Question

Which factorization is used before applying partial fractions to \[\frac{1}{x^2-a^2}\]?

Options

• \[(x-a)(x+a)\]

• \[(x+a)^2\]

• \[(x-a)^2\]

• \[x^2+a^2\]

Answer 1

Partial fractions is used for the standard rational function \[\frac{1}{x^2-a^2}\]. The denominator is split into the linear components \[(x-a)(x+a)\].