Piece wise function and Laplace Transform

In summary, the conversation discusses finding a piecewise function with a given Laplace Transform and using the unit step function to solve it. The final expression for the function is f(x) = 2 for 0 < x < 2 and f(x) = x + 1 for x ≥ 3.
  • #1
brad sue
281
0
Hi,
I need to find the piece wise function whose the the Laplace Transform is:

2/s+e-3x(1/s2)+4e-3x(1/s)

I found for f as function of the unit step function u:
f(x)=2+x*u(x-3)+u(x-3)

Now I have difficulty to put the function in piece wise form like:

f(x)= 2 for 0<x<2 and f(x)=... for x>3

How can I found the expression of f(x) for x>3??

Thank you
B
 
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  • #2
The definition of the heaviside unit step function is:

[tex] U(t-t_0) = \left[ \begin{array}{c}1\,\,t\geq t_0 \\ 0\,\,t<t_0 \end{array} [/tex]

right?

so:

first factor your function:
[tex] f(x)=2+x*u(x-3)+u(x-3) [/tex]

[tex] f(x) = 2+u(x-3)(x+1) [/tex]
Now plug in the definition of the function:[tex] f(x)=2+(1)(x+1) \,\,\,t \geq 3 [/tex]
[tex] f(x)=2+(0)(x+1) \,\,\,t < 3 [/tex]

does that makes sense?
 
Last edited:

1. What is a piecewise function?

A piecewise function is a mathematical function that is defined by multiple sub-functions, each of which applies to a different interval of the input. This allows for a more flexible and specific representation of a function that may have different behaviors in different parts of its domain.

2. How do you graph a piecewise function?

To graph a piecewise function, you first plot each of the sub-functions on the intervals where they are defined. Then, you determine the behavior of the function at the boundary points between the intervals by evaluating the limit of the function at those points. Finally, you connect the points to create a continuous graph.

3. What is the Laplace transform of a piecewise function?

The Laplace transform of a piecewise function is a powerful mathematical tool that allows us to convert a piecewise function from the time domain to the frequency domain. It involves integrating the function with respect to time and multiplying it by a complex exponential function.

4. How is the Laplace transform useful in solving differential equations?

The Laplace transform is useful in solving differential equations because it can transform a differential equation into an algebraic equation, which is often easier to solve. This allows us to find the solution to a differential equation in the frequency domain, and then use the inverse Laplace transform to obtain the solution in the time domain.

5. What are some applications of piecewise functions and Laplace transform in real life?

Piecewise functions and Laplace transform have many real-life applications. For example, they are used in signal processing, control systems, and circuit analysis. They can also be used to model complex physical systems and phenomena, such as electrical circuits, mechanical systems, and chemical reactions.

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