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Multiple Choice
Use the method of partial fractions to evaluate the integral.
A
B
C
D
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Recognize that the integral involves a rational function where the denominator is a product of two irreducible quadratic factors, \((x^2 + 1)(x^2 + 2)\). This suggests using the method of partial fractions to decompose the integrand.
Step 2: Set up the partial fraction decomposition. Assume \(\frac{5x^3 - x^2 + 7x - 2}{(x^2 + 1)(x^2 + 2)} = \frac{Ax + B}{x^2 + 1} + \frac{Cx + D}{x^2 + 2}\), where \(A, B, C,\) and \(D\) are constants to be determined.
Step 3: Multiply through by the denominator \((x^2 + 1)(x^2 + 2)\) to eliminate the fractions. This gives \(5x^3 - x^2 + 7x - 2 = (Ax + B)(x^2 + 2) + (Cx + D)(x^2 + 1)\). Expand and collect like terms to form a polynomial equation.
Step 4: Equate the coefficients of like powers of \(x\) on both sides of the equation to form a system of linear equations. Solve this system to find the values of \(A, B, C,\) and \(D\).
Step 5: Substitute the values of \(A, B, C,\) and \(D\) back into the partial fraction decomposition. Integrate each term separately. For terms like \(\frac{Ax}{x^2 + 1}\), use substitution, and for terms like \(\frac{B}{x^2 + 1}\), recognize the derivative of \(\tan^{-1}(x)\). Combine the results to write the final solution, including the constant of integration \(C\).