Question

How do you know which term goes first when solving for partial fractions, so you dont solve the a and b wrong? So if you have (x-3)(x+4) as the denominator, how do you know which term to make a and which to make b? Im assuming a wrong choice would reverse the values?

Answer 1

it makes no difference

Answer 2

easither one could go first but in the end youre going to use one of them first

Answer 3

Ahhh cheers, dont worry, i got asked this question by a mate over facebook and it stumped me. Wasnt sure how to answer it

Answer 4

spose you find that A = 1 and B = -2 as solutions in one setup such that you have:
\[\frac{1}{x-3}+\frac{-2}{x+4}\]this is equal to\[\frac{-2}{x+4}+\frac{1}{x-3}\]by commutative property of addition

Answer 5

But if you resolve the partial fractions it gives the same result anyway no matter what a/b term you have

Answer 6

hello again

Answer 7

yep lach

Answer 8

Thanks very much guys. I feel very slapstick now :S

Answer 9

this is what i was trying to say before, but i think i confused you
as @amistre64 said it makes no difference but that is precisely why you have to write it down, to know which one you picked for A and B so you don't get confused at the end

Answer 10

None the less thankyou all very much for the assistance! Hope you all have a good one!

Answer 11

Ahhh I getcha now satellite, thanks very much mate!

Answer 12

lol @Lachlan1996

Answer 13

Hahaha, i feel bloody dopey now, but at least i figured it out ;) Thanks for the help everyone!!

Answer 14

@Lachlan1996 youre from UK nice

Answer 15

@SYNDICATE0612 hahahaha nahh mate, southern hemisphere ;) Proud bogan aussie haha

Answer 16

nice @lachlan1996