Existence of Laplace Transform of Piecewise Functions

In summary, the function f(t) = t if 0<t<3 and et if t>3 is not piecewise continuous. It is not clear if it is of exponential order α or if the Laplace transform exists. More information is needed to determine this.
  • #1
taxidriverhk
11
0

Homework Statement


Let f(t) = t if 0<t<3
et if t>3

a. Is f(t) piece-wise continuous?
b. Is f(t) of exponential order α? Either prove it by producing an M, T and α that satisfies the definition, or show that no such constants exist.
c. Does the Laplace transform of f(t) exist? Briefly explain your answer.

Homework Equations


None

The Attempt at a Solution


I know it is not piecewise continuous already.
But can this point prove that the Laplace transform of this function does not exist?
Or do I still have to prove if it is of exponential order α? But I don't know how to find the M, α and T

Hope anyone can help me, thank you so much.
 
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  • #2
taxidriverhk said:

Homework Statement


Let f(t) = t if 0<t<3
et if t>3

a. Is f(t) piece-wise continuous?
b. Is f(t) of exponential order α? Either prove it by producing an M, T and α that satisfies the definition, or show that no such constants exist.
c. Does the Laplace transform of f(t) exist? Briefly explain your answer.

I know it is not piecewise continuous already.

You do?
 
  • #3
LCKurtz said:
You do?

Sure, the limits of et and t as t approaches 3 are not equal, so f(t) should not be piece-wise continuous, isn't that right?
 
  • #4
taxidriverhk said:
Sure, the limits of et and t as t approaches 3 are not equal, so f(t) should not be piece-wise continuous, isn't that right?

No, that isn't right. That would make the functions continuous. What is the definition of piecewise continuous given in your text?
 

Related to Existence of Laplace Transform of Piecewise Functions

1. What is the Laplace Transform of a piecewise function?

The Laplace Transform of a piecewise function is a mathematical tool used to convert a piecewise function from the time domain to the Laplace domain. It is represented by the integral of the function multiplied by the exponential function e^-st, where s is a complex variable.

2. How do you determine if the Laplace Transform of a piecewise function exists?

The Laplace Transform of a piecewise function exists if the function satisfies certain conditions, such as being piecewise continuous and having a finite number of discontinuities. These conditions ensure that the integral used to calculate the transform is well-defined.

3. Can the Laplace Transform of a piecewise function be calculated using a table of Laplace Transforms?

Yes, if the piecewise function is made up of simple functions that have known Laplace Transforms, then the transform can be calculated using a table of Laplace Transforms. However, if the function is more complex, the transform may need to be evaluated using integration techniques.

4. Is the Laplace Transform of a piecewise function unique?

No, the Laplace Transform of a piecewise function is not unique. This means that different piecewise functions can have the same Laplace Transform. However, the inverse Laplace Transform of a function is unique, meaning that given the Laplace Transform, we can determine the original function.

5. What are the applications of the Laplace Transform of piecewise functions?

The Laplace Transform of piecewise functions has many applications in engineering, physics, and other fields. It is used to solve differential equations, analyze control systems, and study the behavior of signals and systems. It is also used in the design and analysis of electronic circuits and in the study of fluid dynamics.

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