Step Function (heaviside) laplace xform

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on finding the Laplace transform of the piecewise function f(t) defined as f(t) = 0 for t < 2 and f(t) = (t-2)^2 for t ≥ 2. The correct formulation of f(t) is f(t) = (t-2)^2 * u(t-2), where u(t-2) is the Heaviside step function. To compute the Laplace transform, the integral from 2 to infinity of (t-2)^2 * e^(-st) dt must be evaluated, which can be accomplished using integration by parts twice. Additionally, the translation property of the Laplace transform can be applied, stating that L{f(t-a)u(t-a)} = exp(-as)F(s).

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  • Understanding of Laplace transforms and their properties
  • Familiarity with the Heaviside step function (u(t))
  • Knowledge of integration techniques, specifically integration by parts
  • Basic concepts of piecewise functions
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  • Study the properties of the Laplace transform, focusing on the translation property
  • Practice integration by parts with various functions
  • Explore examples of piecewise functions and their Laplace transforms
  • Learn about the Heaviside step function and its applications in Laplace transforms
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Students and professionals in engineering, mathematics, and physics who are working with Laplace transforms, especially those dealing with piecewise functions and step functions.

chota
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Hi, I currently have this problem to solve and I can't seem to figure it out

it goes like this


Find the Laplace transform of the given function:

f(t) = { 0 t<2, (t-2)^2 t>=2

I tried working it out and this is where i get stuck

f(t) = (t-2)^2 * u(t-2)

I am not sure if I got the write function for f(t), but if I did, I am not sure how to go on with solving this.
Any help is appreciated, Thank YOu
Chota
 
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Did you consider integrating it directly?
The laplace transform of function f(t) is defined as
\int_0^\infty e^{-st}f(t)dt[/itex]<br /> and here<br /> \int_0^\infty e^{-st}(t-2)^2 u(t-2)dt= \int_2^\infty (t-2)^2e^{-st}dt<br /> <br /> and that can be integrated using integration by parts, twice.
 
chota said:
Hi, I currently have this problem to solve and I can't seem to figure it out

it goes like this


Find the Laplace transform of the given function:

f(t) = { 0 t<2, (t-2)^2 t>=2

I tried working it out and this is where i get stuck

f(t) = (t-2)^2 * u(t-2)

I am not sure if I got the write function for f(t), but if I did, I am not sure how to go on with solving this.
Any help is appreciated, Thank YOu
Chota

You need to make use of a translation property of the Laplace transform. It states that:
if F(s) is the Laplacetransform of f(t) then L{f(t-a)u(t-a)}=exp(-as)F(s)

Can you apply this to your problem?
 

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