Laplace transform of piecewise functions

In summary, the conversation is discussing a problem involving finding the Laplace transform of a piecewise function, which can be simplified by using the rules for step functions. The main concern is that the function should be equal to t after 2, but the current answer is only equal to t after 3. The conversation suggests using appropriate limits to solve the problem and mentions that the Laplace transform of a unit step function with a step at c is e^(-sc).
  • #1
Xyius
508
4
I do not have trouble doing these types of problems if the domains are not equalities. However for this type of problem..

[tex]f(t)=[/tex]
[tex]0 , t=2[/tex]
[tex]t , t\neq 2[/tex]

(I do not know how to do piecewise function in latex)

I figured this is on the right track...
[tex]t-tu_{2}(t)+2tu_{3}[/tex]

I have a problem with this however, it needs to be equal to t after 2 and my answer isn't equal to t until 3. Any help would be appreciated. :\
 
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  • #2
Did you mean for that function to differ from g(t)=t at only the one point t=2?
 
  • #3
Yes exactly! :)
 
  • #4
Don't bother writing it in terms of unit steps and the like. Just plug f(t) into the integral and figure out how to evaluate it using appropriate limits. You'll find the single point doesn't make a difference in the end.
 
  • #5
I would but the question is asking for the laplace transform of the piecewise function. :\
 
  • #6
I don't know what you mean by that. What specifically do you think the question is asking you to do?
 
  • #7
Xyius said:
I would but the question is asking for the laplace transform of the piecewise function. :\

Which is e^(-2s) because the laplace transform of the unit step function with a step at c is e^(-sc).

It works the same way with all step functions, and you can even find an approximate method for the dirac delta function.
 

What is a Laplace transform of a piecewise function?

The Laplace transform of a piecewise function is a mathematical tool used to convert a piecewise continuous function in the time domain to a function in the complex frequency domain. It is often used in engineering and physics applications to analyze systems and their behaviors.

How is a piecewise function defined?

A piecewise function is a function that is defined by different rules or equations on different intervals. It is often used to describe a function that has different behaviors or characteristics on different parts of its domain.

What are the benefits of using a Laplace transform for piecewise functions?

The Laplace transform allows for the simplification of complex piecewise functions, making them easier to analyze and solve. It also provides a way to easily transform a function from the time domain to the frequency domain, which can be useful in understanding the behavior of systems.

Can a Laplace transform be applied to any piecewise function?

Yes, the Laplace transform can be applied to any piecewise continuous function, as long as the function is defined for all values of time and has a finite number of discontinuities.

How is a Laplace transform of a piecewise function calculated?

The Laplace transform of a piecewise function is calculated by taking the Laplace transform of each piece of the function and then combining them using the properties of the Laplace transform. The resulting function will be a continuous function in the complex frequency domain.

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