Can I obtain the inverse Laplace transform using complex analysis?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around obtaining the inverse Laplace transform of the function \(\frac{e^{-5s}}{s^2-4}\) using complex analysis. Participants are exploring the conditions under which the inverse transform can be applied correctly, particularly focusing on the implications of the Heaviside function in the result.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to compute the inverse Laplace transform using residue calculus but questions the correctness of their result, particularly regarding the inclusion of the Heaviside function. Other participants inquire about the validity of the approach and whether complex analysis can be utilized to derive the correct result.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants examining the assumptions related to the limits of the function as \(t\) approaches certain values. There is an acknowledgment of the need to clarify the conditions under which the inverse transform is valid, particularly for \(t < 5\).

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the standard method for calculating the inverse Laplace transform involves ensuring that \(\lim_{\operatorname{Re}(s) \to -\infty} F(s)e^{st} = 0\), which is not satisfied for \(t < 5\) in this case.

LagrangeEuler
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Homework Statement
1. Find inverse Laplace transform
[tex]\mathcal{L}^{-1}[\frac{e^{-5s}}{s^2-4}][/tex]
Relevant Equations
Inverse Laplace transform can be calculated as sum of residues of ##F(s)e^{st}##.
[tex]\mathcal{L}^{-1}[F(s)]=\sum^n_{k=1}Res[F(s)e^{st},s=\alpha_k][/tex]
\mathcal{L}^{-1}[\frac{e^{-5s}}{s^2-4}]=Res[e^{-5s}\frac{1}{s^2-4}e^{st},s=2]+Res[e^{-5s}\frac{1}{s^2-4}e^{st},s=-2]
From that I am getting
f(t)=\frac{1}{4}e^{2(t-5)}-\frac{1}{4}e^{-2(t-5)}. And this is not correct. Result should be
f(t)=\theta(t-5)(\frac{1}{4}e^{2(t-5)}-\frac{1}{4}e^{-2(t-5)})
where ##\theta## is Heaviside function. Where is the mistake?
 
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LagrangeEuler said:
Homework Statement:: 1. Find inverse Laplace transform
\mathcal{L}^{-1}[\frac{e^{-5s}}{s^2-4}]
Relevant Equations:: Inverse Laplace transform can be calculated as sum of residues of ##F(s)e^{st}##.

This is only valid if \lim_{\operatorname{Re}(s) \to -\infty} F(s)e^{st} = 0. That is not the case for t &lt; 5.
 
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Thank you. Is it a way to show this somehow? Or to use some version of complex analysis to get this?
 
So my mine question, in this case, is can I somehow obtain this result using complex analysis?
 

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