Laplace Transform of S+4: Explanation & Examples

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the Laplace transform, specifically the expression S+4 and its relation to the function being transformed. Participants are exploring the implications of this expression in the context of a larger problem involving the isolation of Y(s) and the use of partial fractions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the meaning of S+4 in the context of Laplace transforms and its role in the overall solution. There are attempts to clarify how to isolate Y(s) and the necessity of dividing by S+4. Some participants express confusion about the Laplace transform of specific terms and how they relate to Y(s).

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on isolating Y(s) and using partial fractions. There is a recognition of the need to understand the foundational concepts of Laplace transforms, and some participants are seeking clarity on the steps taken by others in the problem-solving process.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a working image that was not created by one of the participants, indicating a reliance on external resources. Additionally, there is uncertainty regarding the Laplace transform of specific terms, which may affect the understanding of the problem.

Ry122
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http://users.on.net/~rohanlal/laplacetrans5.jpg
In the third line, what is S+4 the laplace transform of?
 
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Ry122 said:
In the third line, what is S+4 the laplace transform of?

It doesn't matter. Just isolate Y(s) by dividing both sides by (s+4). Then use partial fractions to compute the inverse Laplace Transform of the RHS.
 
it does matter because this is part of the solution to the problem and i need to understand how its done.
 
No, "the function whose Laplace transform is s+ 4" is not part of the solution, the function whose Laplace transform is 1/(s+ 4) is.

As Gabbagabbahey said, you need to divide both sides by s+ 4 to get
[tex]Y(s)= \frac{17}{(s^2+1)(s+4)}+ \frac{1}{s+4}[/tex]
Partial fractions will give something of the form
[tex]Y(s)= \frac{As}{s^2+1}+ \frac{B}{s^2+1}+ \frac{C}{s+4}[/tex]
and then you can look up the inverse transform of each of those.
 
so is the laplace transform of 4y = 1/s+4? then how does it end up being a factor of y(s)?
 
Ry122 said:
so is the laplace transform of 4y = 1/s+4? then how does it end up being a factor of y(s)?

I'm not exactly sure what you are trying to ask here. If you are asking whether [itex]4Y(s)=\frac{1}{s+4}[/itex], then the answer is no.

You have correctly gotten to this point:

[tex](s+4)Y(s)=\frac{17}{s^2+1}+1[/tex]

However, for this to be useful you need to divide both sides of the equation by [itex]s+4[/itex] in order to isolate [itex]Y(s)[/itex]. The reason why simply taking the inverse Laplace transform of both sides in the current form is useless is because [itex]\mathcal{L}^{-1}[(s+4)Y(s)]\neq(\mathcal{L}^{-1}[(s+4)])\cdot(\mathcal{L}^{-1}[Y(s)])[/itex]

But if you divide by [itex]s+4[/itex] first, you get

[tex]Y(s)=\frac{17}{(s^2+1)(s+4)}+\frac{1}{s+4} \implies y(t)=\mathcal{L}^{-1}[Y(s)]=\mathcal{L}^{-1}[\frac{17}{(s^2+1)(s+4)}+\frac{1}{s+4}][/tex]

which allows you to find [itex]y(t)[/itex].
 
The working i attached wasn't carried out by me. I haven't gotten as far as
[tex] (s+4)Y(s)=\frac{17}{s^2+1}+1[/tex]

someone else did. i want to know how they got there.
im unsure as to how they got y(s)[s+4]
i also don't know what the laplace transform of 4y is.
 
Ry122 said:
The working i attached wasn't carried out by me. I haven't gotten as far as
[tex] (s+4)Y(s)=\frac{17}{s^2+1}+1[/tex]

someone else did. i want to know how they got there.
im unsure as to how they got y(s)[s+4]
i also don't know what the laplace transform of 4y is.

Oh! Now I see what you were asking.:bugeye:

The workings in your attached image should be fairly clear: [itex]\mathcal{L}[4y(t)]=4\mathcal{L}[y(t)]=4Y(s)[/itex] and [itex]\mathcal{L}[y'(t)]=sY(s)-y(0)=sY(s)-1[/itex]. The reasons for this should be in your textbook/notes, and if you are not comfortable with such basic Laplace transforms you need to study your text/notes and perhaps get a tutor.
 

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