Laplace transform of the dirac delta function

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Laplace transform of the expression L[t² - t²δ(t-1)]. The correct solution is confirmed as L[t² - t²δ(t-1)] = 2/s³ - e^(-s), as provided by the teacher. The participant initially derived a more complex answer, indicating confusion with the Dirac delta function's properties. The key takeaway is the application of the rule f(t)δ(t-t₀) = f(t₀)δ(t-t₀) to simplify calculations involving the Dirac delta function.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Laplace transforms, specifically L[t²] and L[δ(t)]
  • Familiarity with the properties of the Dirac delta function
  • Knowledge of differentiation with respect to the Laplace variable 's'
  • Experience with symbolic computation tools like Wolfram Alpha
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of the Dirac delta function in the context of Laplace transforms
  • Learn about the differentiation property of Laplace transforms, L[tⁿf(t)]
  • Explore examples of Laplace transforms involving piecewise functions and discontinuities
  • Practice solving Laplace transform problems using symbolic computation tools
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in engineering and mathematics, particularly those studying differential equations and Laplace transforms, will benefit from this discussion.

november1992
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Homework Statement



L[t^{2} - t^{2}δ(t-1)]

Homework Equations



L[ t^{n}f(t)] = (-1^{n}) \frac{d^{n}}{ds^{n}} L[f(t)]

L[δ-t] = e^-ts

The Attempt at a Solution



My teacher wrote \frac{2}{s^{3}} -e^{s} as the answer.

I got \frac{2}{s^{3}} + \frac{e^-s}{s} + 2 \frac{e^-s}{s^2} + \frac{2e^-s}{s^3}
 
Last edited:
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You should show us how you derived your answer. That way we can best help you see where you went wrong. Right now we have to guess.

My guess is that you tried to use the identity under "Relevant equations" on the Dirac delta term, which likely made your problem more complicated than it needed to be.

Are you aware of the rule ##f(t)\delta(t-t_0) = f(t_0)\delta(t-t_0)##? This will simplify your calculation.
 
I don't see that formula in my textbook.

When I plug in the numbers I get: \frac{2}{s^3} + \frac{e^-s}{s}

This is what I did to get my first answer.
L[t^2 - t^2 δ(t-1))]


\frac{2}{s^3} + \frac{d}{ds} (\frac{d}{ds} (\frac{e^(-s)}{s})




\frac{2}{s^3} +\frac{d}{ds} (\frac{e^-s * s + e^-s}{s^2} + \frac{e^-s*s^2 + 2s*e^-s}{s^2})

\frac{2}{s^{3}} + \frac{e^-s}{s} + 2 \frac{e^-s}{s^2} + \frac{2e^-s}{s^3}


Okay I just checked the answer on wolframalpha and what my teacher had was the correct answer. Why is it that L[t^n*d(t-a)] = e^-as

Edit:
Nevermind, I've found my mistake.
 
Last edited:

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