Laplace Transform Time Shift problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the Laplace transform of the function g(t) = 2*e^{-4t}u(t-1). The correct approach involves applying the time shift property of the Laplace transform, specifically L{f(t-a)U(t-a)} = e^{-as}L{f(t)}. The Laplace transform of e^{-4t} is \frac{1}{s + 4}, and after applying the time shift, the final result is e^{-s}*(\frac{2}{s + 4}) * \frac{1}{e^{4}}. Participants emphasize the importance of correctly identifying the time shift in the exponential function.

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NewtonianAlch
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Homework Statement


Determine the Laplace transform:

g(t) = 2*e^{-4t}u(t-1)

The Attempt at a Solution



Essentially we're told for a time shift we multiply the Laplace transform pair of the function (without the delay) by e^{-as}

So here a = 1 (for the delay)

The Laplace transform for e^{-4t} is \frac{1}{s + 4}

Multiplying we should get e^{-s}(\frac{2}{s + 4})

However the answer is e^{-s}*(\frac{2}{s + 4}) * \frac{1}{e^{4}}
 
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Shifting is tricky.

You have used the formula L{f(t-a)U(t-a)} = e-asL{f(t)}.

You need the formula for L{f(t)U(t-a)}.
 
NewtonianAlch said:

Homework Statement


Determine the Laplace transform:

g(t) = 2*e^{-4t}u(t-1)

The Attempt at a Solution



Essentially we're told for a time shift we multiply the Laplace transform pair of the function (without the delay) by e^{-as}

So here a = 1 (for the delay)

The Laplace transform for e^{-4t} is \frac{1}{s + 4}

Multiplying we should get e^{-s}(\frac{2}{s + 4})

However the answer is e^{-s}*(\frac{2}{s + 4}) * \frac{1}{e^{4}}

It's because you must be in the form
e^{-4(t-a)}u(t-a)
Take a look at your exponential. It isn't time-shifted by a to the right. What you can do is use the fact that exponentials multiplied add their exponents and the fact that e^b/e^b = 1, so you can multiply by it without changing your values. So you choose e^b so that you can add its exponents and arrive to the needed shift. The e^b in the denominator is factored outside of the linear inverse Laplace operator and you go from there.
 

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