Laplace Transform of Product of Two Functions

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The discussion focuses on finding the Laplace Transform of the function u(t-∏/2)et, where u is the unit step function. The initial attempt correctly identifies the transforms of the unit step and exponential functions but overlooks an additional e∏/2 term in the final answer. A key clarification is that the Laplace transform of a product is not simply the product of the individual transforms. Instead, it is suggested to directly evaluate the integral for t greater than π/2, where the unit step function is active. The participant ultimately resolves the confusion regarding the extra term and the proper approach to the problem.
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Homework Statement



Laplace Transform of u(t-∏/2)et

(u is unit step function)

Homework Equations



Laplace Transform Table (any)

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried using the Laplace transform for the unit step function and the exponential function.

L{u(t-∏/2)} = e-(∏s)/2

L{et} = 1/(s-1)

L{u(t-∏/2)et} = (e-(∏s)/2)(1/(s-1))

When I check my answer this is all correct except I'm missing an e∏/2 term. (The correct answer is (e-(∏s)/2)(1/(s-1))(e∏/2). Does anyone know where this extra term comes from?
 
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trust said:

Homework Statement



Laplace Transform of u(t-∏/2)et

(u is unit step function)

Homework Equations



Laplace Transform Table (any)

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried using the Laplace transform for the unit step function and the exponential function.

L{u(t-∏/2)} = e-(∏s)/2

L{et} = 1/(s-1)

L{u(t-∏/2)et} = (e-(∏s)/2)(1/(s-1))

When I check my answer this is all correct except I'm missing an e∏/2 term. (The correct answer is (e-(∏s)/2)(1/(s-1))(e∏/2). Does anyone know where this extra term comes from?

I assume you have the formula<br /> \mathcal L(f(t-a)u(t-a) = e^{-as}\mathcal Lf(t)Write your function as<br /> e^{(t-\frac \pi 2)}e^{\frac \pi 2}and use that.
 
trust said:

Homework Statement



Laplace Transform of u(t-∏/2)et

(u is unit step function)

Homework Equations



Laplace Transform Table (any)

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried using the Laplace transform for the unit step function and the exponential function.

L{u(t-∏/2)} = e-(∏s)/2

L{et} = 1/(s-1)

L{u(t-∏/2)et} = (e-(∏s)/2)(1/(s-1))

When I check my answer this is all correct except I'm missing an e∏/2 term. (The correct answer is (e-(∏s)/2)(1/(s-1))(e∏/2). Does anyone know where this extra term comes from?

The Laplace transform of a product is NOT the product of the transforms. Why don't you just do the problem directly: u(t - π/2) is 0 for t < π/2 and 1 if t > π/2, so you just have a simple integral of an exponential.

RGV
 
Thanks, I got it now. I was thinking that the transform of the product was the product of the transforms.
 
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?

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