Integration with Partial Fractions

128 questions · 18 question types identified

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Partial fractions with irreducible quadratic

Express a rational function with an irreducible quadratic factor (e.g., x²+a) in the denominator using partial fractions including a (Bx+C)/(x²+a) term, then integrate.

17 Standard +0.8
13.3% of questions
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7 In this question you must show detailed reasoning.
Show that \(\int _ { 2 } ^ { 3 } \frac { x + 1 } { ( x - 1 ) \left( x ^ { 2 } + 1 \right) } d x = \frac { 1 } { 2 } \ln 2\).
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Easiest question Standard +0.3 »
9 Let \(\mathrm { f } ( x ) = \frac { 3 x ^ { 3 } + 6 x - 8 } { x \left( x ^ { 2 } + 2 \right) }\).
  1. Express \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) in the form \(A + \frac { B } { x } + \frac { C x + D } { x ^ { 2 } + 2 }\).
  2. Show that \(\int _ { 1 } ^ { 2 } \mathrm { f } ( x ) \mathrm { d } x = 3 - \ln 4\).
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Hardest question Challenging +1.2 »
11 Let \(\mathrm { f } ( x ) = \frac { 5 x ^ { 2 } + x + 11 } { \left( 4 + x ^ { 2 } \right) ( 1 + x ) }\).
  1. Express \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) in partial fractions. \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\)
  2. Hence show that \(\int _ { 0 } ^ { 2 } \mathrm { f } ( x ) \mathrm { d } x = \ln 54 - \frac { 1 } { 8 } \pi\). \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\)
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Rational function curve sketching

Analyze and sketch a curve given by a rational function, finding asymptotes, intercepts, stationary points, and behavior at infinity, possibly using partial fractions.

17 Standard +0.9
13.3% of questions
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3 The curve \(C\) has equation \(y = \frac { x + 1 } { x ^ { 2 } - 4 }\).
  1. Show that the gradient of \(C\) is always negative.
  2. Sketch \(C\), showing all significant features.
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Easiest question Standard +0.3 »
7 Fig. 7 shows part of the curve with equation \(y = \frac { x + 5 } { ( 2 x - 5 ) ( 3 x + 8 ) }\). \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{8d91a83d-971e-48ca-aa1a-09f2c1a8093a-3_894_890_447_625} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 7}
\end{figure}
  1. Write down the coordinates of the two points where the curve crosses the axes.
  2. Write down the equations of the two vertical asymptotes and the one horizontal asymptote.
  3. Determine how the curve approaches the horizontal asymptote for large positive and large negative values of \(x\).
  4. On the copy of Fig. 7, sketch the rest of the curve.
  5. Solve the inequality \(\frac { x + 5 } { ( 2 x - 5 ) ( 3 x + 8 ) } < 0\).
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Hardest question Challenging +1.2 »
8 A curve has equation \(y = \frac { x ^ { 2 } - 4 } { ( 3 x - 2 ) ^ { 2 } }\).
  1. Find the equations of the asymptotes.
  2. Describe the behaviour of the curve for large positive and large negative values of \(x\), justifying your description.
  3. Sketch the curve.
  4. Solve the inequality \(\frac { x ^ { 2 } - 4 } { ( 3 x - 2 ) ^ { 2 } } \geqslant - 1\).
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Partial fractions with repeated linear factor

Decompose a rational function that has a repeated linear factor in the denominator (e.g., (x+1)²) into partial fractions, then integrate.

