How Do You Compute the Inverse Laplace Transform of a Power Series?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around computing the inverse Laplace transform of a power series, specifically focusing on the series expansion of the function \( e^{-1/s} \) and its relation to the Cauchy integral formula. Participants are exploring the implications of their calculations and the use of factorials in their expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the series expansion of \( e^x \) and applies it to \( S^{-1/2} e^{-1/S} \), expressing uncertainty about the correctness of the \( S^{-1/2} \) term and the instruction to take the inverse transform term by term.
  • Another participant reiterates the same series expansion and expresses confusion regarding the application of the Cauchy integral formula, indicating a lack of coverage in lectures.
  • A participant introduces the expansion of \( F(s) \) and provides a formula for the inverse Laplace transform of \( \frac{1}{s^{n + 1/2}} \), suggesting a connection to the series expansion presented earlier.
  • Concerns are raised about the double factorial notation, with participants seeking clarification on its meaning and implications in their calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty and confusion regarding the application of the inverse Laplace transform and the use of double factorials. There is no consensus on the correctness of the approaches or the interpretations of the formulas presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention that certain topics, such as the Cauchy integral formula, have not been covered in lectures, which may limit their understanding of the problem. The discussion includes unresolved mathematical steps and assumptions regarding the series expansion.

nacho-man
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Please refer to the attachment.

For part a)
so far I have:
$e^x = 1 + \frac{x}{1!} + ...+ \frac{x^n}{n!}$
So
$S^\frac{-1}{2}e^\frac{-1}{S} = S^\frac{-1}{2}(1 -\frac{1}{S} + \frac{1}{2!S^2} - \frac{1}{3!S^3} + \frac{1}{4!S^4} + ... - ...)$

I don't think my $S^\frac{-1}{2}$ on the outside is correct though.
I don't know why it says 'take the inverse transform term by term', since this is a never ending series.

Little lost for part 2. They haven't covered it in lectures yet, I briefly recall this being related to the cauchy integral formula... or something similar we did earlier.

Any help is appreciated,

Thanks!
 

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nacho said:
Please refer to the attachment.

For part a)
so far I have:
$e^x = 1 + \frac{x}{1!} + ...+ \frac{x^n}{n!}$
So
$S^\frac{-1}{2}e^\frac{-1}{S} = S^\frac{-1}{2}(1 -\frac{1}{S} + \frac{1}{2!S^2} - \frac{1}{3!S^3} + \frac{1}{4!S^4} + ... - ...)$

I don't think my $S^\frac{-1}{2}$ on the outside is correct though.
I don't know why it says 'take the inverse transform term by term', since this is a never ending series.

Little lost for part 2. They haven't covered it in lectures yet, I briefly recall this being related to the cauchy integral formula... or something similar we did earlier.

Any help is appreciated,

Thanks!

The expansion of F(s) is...

$\displaystyle \frac{e^{- \frac{1}{s}}}{\sqrt{s}} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^{n}}{s^{n + \frac{1}{2}}\ n!}\ (1)$

... and because is...

$\displaystyle \mathcal{L}^{-1} \{\frac{1}{s^{n + \frac{1}{2}}}\} = \frac{t^{n - \frac{1}{2}}}{\Gamma(n + \frac{1}{2})} = \frac{(2\ t)^{n}}{\sqrt{\pi\ t}\ (2\ n - 1)!}\ (2)$

... is also...

$\displaystyle \mathcal{L}^{-1} \{\frac{e^{- \frac{1}{s}}}{\sqrt{s}}\} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{\pi\ t}}\ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^{n}\ (2\ t)^{n}}{n!\ (2 n - 1)!} = \frac{\cos 2\ \sqrt{t}}{\sqrt{\pi\ t}}\ (3)$

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
Ok, what's with the double factorial? I have never seen that before and this worries me
 
nacho said:
Ok, what's with the double factorial? I have never seen that before and this worries me

$\displaystyle (2 n-1) \cdot (2 n-3) \cdot ... \cdot 3 \cdot 1 = (2 n-1)!$

$\displaystyle 2 n \cdot (2 n - 2) \cdot ...\cdot 2 = (2\ n)!$

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 

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