Entity: PARTIAL-FRACTIONS
Partial fractions are fractions formed when a complex rational expression is split into simpler fractions, often used in algebraic expressions.
PARTIAL-FRACTIONS
Etymology
The term 'partial fractions' originates from the concept of breaking down complex rational expressions into simpler fractions.
Definition
Partial fractions are fractions formed when a complex rational expression is split into two or more simpler fractions. It involves expressing a fraction as a sum of a polynomial (possibly zero) and one or several fractions with simpler denominators.
Historical Context
The concept of partial fractions has been used in algebra for centuries to simplify and solve complex algebraic expressions. It has been a fundamental technique in mathematics education and problem-solving.
Cultural Significance
Partial fractions play a crucial role in various mathematical fields, including calculus, algebra, and engineering. They provide a method to simplify and solve intricate mathematical problems involving fractions with polynomials.
Related Concepts
- Fraction decomposition
- Rational expressions
- Algebraic manipulation
See Also
A method of breaking apart fractions with polynomials in them, expressing a fraction as a sum of a polynomial and one or several fractions with simpler denominators.