Laplace transform of a function squared, help with this system

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around using the Laplace transform to analyze a system of differential equations involving two functions, x(t) and y(t). The original poster presents a set of equations that appear to be miswritten, leading to confusion about the correct interpretation and approach to solving the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore various attempts to apply the Laplace transform to the given equations, with some expressing uncertainty about the structure of the system. Questions arise regarding the interpretation of the equations and the proper application of Laplace transforms to derive relationships between the transformed variables.

Discussion Status

The conversation reflects a lack of clarity regarding the original equations, with some participants suggesting that there may be a typographical error in the problem statement. Guidance is offered to focus on taking the Laplace transforms of the equations, but participants remain uncertain about how to proceed from there.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication of potential confusion due to the way the system of equations is presented, which may affect the participants' ability to apply the Laplace transform correctly. The initial conditions for the functions x(t) and y(t) are also provided, but their relevance to the discussion is not fully explored.

Locoism
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Homework Statement



Use Laplace transform to the system:

\frac{dy}{dt} + 6y = \frac{dx}{dt}3x - \frac{dx}{dt} = 2\frac{dy}{dt}

x(0) = 2 ; y(0) = 3

The Attempt at a Solution



I've tried everything on this one. I first solved \frac{dy}{dt} + 6y = 2\frac{dy}{dt} and I got y = 3e^{6t}.

Next I tried writing it:

36e^{6t} = 3 \frac{d}{dt}(\frac{x^2}{2}) - \frac{dx}{dt} so that I could use the identity of the laplace transform of derivatives. That still leaves me with trying to find the transform of x2(t)...

So then I tried

36e^{6t} dt = 3x - 1 dx

and integrating, but this brings me to the same problem.

I can't either figure out how to solve it without using laplace transform, so I'm really stuck. What am I doing wrong?
 
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Locoism said:

Homework Statement



Use Laplace transform to the system:

\frac{dy}{dt} + 6y = \frac{dx}{dt}3x - \frac{dx}{dt} = 2\frac{dy}{dt}

x(0) = 2 ; y(0) = 3

The Attempt at a Solution



I've tried everything on this one.

Everything except what you were asked to do. Start by taking the Laplace transforms of the original equations to get equations involving ##X(s)## and ##Y(s)##.
 
Ok, I'm still not sure how that changes anything...

(s+6)Y(s) - 3 = 3L(\frac{dx}{dt}x) - sX(s) +2 = 2sY(s) -6

I could solve for that middle transform, but replacing it into another equation will just give me 0=0...

What now?
 
You have the "system" as$$
\frac{dy}{dt} + 6y = \frac{dx}{dt}3x - \frac{dx}{dt} = 2\frac{dy}{dt}$$
I apparently don't know what "system" you are thinking of because that isn't how you normally write one.

I read that to mean this pair of equations:$$
\frac{dy}{dt} + 6y = \frac{dx}{dt}$$ $$
3x - \frac{dx}{dt} = 2\frac{dy}{dt}$$
 
Ok well that would be much easier to solve. I guess I'll assume there's a typo in the question because I was asking myself the same thing.
Glad to know I'm not insane after all.
 

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