How Do You Apply Laplace Transform to an ODE with a Derivative of Time?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around applying the Laplace transform to an ordinary differential equation (ODE) involving derivatives with respect to time. The ODE presented includes terms such as y''(t') and y''(t), along with initial conditions for y and its derivatives.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to clarify how to apply the Laplace transform specifically to the term y''(t') and questioning the implications of treating t' as a derivative of t. There is also discussion about the nature of t' and whether it represents a constant or a transformation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered insights regarding the interpretation of the terms in the ODE and the implications of the notation used. There is a recognition of differing interpretations of t' and its role in the transformation process, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of adhering to homework guidelines and the necessity of showing effort before receiving assistance. There is also mention of potential typographical errors in the original post regarding the notation used for derivatives.

Linder88
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The ordinary differential equation, with initial values,shall be solved using Laplace transform. The ODE looks like this
\begin{equation}
y''(t')+2y''(t)-2y(t)=0
\end{equation}
And the initial conditions are
\begin{equation}
y(0)=y'(0)=0, y''(0)=0
\end{equation}
The problem is with the first term in the ODE, how do I transform taking the derivative of t in consideration? I would be happy for an answer!
 
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Linder88 said:
The ordinary differential equation, with initial values,shall be solved using Laplace transform. The ODE looks like this
\begin{equation}
y''(t')+2y''(t)-2y(t)=0
\end{equation}
And the initial conditions are
\begin{equation}
y(0)=y'(0)=0, y''(0)=0
\end{equation}
The problem is with the first term in the ODE, how do I transform taking the derivative of t in consideration? I would be happy for an answer!

There are standard results linking the L.T.s of y'(t) and y''(t) to the L.T. of y(t). You can (and should) look them up in any table of Laplace Transforms. (PF Rules require that you show some effort before receiving help.)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Ray Vickson said:
There are standard results linking the L.T.s of y'(t) and y''(t) to the L.T. of y(t). You can (and should) look them up in any table of Laplace Transforms. (PF Rules require that you show some effort before receiving help.)
I think you misunderstood the question, the problem is not to make Laplace transforms of y(t), y'(t) and y''(t) but of y''(t'). There's a certain difference because taking the next step in the solution is dependent of this question.
 
Linder88 said:
The ordinary differential equation, with initial values,shall be solved using Laplace transform. The ODE looks like this
\begin{equation}
y''(t')+2y''(t)-2y(t)=0
\end{equation}
And the initial conditions are
\begin{equation}
y(0)=y'(0)=0, y''(0)=0
\end{equation}
The problem is with the first term in the ODE, how do I transform taking the derivative of t in consideration? I would be happy for an answer!
1. The homework template is required. In future posts, please do not delete it.
2. In your diff. equation, the dependent variables are y and y''; the independent variable is t. I would guess that the expression t' means ##\frac {d}{dt}(t) = 1##. This would mean that your DE is y''(1) + 2y''(t) - 2y(t) = 0, or equivalently, y'' - y = -(1/2)y''(1).
The only other thing I can think of is that t' represents some transformation of t.
3. Your begin and end commands used the wrong slash -- it should have been \, not /.
 
Linder88 said:
I think you misunderstood the question, the problem is not to make Laplace transforms of y(t), y'(t) and y''(t) but of y''(t'). There's a certain difference because taking the next step in the solution is dependent of this question.

I thought your question contained a "typo", and that you had intended y'''(t), because I could not believe anybody would write y''(t') if t is the independent variable. Of course if t = f(w) is actually some known(?) function of another variable w---as suggested by Mark---then the question would make sense if t' means f'(w). On the other hand, if t' really does mean dt/dt = 1, then y''(t') is just some constant (i.e., does not vary with t), so its L.T. is just the L.T. of a constant.
 
Mark44 said:
1. The homework template is required. In future posts, please do not delete it.
2. In your diff. equation, the dependent variables are y and y''; the independent variable is t. I would guess that the expression t' means ##\frac {d}{dt}(t) = 1##. This would mean that your DE is y''(1) + 2y''(t) - 2y(t) = 0, or equivalently, y'' - y = -(1/2)y''(1).
The only other thing I can think of is that t' represents some transformation of t.
3. Your begin and end commands used the wrong slash -- it should have been \, not /.
Thank you so much for your answer, it all makes sense! All three points :)
 

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