Inverse Laplace transforms with quadratic factors

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Homework Help Overview

This discussion revolves around the application of inverse Laplace transforms, specifically focusing on a function with quadratic factors in the denominator. The original poster presents a problem involving the inverse Laplace transform of a rational function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to solve the problem by expanding the function using partial fractions and inverting some components. They express uncertainty about completing the inversion for one of the fractions. Other participants question the method for inverting a specific term and suggest using properties of Laplace transforms.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, exploring different approaches to invert the remaining fraction. Some guidance has been provided regarding the use of known inverse Laplace transform formulas, and there is a sense of progress as participants build on each other's suggestions.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a time constraint due to an upcoming test, which may influence the urgency of finding a solution. There is also a discussion about the form of the denominator and its implications for the inversion process.

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Homework Statement



This is a practice problem for a test on Laplace transforms

Find L^-1[ (9s^3+17s^2+66s+45) / (s^2+9)(s+2)^2 ]

(L^-1 = inverse laplace transform)

Homework Equations



From Laplace transform tables:

L^-1[ 1 / s-α ] = e^αt

L^-1[ s / s^2+ω^2 ] = cos(ωt)

L^-1[ ω / (s-α)^2+ω^2 ] = (e^αt)sin(ωt)

L^-1[ s-α / (s-α)^2+ω^2 ] = (e^αt)cos(ωt)

The Attempt at a Solution



First I expanded the function using partial fractions and found that it is equivalent to:

6/(s+2) - 7/(s+2)^2 + 3s/(s^2+9)

From the first equation above, the first fraction can be inverted to give

6e^-2t

From the second equation, the third fraction can be inverted to give

3cos(3t)

Usually at this point I would invert the second fraction using the two remaining equations above. This involves completing the square for the denominator. However, in this case the denominator is already in completed square form and ω is equal to zero.
I might be missing something blindingly obvious but I haven't got a clue how to solve this problem and I have a test in a few days so any help would be greatly appreciated
 
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Can you invert ##-\frac 7 {s^2}##? Then use if ##\mathcal L^{-1}F(s) = f(t)## then ##\mathcal L^{-1}F(s+a) = e^{-at}f(t)##.
 
Aha! This definitely looks like it should work... but how do I go about inverting -7 / s^2 ?
 
Ah, obviously we use L-1[ n! / s^n+1 ] = t^n... so f(t) is -7t which mean F(s-a) = -7te^-2t.

Thanks for the tip in the right direction :)
 

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