Partial Fractions: (3x + 11)/(x² − x − 6)

(3x + 11)/(x² − x − 6) decomposes into -1/(x + 2) + 4/(x - 3). A worked distinct linear factors example with the factorisation, the coefficient system, and an editable calculator.

(3x + 11)/(x² − x − 6) = -1/(x + 2) + 4/(x - 3). A standard exam warm-up: factor to (x − 3)(x + 2), then cover up to find each constant.

Numerator N(x)

e.g. 3x+11

Denominator D(x)

Expanded or factored, e.g. (x-2)(x+3) or x^2+x-6

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The decomposition

(3x + 11)/(x² − x − 6) = -1/(x + 2) + 4/(x - 3)

Denominator factors: (x + 2) × (x - 3)

This is a distinct linear factors problem. A standard exam warm-up: factor to (x − 3)(x + 2), then cover up to find each constant.

More distinct linear factors examples

1/(x² − 1) The difference of squares factors into (x − 1)(x + 1), giving two simple fractions.

All worked examples

1/(x(x + 1)(x + 2)) (5x − 4)/(2x² + x − 1) 1/(x + 1)² x²/(x − 1)³ 8/(x³ + 2x² + x) (x² + 1)/(x³ + x) 1/(x³ − 1) (2x + 3)/((x + 1)(x² + 4)) (x³ + 1)/(x² + 4)² 1/(x⁴ − 1) x³/(x² − 1) (x² + 2x)/((x + 1)(x − 2))

Frequently asked questions

How does (3x + 11)/(x² − x − 6) decompose? ▾

(3x + 11)/(x² − x − 6) = -1/(x + 2) + 4/(x - 3). A standard exam warm-up: factor to (x − 3)(x + 2), then cover up to find each constant.

How was the denominator factored? ▾

It factors as (x + 2) × (x - 3), which sets the shape of the decomposition.

How do I check the answer? ▾

Add the resulting fractions back over a common denominator — you should recover the original expression. Substituting a convenient value of x into both sides is a quicker spot check.

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