Laplace Transform Homework: Solving Equations & Unit Step

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on solving Laplace transform problems involving unit step functions. Participants note that using the derivative of a transform with unit step functions is possible but may complicate the process. It is suggested that expressing functions in terms of indicator functions can clarify the problem, although it does not simplify the integration. The key point is that integrating over these functions from 0 to infinity results in multiple integrals. Understanding the shifting property of the Laplace transform can also aid in simplifying the procedure.
pjop14
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



xfniix.jpg


Homework Equations



8a70463abaee0dc1bbd690ae17fb1276.png


The Attempt at a Solution



I don't know if it is possible to use Derivative of a transform while it is on unit step function procedure.

How can these questions be solved? Thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You just need to do some ugly integrals. What's the problem?

If you want to do it using step functions or indicator functions or whatever your field calls them, write f(t) in terms of them, it doesn't really simplify the problem, just shows a preference in notation. For example,

If f(t)=\begin{cases}<br /> a(t), &amp; t\in[0,a)\\<br /> b(t), &amp; t\in[a,\infty)<br /> \end{cases}

f(t) can also be written in terms of the indicator functions as follows,

f(t)=a(t)\chi_{t\in[0,a)}+b(t)\chi_{t\in[a,\infty)}.

The change of notation in terms of step functions is nothing special, the thing that is really relevant is what happens when you integrate over them from 0 to infinity. What you should get is more than one integral.

I don't know if this was your question, or if you need help doing the integrals.

You can simplify the procedure slightly if you note that the Laplace transformation of exp(at) for any a that's a real number times a hard function you already know the Laplace transform of is just shifted. Maybe that helps more.
 
Last edited:
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K