Proper rational functions

 

A proper rational function is one in which

the degree of the numerator is less than

that of the denominator.

 

 eg.   

 

All others are termed improper.

These can be simplified through long division.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partial Fractions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Example: Distinct linear factors

  

 

   

 Example : repeated linear factor

 

 

  

 

Example : irreducible quadratic factor

This occurs if the discriminant is less than zero.