Laplace transform with step function

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The discussion centers on solving the differential equation y' + 2y = f(t) with initial condition y(0) = 0, where f(t) is defined piecewise as t for 0 ≤ t < 1 and 0 for t ≥ 1. Participants clarify the representation of f(t) as a step function, suggesting it can be expressed as t * u(t-1). The Laplace transform approach is discussed, emphasizing the need to split the domain of integration into two intervals: (0,1) and [1, ∞). The integral from 0 to infinity is noted to vanish, simplifying the problem to evaluating the integral from 0 to 1. This method provides a pathway to solve the differential equation using Laplace transforms effectively.
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Homework Statement



y&#039;+2y=f(t), y(0)=0, where f(t)=\left\{t, 0\leq t&lt;0 \;and \; 0, t \geq 0 (I don't know how to do piecewise)

Homework Equations



Equation for initial conditions; step function: u(t-a)

The Attempt at a Solution



I know how to solve a differential equation with initial conditions using Laplace transforms, I just don't know what f(t) looks like as a step function, or how it would behave. would it be t*u(t-1)?
 
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f(t) looks like 0 for all values of t, are you sure your definition of f(t) is correctly copied down?
 
Opps, it's:
t, \; 0 \leq t &lt; 1
0, \; t \geq 1
 
OKay, then when taking the Laplace transform of the RHS, split the domain of integration to (0,1) and [1, infintity], the part where you integrate over 0 to infinity will vanish and you will be left with:
<br /> \int_{0}^{1}te^{-st}dt<br />
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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