Laplace transforms of differential equations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Laplace transforms to a system of differential equations involving two variables, x and y. Participants are exploring how to correctly set up the equations for transformation and solve for the unknowns.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the initial attempt to apply Laplace transforms to a single equation, questioning the omission of the second equation and the implications of that choice. There is a focus on how to correctly incorporate both variables into the transformed equations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the necessity of including both X(s) and Y(s) in the transformations. There is an ongoing exploration of the resulting equations and their simplifications, with some participants expressing uncertainty about their calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the challenge of transforming a system of equations with multiple variables and the potential for confusion in the setup. There is a recognition of the need to correctly account for initial conditions and the relationships between the variables.

TyErd
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Homework Statement


I've attached the problem.

Homework Equations


L(1) = 1 /s
L(t^n) = n!/s^(n+1)

The Attempt at a Solution


because the question only asks for X(s) I only considered the x' + x + 4y=3 equation.
I applied laplace tranforms and got:

s X(s) - x(0) + 1/s^2 + 4/s^2 = 3/s. since x(0) = 0 it gets canceled out so..
s X(s) + 5/s^2 = 3/s
s X(s) = 3/s - 5/s^2

therfore
X(s) = (3/s - 5/s^2) / s

only problem is, i didn't use the other equation which makes me feel I've done it wrong.
 

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[tex]sX(s) - x(0) + \frac{1}{s^2} + \frac{4}{s^2} = \frac{3}{s}[/tex]
how are you getting
[tex]\frac{1}{s^2} + \frac{4}{s^2}[/tex]
?
 
TyErd said:

Homework Statement


I've attached the problem.


Homework Equations


L(1) = 1 /s
L(t^n) = n!/s^(n+1)


The Attempt at a Solution


because the question only asks for X(s) I only considered the x' + x + 4y=3 equation.
I applied laplace tranforms and got:

s X(s) - x(0) + 1/s^2 + 4/s^2 = 3/s. since x(0) = 0 it gets canceled out so..
s X(s) + 5/s^2 = 3/s
s X(s) = 3/s - 5/s^2

therfore
X(s) = (3/s - 5/s^2) / s

only problem is, i didn't use the other equation which makes me feel I've done it wrong.

It's well you should feel you've done it wrong.:frown:

You have two equations in two unknowns, x and y. When you transform, each equation will have an X(s) and Y(s). You left out the Y(s). You will get two equations in the unknowns X(s) and Y(s) which you can solve for X(s).
 
Omg I feel so stupid right now, i can't believe i was trying to laplace transform a x and y variable >.<

so it should be s X(s) - x(0) + X(s) + 4 Y(s) = 3/s and s Y(s) - y(0) + 9 X(s) + Y(s) = 0 simplify and it becomes

s X(s) + X(s) + 4 Y(s) = 3/s and s Y(s)+ 9 X(s) + Y(s) = 0
 
rearrange the second equation and it gets me Y(s) = -9 X(s) / (s+1)

s X(s) + X(s) - 36 X(s) / s+1 = 3/s
X(s) [s+1- 36/(s+1) ] = 3/s
X(s) = 3(s+1) / x(s^2 + 2s - 35)

not sure if calculations are correct.
 

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