Laplace Transforms: Math's Elegant Solutions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around Laplace transforms, their definitions, and comparisons with other integral transforms in mathematics. Participants explore various types of transforms, their applications, and related concepts in the context of differential equations and functional analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses enthusiasm for Laplace transforms, noting their elegance and asking about other transforms of a similar form.
  • Another participant clarifies that the expression given is a definition rather than a theorem and mentions other transforms like the Radon and Mellin transforms.
  • Some participants introduce the Fourier and Hankel transforms as examples of other transforms, with links provided for further reading.
  • A participant suggests looking into the Z transform, which is analogous to the Laplace transform but applies to series.
  • The Riemann-Liouville transform is mentioned as a favorite by one participant, highlighting its connection to fractional derivatives and integrals.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of a composition rule for these transforms, indicating that many cases need to be calculated.
  • One participant questions the utility of the Fourier transform in solving linear systems.
  • Several participants share links to resources for further exploration of the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the existence of various transforms related to Laplace transforms, but there is no consensus on the specifics of their definitions or applications. The discussion includes multiple competing views and remains unresolved on certain points, particularly regarding the utility and characteristics of different transforms.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the definitions and applications of the transforms discussed, and there are references to unresolved mathematical steps related to the composition of functions in the context of these transforms.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and enthusiasts of mathematics, particularly those interested in differential equations, integral transforms, and functional analysis.

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Recently in my DiffEq class, we learned how to use, and come up with, Laplace transforms. After doing my homework, I realized that Laplace Transforms are my new favorite concept in math(just beating out double/triple integrals and their applications)! The transforms just look so elegant on a white board!

The theorem we were taught said this: ##L##{##F(t)##}##=∫^∞_0e^{-st}F(t)dt##. My professor mentioned that there are more transforms out there, but we only had time for this one. Are the other transforms out there of this same form? Where can I find more information on them?
 
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It's not a theorem, it's its definition.

As for others, yes, there are plenty and as much as there are applications of it.

Radon transform, Mellin transform, etc...

In Functional Analysis we look on a kernel $$K(x,y)$$ and look on the next operator:

$$Kf(x) := \int f(y)K(x,y)dy$$

Obviously we can do this for a function f that has as many variables we wish, and then we look for possible convergence conditions of the integral, and other features as the theory of these kernels has progressed.
 
Here's a list to get you started :smile: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_transforms

The "integral transforms" have similar forms to the Laplace transform. The most similar is the Fourier transform.

You might also look at the Z transform, which is analogous to the Laplace transform but for a series instead of a continuous function.
 
Fourier Transform and Fourier Series, which is a whole family of transforms.
In particular, the Laplace Transform is the same as the Fourier Transform, except for a factor ##i##.
The z-transform is also a (discrete) variant of these same transforms.
 
Thank you all for your input, and I'm sorry I've not gotten a chance to reply. (Finals >.<)

Can't wait to finish up with finals so I can spare some time to look into those that you all have mentioned!
 
How to solve D.E by Laplace transform ??
 
ammarmechanica said:
How to solve D.E by Laplace transform ??

It's not cool to hijack an older thread at PF. Set up your own thread to ask a new question.

You can find out how to solve D.E.s using Laplace transforms by searching the net. You can google 'Laplace transform' to get you started.
 
  • #10
The biggest problem with these transforms is that not exist the rule of composition of function (chain rule, in derivative; integration for substituion, in integration). Thus, you need to calculate a mountain of possible cases.
 
  • #11
I like Serena said:
Fourier Transform and Fourier Series, which is a whole family of transforms.
In particular, the Laplace Transform is the same as the Fourier Transform, except for a factor ##i##.
The z-transform is also a (discrete) variant of these same transforms.

Fourier Transform is useful for solve linear system too?
 

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