Partial fractions

What you'll learn

1. 1

   Imagine breaking a chocolate bar into smaller pieces — that's like partial fractions! We split a complicated fraction into simpler ones that are easier to work with.

2. 2

   What does 'partial fractions' help us do?

3. 3

   Here's the idea: (5x+1)/(x²+x−2) = A/(x−1) + B/(x+2) — we find A and B.

4. 4

   Let's find A and B for (5x+1)/(x²+x−2).

5. 5

   Now you try! What do we multiply both sides by to clear the denominators?

6. 6

   Continue solving for A and B.

7. 7

   For (5x+1)/(x²+x−2), what is A?

8. 8

   Now try one yourself! Find A and B for (3x+5)/(x²+3x+2).