

A
x

B
(x+1)

C
(x1)

A ( x + 1 ) ( x 1 ) + Bx ( x 1 ) + Cx ( x + 1 )
x(x+1) (x1)

Setting numerators equal gives 6x2 + 7x 3 A

x+1
x1
+ Bx
x1

+ Cx
x+1

Substitute x = 0

3 = 1A

A=3

Substitute x = 1

10 = 2C

C=5
4 = 2B

B= 2

Hence

6x2 + 7x 3
x3

6+73=A0+B0+C12

Substitute x = 1

0+03=A1 ( 1) +B0+C0

673=A0+B ( 1) ( 2) +C0

3
x

2
(x+1)

5
(x1)

(b) x3 + 3x2 + 2x x ( x2 + 3x + 2 ) x ( x + 1 ) ( x + 2 )
So

5x2 + 15x + 8
x3

3x2

+ 2x

5x2 + 15x + 8
x(x+1) (x+2)

A
x

B
(x+1)

C
(x+2)

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Page 2 of 3

A ( x + 1 ) ( x + 2 ) + Bx ( x + 2 ) + Cx ( x + 1 )
x(x+1) (x+2)

Setting numerators equal gives 5x2 + 15x + 8 A

x+1
x+2
+ Bx
x+2

+ Cx
x+1

Substitute x = 0

8 = 2A

A=4

Substitute x = 1

2 = 1B

B=2

Substitute x = 2

2 = 2C

C= 1

Hence

5x2 + 15x + 8
x3

3x2

0+0+8=A12+B0+C0

+ 2x

5 15 + 8 = A 0 + B ( 1 ) 1 + C 0

20 30 + 8 = A 0 + B 0 + C

4
x

2
(x+1)

1
(x+2)

(c) Consider f ( x ) = x3 4x2 + x + 6

f( 1) = 141+6=0
Hence ( x + 1 ) is a factor
By inspection
f ( x ) = x3 4x2 + x + 6 =

x+1
x 5x + 6
=

x+1
x2

x3

Note. This last part could have been found by division.

Hence

5x2 15x 8
x3

4x2

+x+6

5x2 15x 8
(x+1) (x2) (x3)

A
(x+1)

B
(x2)

C
(x3)

A(x2) (x3) +B(x+1) (x3) +C(x+1) (x2)

(x+1) (x2) (x3)

Setting numerators equal gives

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5x2 15x 8 A
x2

x2
x3
+B
x+1
x3
+C
x+1

Substitute x = 2

18 = 3B

B=6

Substitute x = 1

12 = 12A

A=1

Substitute x = 3

8 = 4C

C= 2

4x2

5x2 15x 8
x3

20 30 8 = A 0 + B 3 ( 1 ) + C 0

Hence

Page 3 of 3

+x+6

5 + 15 8 = A ( 3 ) ( 4 ) + B 0 + C 0

45 45 8 = A 0 + B 0 + C 4 1

1
(x+1)

6
(x2)

2
(x3)

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Exercise D, Question 1

Question:
Put the following into partial fraction form:
3x2 + x + 2
x2 ( x + 1 )

Solution:
Let

3x2 + x + 2
x2

(x+1)

A
x

B
x2

(x+1)

Ax ( x + 1 ) + B ( x + 1 ) + Cx2
x2 ( x + 1 )

Set the numerators equal:

3x2 + x + 2 Ax ( x + 1 ) + B ( x + 1 ) + Cx2
Substitute x = 0 0 + 0 + 2 = A 0 + B 1 + C 0

2 = 1B

B=2

Substitute x = 1

4 = 1C

C=4

31+2=A0+B0+C1

Equate coefficients in x2:

3=A+4

3=A+C

Substitute C = 4

A= 1

Hence

3x2 + x + 2
x2 ( x + 1 )

1
x

2
x2

4
(x+1)

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Exercise D, Question 2

Question:
Put the following into partial fraction form:
x2 10x 5
(x+1) 2(x1)

Solution:
Let

x2 10x 5
(x+1)

(x1)

A
(x+1)

B
(x+1)

C
(x1)

A(x+1) (x1) +B(x1) +C(x+1) 2

(x+1) 2(x1)

