Laplace Transform of Step Function

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the differential equation y'' + y = f(t) using the Laplace Transform, where f(t) is defined piecewise. The solution involves applying the Laplace Transform to both sides of the equation, leading to the expression L{y}(s^2 + 1) - 1 = (e^(-pi*s)/s) - (e^(-2pi*s)/s). The user encounters difficulties with partial fraction decomposition of the term 1/(s(s^2 + 1)), initially misapplying the method but later correcting it to include a linear term in the numerator. The final solution is expressed as y = u_pi(t) - u_pi(t)cos(t - pi) - u_2pi(t) + u_2pi(t)cos(t - 2pi) + sin(t).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Laplace Transforms, specifically L{y} and its properties.
  • Familiarity with differential equations, particularly second-order linear equations.
  • Knowledge of piecewise functions and their representation in mathematical expressions.
  • Experience with partial fraction decomposition techniques in algebra.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of the Laplace Transform in detail, including the handling of piecewise functions.
  • Learn advanced techniques for solving second-order differential equations with discontinuous forcing functions.
  • Practice partial fraction decomposition with various types of rational functions.
  • Explore the application of the Heaviside step function in solving differential equations.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, engineering, and physics who are working with differential equations and Laplace Transforms, particularly those dealing with piecewise continuous functions.

ElijahRockers
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Homework Statement



Solve

y'' + y = f(t), y(0)=0, y'(0)=1,

f(t)=
(0 for 0<t<pi)
(1 for pi<t<2pi)
(0 for t>2pi)

The Attempt at a Solution



y'' + y = upi(t)-u2pi(t)

s2L{y} -sy(0) -y'(0) +L{y} = L{upi(t)} -Lu2pi(t)}

L{y}(s2+1) -1 = (e-pi*s/s) -(e-2pi*s/s)

L{y} = (e-pi*s/s(s2+1)) -(e-2pi*s/s(s2+1)) +1/(s2+1)

This is where I get stuck... I'm assuming that I can factor out the e terms separately, then use decomposition of partial fractions to separate 1/s(s2+1), but when I do that I get meaningless values for A and B.

1/s(s2+1) = A/s + B/s2+1

1= A(s2+1) +Bs

1 = As2 +Bs +A

From that I can infer that A = 1, but also that A=0, and B=0.

What am I doing wrong?
 
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The partial fraction expansion should be
$$\frac{1}{s(s^2+1)} = \frac{A}{s} + \frac{Bs+C}{s^2+1}$$ because the second term has a quadratic in the denominator.
 
Ah, thank you, I think I got it.

y = upi(t) -upi(t)cos(t-pi) -u2pi(t) +u2pi(t)cos(t-2pi) +sin(t)
 

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