Laplace equations w/ discont. forcing functions

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves solving a second-order linear differential equation with a discontinuous forcing function represented by the unit step function. The equation is given as y'' + 3y' + 2y = u_2(t), with initial conditions y(0)=0 and y'(0)=1. The discussion revolves around the application of the Laplace transform to find the solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to solve the differential equation using the Laplace transform and expresses concern about discrepancies between their results and those in the textbook. They detail their steps and calculations, including partial fraction decomposition.

Discussion Status

Some participants have pointed out potential algebra mistakes in the original poster's work, specifically regarding the manipulation of terms during the Laplace transform process. There is an ongoing exploration of these errors, but no consensus has been reached on the final solution.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the challenges of working with discontinuous forcing functions and the importance of careful algebraic manipulation in the context of Laplace transforms. The original poster's attempts reflect a common struggle with these concepts in differential equations.

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Homework Statement


[tex]y'' + 3y' + 2y = u_2(t); y(0)=0, y'(0)=1[/tex]

Homework Equations


[tex]L\{u_c(t)h(t-c)\}=e^{-cs}H(s)[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I've actually tried two laplace equation with discontinuous forcing function problems. I get answers somewhat close to the back of the book, but still off. Maybe I'm making a dumb algebra mistake? Could someone check my work over?

[tex] \begin{aligned}<br /> & L\{f(t)\}(s^2+3s+2)-1=\frac{e^{-2s}}{s}\\<br /> & L\{f(t)\}=\frac{1+e^{-2s}}{(s)(s^2+3s+2)}<br /> \end{aligned}[/tex]

[tex] \begin{aligned}<br /> f(t) & =L^{-1}\{\frac{1}{(s)(s^2+3s+2)}\} + L^{-1}\{\frac{e^{-2s}}{(s)(s^2+3s+2)}\} \\<br /> f(t) & =L^{-1}\{\frac{1}{(s)(s^2+3s+2)}\} + u_2(t)h(t-2)<br /> \end{aligned}[/tex]

Where [tex]H(s) = \{\frac{1}{(s)(s^2+3s+2)}\}[/tex]

Partial fraction decomposition:
[tex] L^{-1}\{\frac{1}{(s)(s^2+3s+2)}\} = L^{-1}\{\frac{1/2}{s}\} - L^{-1}\{\frac{1}{s+1}\} + L^{-1}\{\frac{1/2}{s+2}\}[/tex]

[tex] \Rightarrow f(t) = \frac{1}{2} - e^{-t} + \frac{e^{-2t}}{2} + u^2(t)h(t-2)[/tex]

Where [tex]h(t)= \frac{1}{2} - e^{-t} + \frac{e^{-2t}}{2}[/tex]

My book gives the answer as:

[tex]f(t)=e^{-t}-e^{-2t}+u_2(t)h(t-2)[/tex] where

[tex]h(t)= \frac{1}{2} - e^{-t} + \frac{e^{-2t}}{2}[/tex]

Any ideas where I messed up? :(
 
Last edited:
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Sorry about editing the post so many times, I'm still figuring out MathJax.
 
You made an algebra mistake when you moved the 1 from the LHS to the RHS. The numerator should end up as s+e-2s.
 
vela said:
You made an algebra mistake when you moved the 1 from the LHS to the RHS. The numerator should end up as s+e-2s.

Thank you! I make the dumbest mistakes.
 

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