Set the numerators equal:

x2 10x 5 A ( x + 1 ) ( x 1 ) + B ( x 1 ) + C ( x + 1 ) 2
Substitute x = 1 1 10 5 = A 0 + B 0 + C 4

16 = 4C

C= 4

Substitute x = 1

4 = 2B

B= 2

1 + 10 5 = A 0 + B ( 2 ) + C 0

Equate coefficients in x2:

1=A4

Substitute C = 4

1=A+C

A=3

Hence

x2 10x 5
(x+1) 2(x1)

3
(x+1)

2
(x+1) 2

4
(x1)

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Exercise D, Question 3

Question:
Put the following into partial fraction form:
2x2 + 2x 18
x(x3) 2

Solution:
Let

2x2 + 2x 18
x(x3)

A
x

B
(x3)

C
(x3) 2

A ( x 3 ) 2 + Bx ( x 3 ) + Cx
x(x3) 2

Set the numerators equal:

2x2 + 2x 18 A ( x 3 ) 2 + Bx ( x 3 ) + Cx
Substitute x = 0 0 + 0 18 = A 9 + B 0 + C 0

18 = 9A

A= 2

Substitute x = 3

6 = 3C

C=2

18 + 6 18 = A 0 + B 0 + C 3

Equate coefficients in x2:

2= 2+B

2=A+B

Substitute A = 2

B=4

Hence

2x2 + 2x 18
x(x3)

2
x

4
(x3)

2
(x3) 2

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Exercise D, Question 4

Question:
Put the following into partial fraction form:
7x2 42x + 64
x(x4) 2

Solution:
Let

7x2 42x + 64
x(x4)

B
(x4)

C
(x4) 2

A ( x 4 ) 2 + Bx ( x 4 ) + Cx
x(x4) 2

Set the numerators equal:

7x2 42x + 64 A ( x 4 ) 2 + Bx ( x 4 ) + Cx
Substitute x = 0 0 0 + 64 = A 16 + B 0 + C 0

64 = 16A

A=4

Substitute x = 4

8 = 4C

C=2

112 168 + 64 = A 0 + B 0 + C 4

Equate coefficients in x2:

7=4+B

7=A+B

Substitute A = 4

3
(x4)

B=3

Hence

7x2 42x + 64
x(x4)

4
x

(x4) 2

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Exercise D, Question 5

Question:
Put the following into partial fraction form:
5x2 2x 1
x3 x2

Solution:
x3 x2 x2 ( x 1 )
5x2 2x 1

So

x3

x2

5x2 2x 1
x2

(x1)

A
x

B
x2

C
(x1)

Ax ( x 1 ) + B ( x 1 ) + Cx2
x2 ( x 1 )

Set the numerators equal:

5x2 2x 1 Ax ( x 1 ) + B ( x 1 ) + Cx2
Substitute x = 1 5 2 1 = A 0 + B 0 + C 1

2 = 1C

C=2

Substitute x = 0

001=A0+B ( 1) +C0

1 = 1B

B=1

Equate coefficients in x2:

5=A+2

5=A+C

Substitute C = 2

A=3

Hence

5x2 2x 1
x3 x2

3
x

1
x2

2
(x1)

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Exercise D, Question 6

Question:
Put the following into partial fraction form:
2x2 + 2x 18
x3 6x2 + 9x

Solution:
x3 6x2 + 9x x ( x2 6x + 9 ) x ( x 3 ) 2
2x2 + 2x 18

So

x3

6x2

+ 9x

2x2 + 2x 18
x(x3)

(x3)

C
(x3) 2

A ( x 3 ) 2 + Bx ( x 3 ) + Cx
x(x3) 2

Set the numerators equal:

2x2 + 2x 18 A ( x 3 ) 2 + Bx ( x 3 ) + Cx
Substitute x = 0 0 + 0 18 = A 9 + B 0 + C 0

18 = 9A

A= 2

Substitute x = 3

6 = 3C

C=2

18 + 6 18 = A 0 + B 0 + C 3

Equate coefficients in x2:

