Transforming a Second Order Differential Equation Using Laplace Transforms

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving the second-order differential equation y'' + y = t using Laplace transforms, specifically for the interval 0 ≤ t < 1 and t ≥ 1. The key equations utilized include L{y''} + L{y} = L{f(t)} and the derived expression Y(s) = (1 - e^-s + s^2) / (s^2(s^2 + 1)). The solution process involves splitting Y(s) into simpler components and applying the inverse Laplace transform, particularly using the Heaviside function and partial fraction decomposition for accurate transformation.

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jaejoon89
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Homework Statement



Solve by Laplace transforms the following
y'' + y = t when 0</=t<1, and = 1 if t>/=1

Homework Equations



L{y''} + L{y} = L{f(t)}

The Attempt at a Solution



By Laplace transforms I get
L{f(t)} = (1 - e^-s) / s^2
and
Y(s) = (1-e^-2 + s^2) / s^2 (s^2 +1)

But I cannot simplify Y(s) in order to get y = L^-1{Y(s)}!
 
Last edited:
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Hi Jaejoon,

You didn't tell us what the initial conditions are, but from your work I'll assume they were that y(0)=0 and y'(0)=1.

To find the inverse Laplace transform of [tex]Y(s) = \frac{1-e^{-s} + s^2}{s^2(s^2 +1)}[/tex], first split it up to

[tex]\frac{1}{s^2} - \frac{e^{-s}}{s^2(s^2 +1)}[/tex].

To transform the second term, use the formula [tex]e^{-cs}F(s) \mapsto u(t-c)f(t-c)[/tex], where u is the Heaviside function and f is the inverse Laplace of F. Note that you will need to split F(s) into partial fractions to transform using tables.
 
Thanks.
 
Last edited:

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