Laplace transform of piecewise functions

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the Laplace transform of a piecewise function defined as f(t) = 0 for t = 2 and f(t) = t for t ≠ 2. Participants are exploring the implications of the function's definition at a specific point and how it affects the Laplace transform calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the challenges of evaluating the Laplace transform for a piecewise function, particularly at the point where the function changes. There is a suggestion to evaluate the integral directly rather than using unit step functions. Questions arise about the interpretation of the function's behavior at t = 2.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with some participants providing guidance on evaluating the Laplace transform directly. There is an acknowledgment of differing interpretations regarding the function's definition and its impact on the transform.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the specific nature of the piecewise function and the constraints of the problem, including the requirement to find the Laplace transform despite the function's discontinuity at t = 2.

Xyius
Messages
501
Reaction score
4
I do not have trouble doing these types of problems if the domains are not equalities. However for this type of problem..

[tex]f(t)=[/tex]
[tex]0 , t=2[/tex]
[tex]t , t\neq 2[/tex]

(I do not know how to do piecewise function in latex)

I figured this is on the right track...
[tex]t-tu_{2}(t)+2tu_{3}[/tex]

I have a problem with this however, it needs to be equal to t after 2 and my answer isn't equal to t until 3. Any help would be appreciated. :\
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Did you mean for that function to differ from g(t)=t at only the one point t=2?
 
Yes exactly! :)
 
Don't bother writing it in terms of unit steps and the like. Just plug f(t) into the integral and figure out how to evaluate it using appropriate limits. You'll find the single point doesn't make a difference in the end.
 
I would but the question is asking for the laplace transform of the piecewise function. :\
 
I don't know what you mean by that. What specifically do you think the question is asking you to do?
 
Xyius said:
I would but the question is asking for the laplace transform of the piecewise function. :\

Which is e^(-2s) because the laplace transform of the unit step function with a step at c is e^(-sc).

It works the same way with all step functions, and you can even find an approximate method for the dirac delta function.
 

Similar threads

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