Initial Value Problem using Laplace Transform help?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving an initial value problem using Laplace transforms, specifically the differential equation y'' - 4y' + 3y = 0 with initial conditions y(0)=2 and y'(0)=8. Participants are exploring the application of Laplace transforms and the implications of avoiding partial fractions in their solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the process of applying the Laplace transform to the given differential equation and substituting initial conditions. There is uncertainty regarding how to proceed without using partial fractions, and some participants question the correctness of their expressions for Y(s).

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the use of the shift theorem and inverse transforms, while others express confusion about the correct formulation of Y(s) and the final solution. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationship between the transforms and the implications of the instructor's restrictions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the instructor's emphasis on avoiding partial fractions, suggesting a focus on understanding the properties of Laplace transforms. There is also mention of notation consistency, indicating a concern for clarity in mathematical communication.

Aristotle
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Homework Statement


Use laplace transforms to find following initial value problem -- there is no credit for partial fractions. (i assume my teach is against using it..)

y'' - 4y' + 3y = 0 ; y(0)=2 y'(0) = 8

Homework Equations


table.JPG

Lf'' = ((s^2)*F) - s*f(0) - f'(0)
Lf' = sF - f(0)
Lf = F(s)

The Attempt at a Solution


My first attempt is of course realizing that the above equation is expressed in terms of 't'. So I must take the laplace transform on both sides.L(y'') - 4 L(y') + 3L(y) = L(0)

[((s^2)*F) - s*f(0) - f'(0)] - 4 [ sF - f(0) ] + 3 [F(s)] = 0 (substituted with the above equations)

(s^2)*F - 2s - 8 - 4s*F(s) + 8 + 3*F(s) = 0 (plugged in the initial values)

Y(s)*[s^2 - 4s + 3] - 8 = 0

Y(s) = 8 / [s^2 - 4s + 3]

Knowing that s^2 + as + b = (s + a/2 ) ^ 2 + b - ((a^2)/4)
I get: (s-2)^2 - 1 for the denominator.

Y(s) = 8 / [(s-2)^2 - 1 ]At this final step...I am not sure how I will be able to transform to Y(t) again if I am not allowed to use "Partial Fractions"? Any assistance would be truly appreciated. Thanks!
The solution for this problem is :
y = 2(e^2t)*cosht + 4(e^2t)*sinht
 
Last edited:
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Aristotle said:

Homework Statement


Use laplace transforms to find following initial value problem -- there is no credit for partial fractions. (i assume my teach is against using it..)

y'' - 4y' + 3y = 0 ; y(0)=2 y'(0) = 8

Homework Equations


View attachment 91182
Lf'' = ((s^2)*F) - s*f(0) - f'(0)
Lf' = sF - f(0)
Lf = F(s)

The Attempt at a Solution


My first attempt is of course realizing that the above equation is expressed in terms of 't'. So I must take the laplace transform on both sides.L(y'') - 4 L(y') + 3L(y) = L(0)

[((s^2)*F) - s*f(0) - f'(0)] - 4 [ sF - f(0) ] + 3 [F(s)] = 0 (substituted with the above equations)

(s^2)*F - 2s - 8 - 4s*F(s) + 8 + 3*F(s) = 0 (plugged in the initial values)

Y(s)*[s^2 - 4s + 3] - 8 = 0

Y(s) = 8 / [s^2 - 4s + 3]

Knowing that s^2 + as + b = (s + a/2 ) ^ 2 + b - ((a^2)/4)
I get: (s-2)^2 - 1 for the denominator.

Y(s) = 8 / [(s-2)^2 - 1 ]At this final step...I am not sure how I will be able to transform to Y(t) again if I am not allowed to use "Partial Fractions"? Any assistance would be truly appreciated. Thanks!
The solution for this problem is :
y = 2(e^2t)*cosht + 4(e^2t)*sinht

I would immediately take off marks because you do not stick with one single notation--either y or F or f, but not y as well as both F and f and in the same problem and standing for the same quantity.

Anyway, you can get the inverse transform of 1/(s^2 - 1) from your table; and you ought to know the relationship between the inverse transforms of G(s) and G(s-2). You really do not need partial fractions, and the instructor is right in forcing you to avoid them---it makes you learn to use some important properties of LTs that will be useful to you later in life.
 
Ray Vickson said:
I would immediately take off marks because you do not stick with one single notation--either y or F or f, but not y as well as both F and f and in the same problem and standing for the same quantity.

Anyway, you can get the inverse transform of 1/(s^2 - 1) from your table; and you ought to know the relationship between the inverse transforms of G(s) and G(s-2). You really do not need partial fractions, and the instructor is right in forcing you to avoid them---it makes you learn to use some important properties of LTs that will be useful to you later in life.
Using the shift theorem from Y(s) = 8 / [(s-2)^2 - 1] , I get Y(t) = 8 * L^(-1){1 / (s^2 - 1)}... 8*sinht*e^t.

I still don't know how my teacher got y = 2(e^2t)*cosht + 4(e^2t)*sinht
 
Aristotle said:
Using the shift theorem from Y(s) = 8 / [(s-2)^2 - 1] , I get Y(t) = 8 * L^(-1){1 / (s^2 - 1)}... 8*sinht*e^t.

I still don't know how my teacher got y = 2(e^2t)*cosht + 4(e^2t)*sinht

Well, for one thing, you have an incorrect ##Y(s)##: the denominator is OK but the numerator is wrong.
 
Ray Vickson said:
Well, for one thing, you have an incorrect ##Y(s)##: the denominator is OK but the numerator is wrong.

My mistake.
Never mind, I solved it. Thank you!
 

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