1. **State the problem:** We need to decompose a given rational function into partial fractions. However, the specific function to decompose was not provided. 2. **General formula and rules:** For a rational function $\frac{P(x)}{Q(x)}$ where the degree of $P(x)$ is less than the degree of $Q(x)$, and $Q(x)$ factors into linear or irreducible quadratic factors, the partial fraction decomposition takes the form: - For linear factors $(x - a)^k$, terms are $\frac{A_1}{x - a} + \frac{A_2}{(x - a)^2} + \cdots + \frac{A_k}{(x - a)^k}$ - For irreducible quadratic factors $(ax^2 + bx + c)^m$, terms are $\frac{B_1x + C_1}{ax^2 + bx + c} + \cdots + \frac{B_mx + C_m}{(ax^2 + bx + c)^m}$ 3. **Next steps:** Please provide the specific rational function you want to decompose into partial fractions so I can demonstrate the process step-by-step.