Laplace transform Heaviside step function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the Laplace transform of a piecewise function defined in segments over specific intervals, utilizing the Heaviside step function to express the function appropriately for transformation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore how to rewrite the piecewise function using the Heaviside step function to facilitate the Laplace transform. Questions arise about how to manipulate the function to achieve a suitable form for transformation.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide guidance on rewriting terms involving the Heaviside function, suggesting specific adjustments to achieve a more manageable expression for the Laplace transform. There is a sense of progression as participants refine their expressions, but no explicit consensus on correctness is reached.

Contextual Notes

The problem involves a piecewise function with defined behavior over specific intervals, and participants are working within the constraints of expressing this function for the Laplace transform without providing a complete solution.

Pietair
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Homework Statement


What is the Laplace transform of f(t) = 0 for 0 < t < 2 and f(t) = (4-t) for 2 < t < 3 and f(t) = 1 for 3 < t < 4 and f(t) = (5-t) for 4 < t < 5 and f(t) = 0 for t > 5?

Homework Equations


7410747ec7563eab51f608f2c80a9497.png


The Attempt at a Solution


f(t) = H(t-2)(4-t) - H(t-3)(4-t) + H(t-3) - H(t-4) + H(t-4)(5-t) - H(t-5)(5-t)
f(t) = H(t-2)(4-t) + H(t-3)(2t-7) - H(t-4)(t-4) + H(t-5)(t-5)

How can I rewrite H(t-2)(4-t) + H(t-3)(2t-7) to a form suitable for Laplace transform?
 
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For [itex]H(t-2)(4-t)[/itex], you'd like to see a [itex]t-2[/itex] in the second factor right? So just put one there, and balance it out elsewhere in the expression. Like this:

[itex]H(t-2)(4-(t-2)-2)[/itex]

See how I added and subtracted 2? This simplifies to:

[itex]H(t-2)(2-(t-2))[/itex]

Do the same for [itex]H(t-3)(2t-7)[/itex].
 
Thank you for your reply!

Now I am getting:
[itex] H(t-2)(2-(t-2)) + H(t-3)(2(t-3)-1) - H(t-4)(t-4) + H(t-5)(t-5)[/itex]

And the Laplace transform:
[itex] ((2/s)-(1/s^2))e^(-2s) + ((2/s^2)-(1/s))e^(-3s) + ((-1/s^2)e^(-4s)) + ((1/s^2)e^(-5s))[/itex]

Is this correct?
 
Looks good to me.
 
Thanks a lot!
 

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