2= 2+B

2=A+B

Substitute A = 2

B=4

Hence

2x2 + 2x 18
x3

6x2

+ 9x

2
x

4
(x3)

2
(x3) 2

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Exercise D, Question 7

Question:
Put the following into partial fraction form:
2x
(x+2) 2

Solution:
Let

2x
(x+2)

A
(x+2)

B
2

(x+2)

A(x+2) +B
(x+2) 2

Set the numerators equal:

2x = A ( x + 2 ) + B
Substitute x = 2 4 = A 0 + B B = 4
Equate coefficients in x:
2=A
Hence

2x
(x+2) 2

2
(x+2)

4
(x+2) 2

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Exercise D, Question 8

Question:
Put the following into partial fraction form:
x2 + 5x + 7
(x+2) 3

Solution:
Let

x2 + 5x + 7
(x+2)

A
(x+2)

B
(x+2)

C
(x+2) 3

A(x+2) 2+B(x+2) +C
(x+2) 3

Set the numerators equal:

x2 + 5x + 7 A ( x + 2 ) 2 + B ( x + 2 ) + C
Substitute x = 2 4 10 + 7 = A 0 + B 0 + C
Equate coefficients in x2:
A=1
Equate coefficients in x:
5=4+B

C=1

1=A
5 = 4A + B

Substitute A = 1

B=1

Hence

x2 + 5x + 7
(x+2)

1
(x+2)

1
(x+2) 2

1
(x+2) 3

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Exercise E, Question 1

Question:
Express the following improper fractions as a partial fraction:
(a)

x2 + 3x 2
(x+1) (x3)

(b)

x2 10
(x2) (x+1)

(c)

(d)

x3 x2 x 3
x(x1)
2x2 1
(x+1) 2

Solution:
(a)

x2 + 3x 2
(x+1) (x3)

x2 + 3x 2
x2 2x 3

Divide the numerator by the denominator:

Therefore
Let

x2 + 3x 2
(x+1) (x3)

5x + 1
(x+1) (x3)

1+

A
(x+1)

5x + 1
(x+1) (x3)
B
(x3)

Add fractions

A(x3) +B(x+1)
(x+1) (x3)

Set the numerators equal:

5x + 1 A ( x 3 ) + B ( x + 1 )
Substitute x = 3 5 3 + 1 = A 0 + B 4

16 = 4B

B=4

Substitute x = 1

5 ( 1) +1=A ( 4) +B0

4 = 4A

A=1
Hence
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x2 + 3x 2
(x+1) (x3)

(b)

x2 10
(x2) (x+1)

5x + 1
(x+1) (x3)

1+

x2 10
x2 x 2

Page 2 of 3

1+

1
(x+1)

4
(x3)

x2 + 0x 10

x2 x 2

Divide the numerator by the denominator:

Therefore
Let

x2 10
(x2) (x+1)

x8
(x2) (x+1)

1+

A
(x2)

x8
(x2) (x+1)
B
(x+1)

Add fractions

A(x+1) +B(x2)
(x2) (x+1)

Set the numerators equal:

x8A(x+1) +B(x2)
Substitute x = 2 2 8 = A 3 + B 0

6 = 3A

A= 2

Substitute x = 1

18=A0+B ( 3)

9 = 3B

B=3
Hence
x2 10
(x2) (x+1)

(c)

x3 x2 x 3
x(x1)

x8
(x2) (x+1)

1+

2
(x2)

1+

2
(x2)

3
(x+1)

3
(x+1)

x3 x2 x 3
x2 x

Divide the numerator by the denominator:

Therefore

x3 x2 x 3
x(x1)

x+

x3
x(x1)

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Let

x3
x(x1)

A
x

A ( x 1 ) + Bx
x(x1)

B
(x1)

Page 3 of 3

Add fractions

Set the numerators equal:

x 3 A ( x 1 ) + Bx
Substitute x = 1 1 3 = A 0 + B 1

4 = 1B

B= 4

Substitute x = 0

3=A ( 1) +B0

A=3

Hence

(d)

x3 x2 x 3
x(x1)

2x2 1
(x+1) 2

x3
x(x1)

x+

2x2 1
(x+1) (x+1)

