Laplace transform,partial fraction problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the differential equation y'' - 2y' - 2y = 0 with initial conditions y(0) = 2 and y'(0) = 0 using the Laplace transform method. The user encounters difficulty in decomposing the expression \(\mathcal{Y}(s) = \frac{2s+4}{s^2-2s-2}\). Key insights include completing the square in the denominator to obtain \((s-1)^2 - 3\) and rewriting the numerator as \(2(s-1) + 6\). The conversation also touches on the relevance of Laplace transforms in solving differential equations, particularly for electrical engineering applications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential equations, specifically second-order linear equations.
  • Familiarity with Laplace transforms and their properties.
  • Knowledge of algebraic techniques, particularly completing the square.
  • Basic concepts in electrical engineering, especially the application of Laplace transforms.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the process of completing the square in quadratic expressions.
  • Learn more about Laplace transforms and their applications in solving differential equations.
  • Explore the characteristic equation method for solving linear differential equations.
  • Investigate the relevance of Laplace transforms in electrical engineering contexts.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying differential equations, particularly those in engineering fields, as well as educators and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Laplace transforms and their applications in solving linear differential equations.

ttsky
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This is more of a pre calc question but it dose however come from diff eqs, just in case I have made fundamental mistakes, i have posted it here. I have been studying this topic for few days by myself, never had any problems with algebra until here.

really appreciate all of your help.

Homework Statement


problem comes from here.
y''-2y'-2y=0 with initial conditions y(0) = 2 , y'(0) = 0

I am stuck trying to decompose this line
\mathcal Y(s) = (2s+4)/(s^2-2s-2)

Homework Equations


Laplace Transforms Tables

The Attempt at a Solution


y''-2y'-2y=0

s^2\mathcal Y(s) - 2s - 2s\mathcal Y(s) -4 -2\mathcal Y(s) = 0
(s^2-2s-2)\mathcal Y(s) -2s-4=0
\mathcal Y(s) = (2s+4)/(s^2-2s-2)
and stuck here.. I can't figure out how to decompose last line.
 
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ttsky said:
This is more of a pre calc question but it dose however come from diff eqs, just in case I have made fundamental mistakes, i have posted it here. I have been studying this topic for few days by myself, never had any problems with algebra until here.

really appreciate all of your help.

Homework Statement


problem comes from here.
y''-2y'-2y=0 with initial conditions y(0) = 2 , y'(0) = 0

I am stuck trying to decompose this line
\mathcal Y(s) = (2s+4)/(s^2-2s-2)

Homework Equations


Laplace Transforms Tables

The Attempt at a Solution


y''-2y'-2y=0

s^2\mathcal Y(s) - 2s - 2s\mathcal Y(s) -4 -2\mathcal Y(s) = 0
(s^2-2s-2)\mathcal Y(s) -2s-4=0
\mathcal Y(s) = (2s+4)/(s^2-2s-2)
and stuck here.. I can't figure out how to decompose last line.

Complete the square in the denominator: ##(s-1)^2-3##. Then write the numerator as ##2(s-1)+6##. Does that help?
 
Are you required to use "Laplace Transform"? I have never quite understood why "Laplace Transform" methods are even taught for differential equations! Just writing out the characteristice equation for the given differential equation, r^2- 2r+ 2= r^2- 2r+ 1+ 1= 0 gives r= 1\pm i as characteristic solution and so y(t)= e^{t}(C_1cos(t)+ C_2 sin(t)) as general solution to the differential equation.
 
HallsofIvy said:
Are you required to use "Laplace Transform"? I have never quite understood why "Laplace Transform" methods are even taught for differential equations! Just writing out the characteristice equation for the given differential equation, r^2- 2r \color{red} {\bf +} 2

That's ##r^2 -2r -2##, which changes the answer a bit. While I somewhat agree with your sentiments, the transforms are certainly handy for non-homogeneous terms which are piecewise defined, not to mention the usefulness of the transform space in EE applications.
 
LCKurtz said:
Complete the square in the denominator: ##(s-1)^2-3##. Then write the numerator as ##2(s-1)+6##. Does that help?

I don't see how this came about. can you elaborate?
 
HallsofIvy said:
Are you required to use "Laplace Transform"? I have never quite understood why "Laplace Transform" methods are even taught for differential equations! Just writing out the characteristice equation for the given differential equation, r^2- 2r+ 2= r^2- 2r+ 1+ 1= 0 gives r= 1\pm i as characteristic solution and so y(t)= e^{t}(C_1cos(t)+ C_2 sin(t)) as general solution to the differential equation.
we spent last semester doing just that, I am only studying ahead so I have yet to find out why myself. i have heard it is important for EE students, which is what I am.
 
ttsky said:
I don't see how this came about. can you elaborate?

Are you asking how to complete the square in a quadratic? If so, look in any algebra book or look here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Completing_the_square

For the second one, just expand it out to see it's the same.
 
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LCKurtz said:
Are you asking how to complete the square in a quadratic? If so, look in any algebra book or look here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Completing_the_square

For the second one, just expand it out to see it's the same.

thank you for that, this topic opened a can of loop holes in my algebra! really appreciate your help. understand it now!
 

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