16 Standard +0.3
12.5% of questions
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6 Let \(\mathrm { f } ( x ) = \frac { 4 x } { ( 3 x + 1 ) ( x + 1 ) ^ { 2 } }\).
  1. Express \(f ( x )\) in partial fractions.
  2. Hence show that \(\int _ { 0 } ^ { 1 } \mathrm { f } ( x ) \mathrm { d } x = 1 - \ln 2\).
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Easiest question Moderate -0.3 »
  1. Express \(\frac{2x + 1}{(x - 3)^2}\) in the form \(\frac{A}{x - 3} + \frac{B}{(x - 3)^2}\), where \(A\) and \(B\) are constants. [3]
  2. Hence find the exact value of \(\int_4^{10} \frac{2x + 1}{(x - 3)^2} \, dx\), giving your answer in the form \(a + b \ln c\), where \(a\), \(b\) and \(c\) are integers. [4]
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Hardest question Standard +0.3 »
6 Let \(\mathrm { f } ( x ) = \frac { 4 x } { ( 3 x + 1 ) ( x + 1 ) ^ { 2 } }\).
  1. Express \(f ( x )\) in partial fractions.
  2. Hence show that \(\int _ { 0 } ^ { 1 } \mathrm { f } ( x ) \mathrm { d } x = 1 - \ln 2\).
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Improper algebraic form then partial fractions

First perform polynomial long division to separate a rational function into polynomial plus proper fraction, then use partial fractions on the proper fraction before integrating.

16 Standard +0.3
12.5% of questions
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9 By first expressing \(\frac { 4 x ^ { 2 } + 5 x + 3 } { 2 x ^ { 2 } + 5 x + 2 }\) in partial fractions, show that $$\int _ { 0 } ^ { 4 } \frac { 4 x ^ { 2 } + 5 x + 3 } { 2 x ^ { 2 } + 5 x + 2 } \mathrm {~d} x = 8 - \ln 9$$
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Easiest question Moderate -0.8 »
2. $$g ( x ) = \frac { 2 x ^ { 2 } - 5 x + 8 } { x - 2 }$$
  1. Write \(g ( x )\) in the form $$A x + B + \frac { C } { x - 2 }$$ where \(A , B\) and \(C\) are integers to be found.
  2. Hence use algebraic integration to show that $$\int _ { 4 } ^ { 8 } \mathrm {~g} ( x ) \mathrm { d } x = \alpha + \beta \ln 3$$ where \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\) are integers to be found.
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Hardest question Standard +0.8 »
9 By first expressing \(\frac { 4 x ^ { 2 } + 5 x + 3 } { 2 x ^ { 2 } + 5 x + 2 }\) in partial fractions, show that $$\int _ { 0 } ^ { 4 } \frac { 4 x ^ { 2 } + 5 x + 3 } { 2 x ^ { 2 } + 5 x + 2 } \mathrm {~d} x = 8 - \ln 9$$
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Basic partial fractions then integrate

Express a rational function in partial fractions, then use this to evaluate a definite integral, typically showing it equals a specific form involving logarithms and/or rational numbers.

11 Standard +0.1
8.6% of questions
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Find the mean value of \(f(x) = x^2 + 6x\) over the interval \([0, 3]\). [2]
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Easiest question Easy -1.2 »
Find the mean value of \(f(x) = x^2 + 6x\) over the interval \([0, 3]\). [2]
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Hardest question Challenging +1.2 »
Find the value of \(\int_1^2 \frac{6x + 1}{6x^2 - 7x + 2} dx\), expressing your answer in the form \(m\ln 2 + n\ln 3\), where \(m\) and \(n\) are integers. [8 marks]
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Improper integrals with discontinuity

Evaluate an improper integral where the integrand has a discontinuity within or at the boundary of the integration interval (e.g., ln(x) at x=0, 1/√x at x=0), showing the limiting process explicitly.

9 Standard +0.9
7.0% of questions
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Evaluate the improper integral $$\int_0^8 \ln x \, \mathrm{d}x$$ showing the limiting process. [6 marks]
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Easiest question Moderate -0.3 »
In this question you must show detailed reasoning. Show that $$\int_5^{\infty} (x - 1)^{-\frac{3}{2}} dx = 1$$ [5]
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Hardest question Challenging +1.3 »
5
  1. Find \(\int x \cos 8 x \mathrm {~d} x\).
  2. Find \(\lim _ { x \rightarrow 0 } \left[ \frac { 1 } { x } \sin 2 x \right]\).
  3. Explain why \(\int _ { 0 } ^ { \frac { \pi } { 4 } } \left( 2 \cot 2 x - \frac { 1 } { x } + x \cos 8 x \right) \mathrm { d } x\) is an improper integral.
  4. Evaluate \(\int _ { 0 } ^ { \frac { \pi } { 4 } } \left( 2 \cot 2 x - \frac { 1 } { x } + x \cos 8 x \right) \mathrm { d } x\), showing the limiting process used. Give your answer as a single term.
    [0pt] [4 marks]
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Partial fractions in differential equations

Use partial fractions to solve a separable differential equation, typically finding a general or particular solution in the form y=f(x).

