Solving Laplace Transform of sin[3t] ( h[t - pi/2] - h[t] )

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the Laplace transform of the function sin[3t] ( h[t - pi/2] - h[t] ), with a focus on the implications of the limited interval from 0 to pi/2. Participants explore the definition of the Laplace transform and how to apply it under these constraints.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the function is only valid for 0 <= t <= pi/2 and questions how to apply the Laplace transform definition in this context.
  • Another participant confirms that "h" refers to the Heaviside function and provides a proposed answer to the Laplace transform, but expresses uncertainty about a specific term in the solution.
  • There is a discussion about the correct representation of the Heaviside function and its implications for the Laplace transform.
  • Participants debate the necessity of integrating from 0 to infinity versus the specific limits of 0 to pi/2 for this problem.
  • One participant suggests using the time-shifting property of the Laplace transform to handle the integration limits appropriately.
  • Another participant questions the validity of manipulating the step function in relation to time scaling and its effect on the transform.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the application of the Laplace transform with non-standard limits. There is no consensus on the best approach to take, and multiple competing views remain on how to handle the integration limits and the properties of the Heaviside function.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need to consider the specific limits of integration and the properties of the functions involved, but do not resolve the mathematical steps or assumptions necessary for a complete solution.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students learning about Laplace transforms, particularly those grappling with the application of transforms to functions defined over limited intervals and the properties of the Heaviside function.

splitendz
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Hi. I'm trying to find the Laplace transform of:

sin[3t] ( h[t - pi/2] - h[t] )

I realize that this function is only valid for 0 <= t <= pi/2.

Since the limit is not from zero to infinity (0 to pi/2 instead) how can I use the laplace tranform definition to solve this?

Also, does anyone know how to insert mathematical symbols in your post?

Thanks :)
 
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Yes,use the LaTex code.Type the code using [ tex ] [ /tex ] (without the spacings) and the compiler will do the rest.

That "h" is Heaviside's distribution,right...?

Daniel.
 
Yes, the h is the heaviside function. The correct answer to the problem is -1/(s^2 + 9) * (3 + se^( (pi * s) / 2 ). I can get -3/(s^2 + 9) but not sure how they get (3 + se^( (pi * s) / 2 ) for the next term.

Do you know where I can get a list of LaTex commands?
 
Are you trying to compute

\mathcal{L}\left\{ \sin (3t) [u_{t - \pi}(t) - u_0(t)] \right\}?
 
The question that I'm asking is:

\mathcal{L}\left\{ \sin (3t) [ h(t - \pi/2) - h(t) ] \right\}

Heaviside function definition is:

h(t - a)=\left\{\begin{array}{cc}0,&amp;\mbox{ if }<br /> t&lt; a\\1, &amp; \mbox{ if } t\geq a\end{array}\right.

I hope this makes it clearer to understand...
 
Isn't that \mathcal{L}\left(-\sin 3t\right) with t\in\left[0,\frac{\pi}{2}\left)...?

Daniel.
 
Yes, it is but it's the next step that confuses me.

Laplace transform is defined as

\int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-st} f(t) dt


Since we have a different limit how do we transform the function \mathcal{L}\left(-\sin 3t\right) for t\in\left[0,\frac{\pi}{2}\left)? I've only been learning laplace for 2 days so I'm a bit vauge, sorry if I'm asking a boring question :)
 
I don't see any problem

f(t)=\left\{\begin{array}{c}0 \ \mbox{if} \ t&lt;0\\ -\sin 3t \ \mbox{if} \ t\in\left[0,\frac{\pi}{2}\right) \\ 0 \ \mbox{if} \ t&gt;\frac{\pi}{2} \end{array}\right

Daniel.
 
  • #10
I understand that part. It's the actual integral that I need to evaluate that I'm not sure about.

-\int_{0}^{\pi / 2} e^{-st} \sin 3t dt Can i just do that or must the integration limits be between zero and inifinity to transform the function?
 
  • #11
The branch function is defined on R and splitting the integral on R into 3 integrals on each interval,you'll run into that integral.


Daniel.
 
  • #12
splitendz said:
Laplace transform is defined as

\int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-st}f(t)dt

If you really want to integrate from 0 to inf, I think you could rewrite

\sin(3t)u(t-\frac{\pi}{2})=-\cos(3(t-\frac{\pi}{2})u(t-\frac{\pi}{2})

Then use the time shifting property which says that

\mathcal{L}(f(t-t_0))=e^{-st_0}\mathcal{L}(f(t))

Now you just have to transform sin(3t) and cos(3t).

You could probably also use the differentiation property and time scaling so you would only have to actually transform sin(t).
 
  • #13
I'm afraid it doesn't work,unless that "3" was missing from the argument of cosine.

Daniel.
 
  • #14
Oops, my mistake.

Why is that though? It doesn't seem like messing with the time scaling of the step function should matter provided they both turn on at the same time. Isn't u(5t) the same as u(t). Actually, does u(5t) even make any sense?
 
  • #15
Yes,i guess you're right.The function should be the same,as i depicted in post #9.

Daniel.

P.S.Just wondering,what's your brother's name...?
 
  • #16
Thanks for your help :]
 
  • #17
dextercioby said:
P.S.Just wondering,what's your brother's name...?
When pronounced incorrectly, his name is similar to that of a certain throat lozenge.
 

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