3
x

x+
2x2 1

x2 + 2x + 1

4
(x1)

2x2 + 0x 1
x2 + 2x + 1

Divide the numerator by the denominator:

Therefore
Let

2x2 1
(x+1)

4x 3
(x+1)

2+

A
(x+1)

4x 3
(x+1) 2

B
(x+1) 2

Add fractions

A(x+1) +B

(x+1) 2

Set the numerators equal:

4x 3 A ( x + 1 ) + B
Substitute x = 1 4 ( 1 ) 3 = A 0 + B

1=B

B=1
Equate coefficients in x:
A= 4
Hence

2x2 1
(x+1)

2+

4=A
4x 3
(x+1) 2

4
(x+1)

1
(x+1) 2

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Exercise E, Question 2

Question:
By factorising the denominator, express the following as partial fraction:
(a)

(b)

4x2 + 17x 11
x2 + 3x 4
x4 4x3 + 9x2 17x + 12
x3 4x2 + 4x

Solution:
(a) Divide the numerator by the denominator:

Therefore

4x2 + 17x 11
x2

+ 3x 4

4+

5x + 5
x2 + 3x 4

4+
Let

5x + 5
(x+4) (x1)

A
(x+4)

Factorise denominator

5x + 5
(x+4) (x1)

B
(x1)

Add fractions

A(x1) +B(x+4)
(x+4) (x1)

Set the numerators equal:

5x + 5 A ( x 1 ) + B ( x + 4 )
Substitute x = 1 5 1 + 5 = A 0 + B 5

10 = 5B

B=2

Substitute x = 4

5 ( 4) +5=A ( 5) +B0

15 = 5A

A=3
Hence
4x2 + 17x 11
x2

+ 3x 4

4+

5x + 5
(x+4) (x1)

4+

3
(x+4)

2
(x1)

(b) Divide the numerator by the denominator:

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Therefore
x+
x+
x+
Let

Page 2 of 2

x4 4x3 + 9x2 17x + 12

x3 4x2 + 4x

5x2 17x + 12

Take out a factor of x in the denominator

x3 4x2 + 4x
5x2 17x + 12

Factorise the denominator fully

x ( x2 4x + 4 )
5x2 17x + 12
x(x2) 2

5x2 17x + 12
x(x2)

A
x

B
(x2)

Add fractions

(x2) 2

A ( x 2 ) 2 + Bx ( x 2 ) + Cx
x(x2) 2

Set the numerators equal:

5x2 17x + 12 A ( x 2 ) 2 + Bx ( x 2 ) + Cx
Substitute x = 0 0 0 + 12 = A 4 + B 0 + C 0

12 = 4A

A=3

Substitute x = 2

2 = 2C

C= 1

20 34 + 12 = A 0 + B 0 + C 2

Equate coefficients in x2:

5=3+B

5=A+B

B=2
Hence
x4 4x3 + 9x2 17x + 12
x3 4x2 + 4x

x+

5x2 17x + 12
x(x2) 2

x+

3
x

2
(x2)

1
(x2) 2

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Exercise E, Question 3

Question:
Show that
A + Bx +

3x3 4x2 + 19x + 8

x2 + 2x 3
C
(x1)

can be expressed in the form

D
(x+3)

, where A, B, C and D are constants to be found.

Solution:
Divide the numerator by the denominator:

Therefore

3x3 4x2 + 19x + 8

x2

+ 2x 3

3x + 2 +

6x + 14
x2

3x + 2 +
Let

6x + 14
(x1) (x+3)

C
(x1)

D
(x+3)

+ 2x 3

Factorise denominator

6x + 14
(x1) (x+3)
C(x+3) +D(x1)
(x1) (x+3)

Set the numerators equal:

6x + 14 C ( x + 3 ) + D ( x 1 )
Substitute x = 1 6 + 14 = C 4 + D 0

20 = 4C

5=C

Substitute x = 3

6 ( 3 ) + 14 = C 0 + D ( 4 )

4 = 4D

D=1
Hence
3x3 4x2 + 19x + 8
x2

+ 2x 3

3x + 2 +

6x + 14
(x1) (x+3)

3x + 2 +

5
(x1)

