Why is there an S attached to D in partial fractions for Laplace transforms?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the setup of partial fractions in the context of Laplace transforms, specifically when dealing with nonhomogeneous differential equations. The original poster is working on the inverse Laplace transform of a specific expression and seeks clarification on the presence of an S term in the numerator of one of the partial fractions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand why a polynomial term involving S appears in the numerator of the partial fraction decomposition for irreducible quadratic factors. Some participants provide explanations regarding the degrees of the polynomials in relation to the factors in the denominator.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the reasoning behind the structure of partial fractions, particularly in relation to repeated linear and irreducible quadratic factors. Some guidance has been offered regarding the degrees of the numerators required for different types of factors, and the original poster expresses improved understanding as a result.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes references to specific forms of denominators and the implications of their structure on the corresponding numerators in partial fraction decomposition. There is an emphasis on understanding the mathematical principles rather than providing direct solutions.

e_brock123
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Homework Statement


Hi I just have a problem in regards to setting up your partial fractions when doing nonhomogeneous differential equations using Laplace transforms.
I’m at the stage of getting the inverse Laplace of: (1-625S^4)/(S^3 (25S^2+1) )


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


So I’m going to simplify that equation by using partial fractions and I get:
A/S+B/S^2 +C/S^3 +(DS+E)/(25S^2+1)
I roughly understand repeated linear factors but however I’m having trouble grasping why there is an S attached to the D. If you could explain to me why this occurred that would be very helpful thanks in advance.
 
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e_brock123 said:

Homework Statement


Hi I just have a problem in regards to setting up your partial fractions when doing nonhomogeneous differential equations using Laplace transforms.
I’m at the stage of getting the inverse Laplace of: (1-625S^4)/(S^3 (25S^2+1) )


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


So I’m going to simplify that equation by using partial fractions and I get:
A/S+B/S^2 +C/S^3 +(DS+E)/(25S^2+1)
I roughly understand repeated linear factors but however I’m having trouble grasping why there is an S attached to the D. If you could explain to me why this occurred that would be very helpful thanks in advance.
Because that's the way it works.

If the denominator happened to be (S - 1)(S - 2), you would decompose the fraction as A/(S - 1) + B/(S - 2). If either or both of the factors in the denominator were repeated, you would just add another term with a constant for each repeated factor, just as you did to get A/S + B/S2 + C/S3. In each case, the polynomial in the numerator is one degree less than the degree of the factor that is repeated. (IOW, the factor that is repeated is S, and it's degree 1, so each numerator will be a polynomial of degree 0 - a constant.)

With irreducible quadratic factors, you want a polynomial of degree one less than the quadratic, so the numerator will be a first-degree polynomial, which will have an S term and a constant. If there are repeated irreducible quadtratic factors, then each one will have a numerator that is first degree.
 
e_brock123 said:

Homework Statement


Hi I just have a problem in regards to setting up your partial fractions when doing nonhomogeneous differential equations using Laplace transforms.
I’m at the stage of getting the inverse Laplace of: (1-625S^4)/(S^3 (25S^2+1) )
That expression can be simplified considerably.

625 is a perfect square, so the numerator can be factored.
 
Oh wow thanks heaps for the help I understand it much better now Mark44.
 

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