Using Laplace Transforms to Solve DE

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the differential equation y'' - 4y = e^{-t} using Laplace transforms. The user correctly applies the Laplace transform equations for y, y', and y'' but encounters difficulties in simplifying the resulting expression for Y(s). The user calculates Y(s) as Y(s) = \frac{1}{s(s-4)(s+1)} - \frac{1}{(s-4)} - \frac{4}{4(s+1)} and attempts partial fraction decomposition. However, they express confusion over obtaining the expected solution involving e^(2t) from their calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Laplace transforms, specifically L{y(t)} = Y(s)
  • Knowledge of differential equations, particularly second-order linear DEs
  • Familiarity with partial fraction decomposition techniques
  • Basic calculus, including differentiation and integration of exponential functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the properties of Laplace transforms, focusing on linearity and shifting theorems
  • Study the method of solving second-order linear differential equations using Laplace transforms
  • Practice partial fraction decomposition with various rational functions
  • Explore the inverse Laplace transform to connect Y(s) back to y(t)
USEFUL FOR

Students studying differential equations, mathematicians interested in applied mathematics, and educators teaching Laplace transform techniques for solving DEs.

Ithryndil
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Homework Statement


The problem is this:

[tex]y'' - 4y = e^{-t} , y(0) = 1, y'(0) = 0[/tex]


Homework Equations


L{y(t)} = Y(s)
L{y'(t)} = sY(s) - y(0)
L{y''(t)} = s^2Y(s) - sy(0) - y(0)


The Attempt at a Solution



Ok, so I plugged the Laplace transforms for y'' and y into the equation as well as for e^(-t) and got:

[tex]Y(s) = \frac{1}{s(s-4)(s+1)} - \frac{1}{(s-4)} - \frac{4}{4(s+1)}[/tex]

From that point on I would need to perform a partial fraction decomposition on the first term and last term, the middle term is ok. Doing so I get:

[tex]Y(s) = \frac{-1}{4s} + \frac{-1}{20(s-4)} + \frac{1}{5(s+1)}- \frac{1}{(s-1)} + \frac{1}{s} - \frac{1}{(s-4)}[/tex]

However, the book is getting answers with e^(2t). I am not seeing how anything I have in that last line will yield that, so I assume I am doing something wrong.
 
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Check over the transform of the left side. I believe you are supposed to get

s2Y(s)-sY(0)-Y'(0)-4Y(s)
 
...It's stupid mistakes like the one I made above that are frustrating. Thank you.
 

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