1
(x+3)

So A = 2, B = 3, C = 5 and D = 1
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Exercise F, Question 1

Question:
Express the following as a partial fraction:
(a)

(b)

x3
x(x1)
7x2 + 2x 2
x2 ( x + 1 )

(c)

15x + 21
(x2) (x+1) (x5)

(d)

x2 + 1
x(x2)

Solution:
(a) Let

x3
x(x1)

A
x

B
(x1)

A ( x 1 ) + Bx
x(x1)

Add the fractions

Set the numerators equal:

x 3 A ( x 1 ) + Bx
Substitute x = 1 1 3 = A 0 + B 1
B= 2

Substitute x = 0

3 = 1A

A=3

Hence

(b) Let

x3
x(x1)

7x2 + 2x 2
x2 ( x + 1 )

03=A ( 1) +B0

3
x

A
x

2
(x1)

B
x2

C
(x+1)

Add the fractions

Ax ( x + 1 ) + B ( x + 1 ) + Cx2
x2 ( x + 1 )

Set the numerators equal:

7x2 + 2x 2 Ax ( x + 1 ) + B ( x + 1 ) + Cx2
Substitute x = 0 0 + 0 2 = A 0 + B 1 + C 0

2 = 1B

B= 2

Substitute x = 1

722=A0+B0+C1

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3 = 1C

C=3

Equate coefficients in x2:

7=A+3

Substitute C = 3

7=A+C

A=4

Hence

(c) Let

Page 2 of 3

7x2 + 2x 2
x2 ( x + 1 )

4
x

15x + 21
(x2) (x+1) (x5)

2
x2

3
(x+1)

A
(x2)

B
(x+1)

C
(x5)

Add the fractions

A(x+1) (x5) +B(x2) (x5) +C(x2) (x+1)

(x2) (x+1) (x5)

Set the numerators equal:

15x + 21 A ( x + 1 ) ( x 5 ) + B ( x 2 ) ( x 5 ) + C ( x 2 ) ( x + 1 )
Substitute x = 1 15 + 21 = A 0 + B ( 3 ) ( 6 ) + C 0

36 = 18B

B=2

Substitute x = 5

54 = 18C

C= 3

Substitute x = 2

(d)

30 + 21 = A 3 ( 3 ) + B 0 + C 0

9 = 9A

A=1

Hence

75 + 21 = A 0 + B 0 + C 3 6

15x + 21
(x2) (x+1) (x5)

x2 + 1
x(x2)

x2 + 1

x2 2x

1
(x2)

2
(x+1)

3
(x5)

x2 + 0x + 1
x2 2x + 0

Divide the numerator by the denominator:

Therefore
Let

x2 + 1
x(x2)

2x + 1
x(x2)

A
x

1+
+

2x + 1
x(x2)

B
(x2)

A ( x 2 ) + Bx
x(x2)

Set the numerators equal:

2x + 1 A ( x 2 ) + Bx
Substitute x = 0 1 = A ( 2 ) + B 0

1 = 2A

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A=

1
2

Substitute x = 2

5 = 2B

B=

Page 3 of 3

22+1=A0+B2

5
2

Hence
x2 + 1
x(x2)

1+

2x + 1
x(x2)

1
2x

1+

1
2

5
2

(x2)

5
2(x2)

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Exercise F, Question 2

Question:
Write the following algebraic fractions as a partial fraction:
(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

3x + 1
x2

+ 2x + 1

2x2 + 2x 8
x2 + 2x 3
3x2 + 12x + 8
(x+2) 3
x4
x2 2x + 1

Solution:
(a)

3x + 1
x2

Let

3x + 1

+ 2x + 1

3x + 1
(x+1)

(x+1) 2

A
(x+1)

Repeated factor in denominator

B

(x+1)

A(x+1) +B
(x+1) 2

Set the numerators equal:

3x + 1 A ( x + 1 ) + B
Substitute x = 1 3 + 1 = A 0 + B
B= 2
Equate coefficients of x:
A=3
Hence

(b)

3x + 1
x2 + 2x + 1

2x2 + 2x 8
x2 + 2x 3

3=A

3x + 1
(x+1) 2

3
(x+1)

