Having difficulty finding the inverse laplace transform

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on finding the inverse Laplace transform of the function f(s) = (5se^{-3s} - e^{-3s})/(s^2 - 4s + 17). The user struggles with rewriting the denominator and factoring it, expressing frustration over the complex roots. Suggestions include completing the square for the denominator and recognizing that the resulting transform will involve t-shifted, exponentially damped sine and cosine functions. The importance of understanding the shift in the t-domain due to the exponential factor is emphasized. Completing the square is recommended as a more effective approach than attempting to factor the polynomial.
Theelectricchild
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Having difficulty finding the inverse laplace transform!

Hello everyone, I am really stuck on finding the inverse Laplace transform for this:

f(s)=\frac{5se^{-3s} - e^{-3s}}{s^{2}-4s+17}

Heres my reasoning: I feel that I should rewrite the denominator in some kind of form such as (s-2)^2 + 13, and note the similarity with some of the problems I've been doing before, however its that 13 that is bothering me! Its not something you can take the squareroot of--- and also in addtion, I tried factoring out e^-3s on top and splitting this into two equations, but its this denominator that I absolutely despise.

Any help with finding the right method would be greatly appreciated thank you!
 
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I've forgotten just about every transform formula I knew (and I'm not in the mood rederiving them), but you may write 13=(\sqrt{13})^{2}

if that helps..
 
hmm i still am having difficulty---
 
Well, what about rewriting:
e^{-3s}=e^{-6}e^{-3(s-2)}

Then you would get one expression on the form:
k\frac{e^{-3w}}{w^{2}+a^{2}},k=-e^{-6},w=s-2,a=\sqrt{13}

Is this a familiar transform in w?
 
The exponentials are due to shifts in the t-domain:

L{f(t-T)}=e-sTF(s).

Just find the inverse transform of the rational functions of s, and then let the t-domain functions be delayed by the appropriate amount, given by the coefficient in the exponents of the exp functions.
 
interesting let me see if i can get anywhere with that...
 
Uh oh, you see, I cannot split the denominator into two linear factors like the book seems to be doing with most of the problems---- and because I cant, i don't know how to proceed like the examples do... I am sorry if I am a bit slow but we just started Laplace and this is a challenge problem id like to know to prepare.
 
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Well I cannot solve it but thanks for your help anyway...
 
Theelectricchild said:
Uh oh, you see, I cannot split the denominator into two linear factors like the book seems to be doing with most of the problems---- and because I cant, i don't know how to proceed like the examples do... I am sorry if I am a bit slow but we just started Laplace and this is a challenge problem id like to know to prepare.

You could factor the denominator into 2 linear factors, but the roots of that polynomial are complex. It would be better instead to complete the square in the denominator. The solution will be t-shifted, exponentially damped sines and cosines.
 
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