7 Standard +0.6
5.5% of questions
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8
  1. Express \(\frac { 100 } { x ^ { 2 } ( 10 - x ) }\) in partial fractions.
  2. Given that \(x = 1\) when \(t = 0\), solve the differential equation $$\frac { \mathrm { d } x } { \mathrm {~d} t } = \frac { 1 } { 100 } x ^ { 2 } ( 10 - x )$$ obtaining an expression for \(t\) in terms of \(x\).
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Improper integrals with infinite upper limit (power/logarithm functions)

Evaluate an improper integral with an infinite upper limit where the integrand involves power functions or logarithms (e.g., x^(-n), ln(x)/x^n), determining convergence and finding the value using limiting arguments.

6 Standard +0.5
4.7% of questions
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4 Show that the improper integral \(\int _ { 25 } ^ { \infty } \frac { 1 } { x \sqrt { x } } \mathrm {~d} x\) has a finite value and find that value.
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Improper integrals with partial fractions (infinite limit)

Use partial fractions to evaluate an improper integral with an infinite limit (typically to infinity), showing the limiting process explicitly. The integrand is a rational function requiring partial fraction decomposition.

5 Standard +0.9
3.9% of questions
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  1. Show that
$$\int _ { 0 } ^ { \infty } \frac { 8 x - 12 } { \left( 2 x ^ { 2 } + 3 \right) ( x + 1 ) } \mathrm { d } x = \ln k$$ where \(k\) is a rational number to be found.
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Improper integrals with infinite upper limit (exponential/IBP)

Evaluate an improper integral with an infinite upper limit where the integrand involves exponential functions, typically requiring integration by parts and explicit limiting process (e.g., showing x·e^(-kx) → 0 as x → ∞).

5 Standard +0.7
3.9% of questions
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  1. Explain why \(\int_3^{\infty} x^2 e^{-2x} \, dx\) is an improper integral. [1 mark]
  2. Evaluate \(\int_3^{\infty} x^2 e^{-2x} \, dx\) Show the limiting process. [9 marks]
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Complex partial fractions with multiple techniques

Combine partial fractions with other integration techniques (e.g., trigonometric substitution, series, or special limits) in a multi-step problem.

4 Challenging +1.7
3.1% of questions
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12 Show that \(\int _ { 0 } ^ { \frac { 1 } { \sqrt { 3 } } } \frac { 4 } { 1 - x ^ { 4 } } d x = \ln ( a + \sqrt { b } ) + \frac { \pi } { c }\) where \(a , b\) and \(c\) are integers to be determined.
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Square of partial fractions expression

Given f(x) in partial fractions, show that (f(x))² can be expressed in a specific partial fraction form, then integrate.

2 Challenging +1.0
1.6% of questions
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8
  1. Express \(\frac { 2 } { ( x + 1 ) ( x + 3 ) }\) in partial fractions.
  2. Using your answer to part (i), show that $$\left( \frac { 2 } { ( x + 1 ) ( x + 3 ) } \right) ^ { 2 } \equiv \frac { 1 } { ( x + 1 ) ^ { 2 } } - \frac { 1 } { x + 1 } + \frac { 1 } { x + 3 } + \frac { 1 } { ( x + 3 ) ^ { 2 } }$$
  3. Hence show that \(\int _ { 0 } ^ { 1 } \frac { 4 } { ( x + 1 ) ^ { 2 } ( x + 3 ) ^ { 2 } } \mathrm {~d} x = \frac { 7 } { 12 } - \ln \frac { 3 } { 2 }\).
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Parametric or substitution with partial fractions

Apply a substitution or work with parametric equations, then use partial fractions to evaluate an integral or solve a differential equation.

