Proving Time Invariance: How to Analyze and Confirm Time Invariance in a System

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the analysis of the system defined by y(t) = d/dt[e^(-t)x(t)] to determine if it is time invariant (TI). The original poster argues that the system is not TI, providing a proof that shows the output does not equal the time-shifted input output. They further test the system with a specific input, x(t) = t, and find that the results confirm their initial conclusion of non-time invariance. The poster expresses confusion over the assumption that the system is TI and seeks clarification or alternative proofs from the community. The conversation highlights the complexities of proving time invariance in systems involving differentiation.
WolfOfTheSteps
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Homework Statement



Show that

y(t) = \frac{d}{dt}\left[e^{-t}x(t)\right]

is time invariant.

2. Relevant Information

I don't think this is TI! I'm told it is TI, but I think I proved that it is not TI! My proof is below. Am I wrong or is the question wrong in assuming that the system is TI?

The Attempt at a Solution



Let y_1 be the output when x(t+t_0) is the input, then:

y_1(t) = \frac{d}{dt}\left[e^{-t}x(t+t_0)\right]

but

y(t+t_0) = \frac{d}{dt}\left[e^{-(t+t_0)}x(t+t_0)\right] = e^{-t_0}\frac{d}{dt}\left[e^{-t}x(t+t_0)\right]

Therefore y_1(t) \neq y(t+t_0) and the system is not time invariant.

\Box

Also, just to make sure I wasn't missing some subtlety because of the differentiation I tried to prove this another way.

Since x(t) is arbitrary, I assumed x(t)=t, so that:

y(t)=\frac{d}{dt}[te^{-t}] = e^{-t}-te^{-t}

Now I time shift the system by 2:

y(t+2) = e^{-(t+2)}-(t+2)e^{-(t+2)}=e^{-2}\left[e^{-t}-(t+2)e^{-t}\right]

Now I let y_1(t) be the output when the input is x(t+2)=t+2:

y_1(t) = \frac{d}{dt}[(t+2)e^{-t}] = e^{-t}-(t+2)e^{-t}

Clearly, then, y(t+2)\neq y_1(t) and the system is not TI for x(t)=t, and hence cannot be TI for arbitrary x(t).

\Box

So, if it is TI, what am I doing wrong? And how would I prove that it is TI?
 
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Anyone know of a forum where this type of question is likely to get answered? I'm still desperate to get an answer to this. This is like basic systems... someone's got to know.

Can I move this to the EE forum?
 

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