Quick laplace transform question

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The discussion revolves around the confusion regarding the Laplace transform of the function 2/((s+4)^2) and its relationship to the expression 2xe^(-4x). Participants clarify that 1/(s-a) corresponds to e^(at), while 2/((s+4)^2) actually represents the Laplace transform of 2xe^(-4x). The importance of correctly interpreting the transform and the role of the variable x in the expression is emphasized. There is also a suggestion to evaluate the Laplace transform directly to understand the derivation better. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for precise language in mathematical expressions.
orangeincup
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Homework Statement


So I know 1/(s-a)=e^(a1), but why is say, 2/((s+4)^2) equal to 2xe^-4x? Do I just simply add an X if the numeration is a constant other than 1?
 
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Why don't you evaluate the Laplace transform of the expression and see what you get?
 
2*e^(-4*x) is what I get, I don't know where the other x came from.

Well I mean I know it's because it's squared, I just don't see how my laplace transform formula is giving me that
 
orangeincup said:
2*e^(-4*x) is what I get, I don't know where the other x came from.

Well I mean I know it's because it's squared, I just don't see how my laplace transform formula is giving me that
Like I said, evaluate the LT of the expression with the x's and report back with what you got.
 
L(2x*e^(-4x)) = 2x* 1/(s-4)
 
Am I suppose to treat it as two different Laplace transforms combined? Not sure how that would work but I know the two individual formulas below
2/((s+4)^2)

1/s^n = t^n-1/(n-1)! = x*2
and
1/(s-a) = e^-4x
 
orangeincup said:
L(2x*e^(-4x)) = 2x* 1/(s-4)
Let's see you do the integration. How come you didn't include the leading x in the integration?

Chet
 
By the way, your original statements, that "1/(s-a)=e^(at)" and that "2/((s+4)^2) is equal to 2xe^-4x" are non-sense. You knew that when you wrote them, didn't you? What you meant was that "1/(s- a)" is the Laplace Transform" of "e^(at)" and that "2/((s+ 4)^2)" is the Laplace Transform of "2xe^(-x)". It is always better to say what you mean!
 

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