Help Me Solve Missing Step in Characteristic Equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a missing algebraic step in deriving the characteristic equation from a control system transfer function. Participants explore the manipulation of the equation involving G(s) and H(s) to clarify the transition to the characteristic equation.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the algebraic step leading to the equation (s^2+6s+20)(s+8) + 30k = 0.
  • Another participant suggests that the confusion can be resolved by multiplying both sides of the equation by (s^2+6s+20)(s+8).
  • A third participant confirms the context of control theory and agrees with the multiplication approach to clarify the step.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the method of multiplying both sides to resolve the confusion, but the original poster still expresses uncertainty about the algebraic manipulation.

Contextual Notes

There may be missing assumptions regarding the understanding of algebraic manipulation in the context of control theory, and the discussion does not resolve the original poster's confusion about the specific algebraic step.

Maxwell
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I'm not sure why I can't see what step is occurring here, but I could use some help:

[tex]G(s) = \frac {30}/{(s^2 + 6s +20)}[/tex]

[tex]H(s) = \frac {k} /{s+8}[/tex]

Characterisic equation: [tex]1+ G(s)H(s)[/tex]

So,

[tex]1 + \frac ({30k} /{(s^2+6s+20)(s+8))} = 0[/tex]

Then, the step I'm not sure about:

[tex](s^2+6s+20)(s+8) + 30k = 0[/tex]

How do I get to that step? For some reason I can't see the simple algebra that is used.
 
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Maxwell said:
I'm not sure why I can't see what step is occurring here, but I could use some help:

[tex]G(s) = \frac {30}{s^2 + 6s +20}[/tex]

[tex]H(s) = \frac {k} {s+8}[/tex]

Characterisic equation: [tex]1+ G(s)H(s)[/tex]

So,

[tex]1 + \frac{30k} {(s^2+6s+20)(s+8)} = 0[/tex]

Then, the step I'm not sure about:

[tex](s^2+6s+20)(s+8) + 30k = 0[/tex]

How do I get to that step? For some reason I can't see the simple algebra that is used.
Is this what you meant to write?

It looks like they just multiplied both sides by [tex](s^2+6s+20)(s+8)[/tex]
 
Doing a little controls theory are we? :biggrin: Yep, just mutliply both sides by that.
 
Yup, control theory. I don't know why I couldn't see that step, I think it's time to take a break. :smile:

Thanks guys.
 

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