Laplace Transform: Solving for f(x) and Finding Area Under a Curve

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving for the function f(x) using Laplace transforms in the context of finding the area under a curve defined in the first quadrant of the xy-plane. The problem involves establishing a relationship between the area under the curve and the area of a rectangle formed by specific points.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equation relating the area under the curve to the area of the rectangle, leading to the integral formulation.
  • Another participant suggests differentiating the integral to obtain a differential equation, questioning whether Laplace transforms are necessary.
  • A participant insists on the requirement to use Laplace transforms to solve the problem.
  • Reference is made to standard Laplace transform properties, including the transforms of products and integrals.
  • One participant expresses confusion about the next steps after applying the Laplace transform.
  • A suggestion is made to derive a differential equation from the Laplace transform and solve it.
  • A participant checks the correctness of their derived equation after applying the Laplace transform, seeking validation.
  • Another participant points out the presence of an additional variable (s) in the Laplace transform process that needs to be addressed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of Laplace transforms versus differentiation for solving the problem. There is no consensus on the correct approach or the validity of the derived equations.

Contextual Notes

Unresolved aspects include the handling of the variable s in the Laplace transform and the implications of the derived differential equation. The discussion reflects uncertainty regarding the next steps in the solution process.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in mathematical methods for solving differential equations, particularly those involving Laplace transforms, may find this discussion relevant.

acer400
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
So the question is: A curve rise from the origin of the xy plane into the 1st quadrant. The area under the curve from (0,0) to (x,y) is 1/5 the area of the rectangle with these points as opposite vertices.

So I'm solving for f(x):
So far what i have is:

Area(D)=1/5 xy=integral 0 to x y(t)dt
and then

rewrite as: 1/5xy = integral 0 to x g(x-t)y(t) dt, where g(t)=1

then the next step i get stuck, because when i take the Laplace of both sides i get: 1/5L[xy]=L[y]

Thanks in advance for any help.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
So in LaTeX you have:
[tex] \int_{0}^{x}f(u)du=\frac{xf(x)}{5}[/tex]
You know that you can differentiate to get and ODE don't you? Or do you have to use Laplace transforms?
 
unfortunately i must use Laplace transforms to solve. :(
 
According to tables:
[tex] \mathscr{L}(xf(x))=-\mathscr{L}(f)'(s)[/tex] and
[tex] \mathscr{L}\left(\int_{0}^{x}f(t)dt\right) =\frac{\mathscr{L}(f)}{s}[/tex]
 
thank you, but i still have no idea how to proceed from here.?
 
You obtain a differential equation for the Laplace transform, solve this ODE and then invert the answer.
 
Can you please check if this is correct:

after applying the process of Laplace i get this, -1/5 y'-y=0. and now i just solve this ODE?
 
No, there is an s floating around (s being the laplace transform variable) which comes from taking the laplace transform of the integral.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
7K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
10K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
11K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
10K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
10K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
10K