2 Standard +0.8
1.6% of questions
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7
  1. Express \(\frac { 1 - t ^ { 2 } } { t ^ { 2 } \left( 1 + t ^ { 2 } \right) }\) in partial fractions.
  2. Use the substitution \(t = \tan \frac { 1 } { 2 } x\) to show that $$\int _ { \frac { 1 } { 3 } \pi } ^ { \frac { 1 } { 2 } \pi } \frac { \cos x } { 1 - \cos x } \mathrm {~d} x = \sqrt { 3 } - 1 - \frac { 1 } { 6 } \pi$$
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Partial fractions to find specific parameter

Use partial fractions and integration to find the value of an unknown parameter k or a that satisfies a given condition on a definite integral.

2 Challenging +1.0
1.6% of questions
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  1. \(\mathrm { f } ( x ) = \frac { 3 k x - 18 } { ( x + 4 ) ( x - 2 ) } \quad\) where \(k\) is a positive constant
    1. Express \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) in partial fractions in terms of \(k\).
    2. Hence find the exact value of \(k\) for which
    $$\int _ { - 3 } ^ { 1 } f ( x ) d x = 21$$
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Factorization then partial fractions

First show that a polynomial has a specific factor or factorize a cubic/higher polynomial, then use partial fractions to integrate a related rational function.

2 Challenging +1.1
1.6% of questions
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In this question you must show detailed reasoning. Show that \(\int_0^2 \frac{2x^2 + 3x - 1}{x^3 - 3x^2 + 4x - 12} dx = \frac{3}{8}\pi - \ln 9\). [12]
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Improper integrals with infinite upper limit (combined rational terms)

Evaluate an improper integral with an infinite upper limit where the integrand is a combination of rational-type terms (e.g., differences of fractions like 1/x - 4/(4x+1) or 2x/(x²+4) - 4/(2x+3)), requiring careful limiting process to handle indeterminate forms.

2 Challenging +1.0
1.6% of questions
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4 Evaluate the improper integral $$\int _ { 1 } ^ { \infty } \left( \frac { 1 } { x } - \frac { 4 } { 4 x + 1 } \right) \mathrm { d } x$$ showing the limiting process used and giving your answer in the form \(\ln k\), where \(k\) is a constant to be found.
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Partial fractions with parameter

Express a rational function containing a parameter (constant a or k) in partial fractions, then integrate to show a result independent of or in terms of the parameter.

1 Challenging +1.2
0.8% of questions
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10 Let \(f ( x ) = \frac { 36 a ^ { 2 } } { ( 2 a + x ) ( 2 a - x ) ( 5 a - 2 x ) }\), where \(a\) is a positive constant.
  1. Express \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) in partial fractions.
  2. Hence find the exact value of \(\int _ { - a } ^ { a } f ( x ) d x\), giving your answer in the form plnq+rlns where \(p\) and \(r\) are integers and \(q\) and \(s\) are prime numbers.
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State appropriate partial fraction form

Without evaluating constants, write down the appropriate form for expressing a given rational function in partial fractions based on its denominator structure.

1 Moderate -0.8
0.8% of questions
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8 An appropriate form for expressing \(\frac { 3 x } { ( x + 1 ) ( x - 2 ) }\) in partial fractions is $$\frac { A } { x + 1 } + \frac { B } { x - 2 }$$ where \(A\) and \(B\) are constants.
  1. Without evaluating any constants, state appropriate forms for expressing the following in partial fractions:
    1. \(\frac { 4 x } { ( x + 4 ) \left( x ^ { 2 } + 3 \right) }\),
    2. \(\frac { 2 x + 1 } { ( x - 2 ) ( x + 2 ) ^ { 2 } }\).
  2. Show that \(\int _ { 3 } ^ { 4 } \frac { 3 x } { ( x + 1 ) ( x - 2 ) } \mathrm { d } x = \ln 5\).
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