2
(x+1) 2

is an improper fraction

Dividing gives

Therefore

2x2 + 2x 8
x2 + 2x 3

2+

2x 2
x2

+ 2x 3

Factorise the denominator

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2x 2
(x+3) (x1)

Let

Page 2 of 3

2+

2x 2
(x+3) (x1)

A
(x+3)

B
(x1)

A(x1) +B(x+3)
(x+3) (x1)

Set the numerators equal:

2x 2 A ( x 1 ) + B ( x + 3 )
Substitute x = 1 2 2 = A 0 + B 4

4 = 4B

B= 1

Substitute x = 3

62=A ( 4) +B0

4 = 4A

A= 1
Hence
2x2 + 2x 8
x2

+ 2x 3

2x 2
(x+3) (x1)

2+

1
(x+3)

(c) Let

3x2 + 12x + 8
(x+2)

A
(x+2)

1
(x1)

B
(x+2) 2

C
(x+2) 3

A(x+2) 2+B(x+2) +C
(x+2) 3

Set the numerators equal:

3x2 + 12x + 8 A ( x + 2 ) 2 + B ( x + 2 ) + C
Substitute x = 2 12 24 + 8 = A 0 + B 0 + C
C= 4

Equate coefficients in x2:

A=3
Equate coefficients in x:
12 = 12 + B

12 = 4A + B

Substitute A = 3

B=0

Hence

(d)

3=A

3x2 + 12x + 8
(x+2)

x4
x2 2x + 1

3
(x+2)

4
(x+2) 3

x4 + 0x3 + 0x2 + 0x + 0
x2 2x + 1

Divide the numerator by the denominator:

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Page 3 of 3

Therefore
x4
x2

2x + 1

x2 + 2x + 3 +

4x 3
x2

x2 + 2x + 3 +
Let

4x 3
(x1)

A
(x1)

Factorise the denominator

2x + 1
4x 3
(x1) 2
B

(x1)

A(x1) +B
(x1) 2

Set the numerators equal:

4x 3 A ( x 1 ) + B
Substitute x = 1 4 3 = B B = 1
Equate coefficients in x:
4=A
Hence
x4
x2

2x + 1

x2 + 2x + 3 +

4x 3
(x1)

x2 + 2x + 3 +

4
(x1)

1
(x1) 2

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Page 1 of 2

Solutionbank
Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
Partial fractions
Exercise F, Question 3

Question:
Given that f ( x ) = 2x3 + 9x2 + 10x + 3:
(a) Show that 3 is a root of f(x).
(b) Express

10
f(x)

as partial fractions.

Solution:
(a) f ( 3 ) = 2 ( 27 ) + 9 9 + 10 ( 3 )
+ 3 = 54 + 81 30 + 3 = 0
Therefore 3 is a root ( x + 3 ) is a factor
(b) f ( x ) = 2x3 + 9x2 + 10x + 3
( x + 3 ) is a factor
2
By inspection
= ( x + 3 ) ( 2x + 3x + 1 )
= ( x + 3 ) ( 2x + 1 ) ( x + 1 )
10
f(x)

10
( x + 3 ) ( 2x + 1 ) ( x + 1 )

A
(x+3)

B
( 2x + 1 )

C
(x+1)

A ( 2x + 1 ) ( x + 1 ) + B ( x + 3 ) ( x + 1 ) + C ( x + 3 ) ( 2x + 1 )
( x + 3 ) ( 2x + 1 ) ( x + 1 )

Set the numerators equal:

10 A ( 2x + 1 ) ( x + 1 ) + B ( x + 3 ) ( x + 1 ) + C ( x + 3 )
( 2x + 1 )
Substitute x = 1 10 = A 0 + B 0 + C 2 ( 1)

10 = 2C

C= 5

Substitute x = 3

10 = 10A

A=1

Substitute x =

1
2

10 = A ( 5) ( 2) + B 0 + C 0

10 = A 0 + B

1
2

1
+C0
2

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10 = 1.25B

B=8

Hence

10
f(x)

1
(x+3)

8
( 2x + 1 )

Page 2 of 2

5
(x+1)

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