What is Laplace transform: Definition and 776 Discussions

In mathematics, the Laplace transform, named after its inventor Pierre-Simon Laplace (), is an integral transform that converts a function of a real variable



t


{\displaystyle t}
(often time) to a function of a complex variable



s


{\displaystyle s}
(complex frequency). The transform has many applications in science and engineering because it is a tool for solving differential equations. In particular, it transforms linear differential equations into algebraic equations and convolution into multiplication.For suitable functions f, the Laplace transform is the integral






L


{
f
}
(
s
)
=



0





f
(
t
)

e


s
t



d
t
.


{\displaystyle {\mathcal {L}}\{f\}(s)=\int _{0}^{\infty }f(t)e^{-st}\,dt.}

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  1. P

    What is the Inverse Laplace Transform of Y(s) = (1/τs+1)(1/s)?

    Homework Statement Take the Inverse Laplace Transform of: Y(s)=\frac{1}{\tau s+1}\cdot \frac{1}{s} 2. The attempt at a solution I know: L^{-1}(\frac{1}{\tau s+1})=\frac{1}{\tau}e^{\frac{-t}{\tau}} and: L^{-1}({\frac{1}{s}})=1 But how to continue?
  2. P

    Laplace transform physical meaning

    When comparing time and frequency domains, it is easy to imagine the meaning of the Fourier transform. In time domain, our function takes time as a parameter, and returns the value (result) of our process. When we make a Fourier transform of the same function, we take it to the frequency...
  3. M

    Laplace transform with time shift

    Homework Statement I need to find the Laplace transform of t*e-t*u(t-tau) 2. Homework Equations and attempt at solution I know the general form of the transform, but my problem is in the time shift of the step function. If both parts of the expression were (t-tau), then I could just...
  4. M

    An understanding of Laplace Transform.

    Currently enrolled in an Electrical Engineering program, i naturally had to come across Laplace Transformation. Maths and specially calculus isn't my favourite :) What I understand is that Laplace Transform is more or less a tool used to simplify matters by defining a time based quantity in...
  5. F

    How Do You Transform and Simplify the Inverse Laplace Function 1/[s(2s^2+2s+1)]?

    Hey everyone. I've got through most of a problem that involves finding an inverse laplace transform, but I am stuck at one part that requires algebraic manipulation. The function is 1/[s(2s2+2s+1)] So far I have modified it too look like .5/[s(s+.5)2 +.52](1/.5) I'm not sure how to...
  6. S

    Laplace Transform vs. Transfer Function

    Hi, I am confused between the difference between the Laplace transform and the Transfer function. I used to think that the Transfer Function was the Laplace transform of the Differential equation representation of a system, but in my readings it seems like that is incorrect - because...
  7. C

    How Do You Derive the Laplace Transform of sin(2t)?

    im new to this forum. i really need help with the steps to solve the Laplace of sin(2t). i can put it in the formula to get the answer but I am having problems getting the steps which is what i need to follow and understand it better. if anyone can please help me with the steps it would be...
  8. K

    Laplace transform of phase-shifted sinusoid

    Homework Statement Find the laplace transform of f(t)=sin(4t+\frac{\pi}{3})u(t). http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/6996/codecogseqna.gif Uploaded with ImageShack.us Homework Equations Definition of laplace transform, and properties...
  9. K

    Solving Laplace Transform Homework: Step-by-Step Guide

    Homework Statement I tried extract an s at the denominator and perform complete the square at denominator.But i feel it would be way too long to solve this problem. Gimme guide on how to tackle this problem Homework Equations...
  10. S

    Laplace Transform - Sigma+jw | Control Theory Explained

    Hi guys..:) I have a doubt regarding laplace transform. can anyone tel me... what is the physical significance of sigma+jw in it...? what interpretations we can make from sigma and jw in control theory...?
  11. R

    What is the Laplace Transform of f(x)=e^{bx}.sin ax?

    What is the Laplace Transform of f(x)=e^{bx}.sin ax?
  12. G

    Laplace transform into partial fractions, then I'm stuck

    Homework Statement It's hard to explain, I can do everything exept get the answer to what I'v pointed out below. I just don't know what order to solve it into get the correct answer, I must have tried every method except the right one! Homework Equations The Attempt at a...
  13. D

    Laplace Transform - what are some applications?

    Hey guys, I have to do a presentation for my class on the laplace transform and need to know some applications. But so far, all I can find is electrical circuit applications, not much else. So if you guys know of any others tell me about them! thanks in advance!
  14. P

    How Challenging Is It to Create a Non-Symbolic MATLAB Laplace Transform Solver?

    Hi all How hard is it to write a symbolic laplace solver ? (I am aware that there are many available out there, but I wanted to write one in MATLAB which doesn't use symbolic toolbox). Where can I start to get a good reference for the code ? Thank you Prabhakar
  15. H

    Laplace Transform of Noncausal systems

    This is some homework from my Analog Signal Processing class, it's a cool class and I've not had much trouble, but this is giving me a bit of a problem and I was hoping someone could help me see what I'm doing... Here's the problem: Sketch, Get the Laplace Transform of, and Sketch the complex...
  16. G

    How to Solve a Differential Equation Using Laplace Transformations?

    Homework Statement Solve df/dx (x)+ f(x)= 3 under the condition f(0)= -2 using the Laplace transformations Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Not even sure where to start on this one. Dont have any examples that point me in the right direction. Any ideas anyone??
  17. M

    Solving Integral Equation with Laplace Transform

    Homework Statement y(x) = e^{3x} + \int_0^{x}\hspace{1mm}y(t)\hspace{1mm}e^{x-t}\hspace{1mm}dt Homework Equations (f*g)(x) = \int_0^{x}\hspace{1mm}y(t)\hspace{1mm}g(x-t)\hspace{1mm}dt L(f*g;s) = L(f;s)L(g;s) I will use Y(s) to denote L(y;s) The Attempt at a Solution I tried...
  18. G

    Where can I find practice problems for mastering Laplace transforms?

    I read through that 800 something page Dover book on differential equations, but I feel like I haven't had enough practice. I need several problems and solutions, but mostly Laplace transform problems. In fact even just Laplace transform problems would be greatly appreciated.
  19. I_am_learning

    What is the significance of Laplace Transform in determining system stability?

    After solving a simple circuit with a inductor L in series with resistor R Driven by Voltage source V0 by using Laplace Transform we get I(s) = \frac{V}{s (R + Ls} Why do we call this the frequency Domain response? What does 's' represents?
  20. M

    Efficient Laplace Transform Solution for Sin Square Root of T

    Laplace Transform of... Few months back my friend called me to help him (and his whole class!) finding the Laplace Transform of \sin \sqrt{t}. Since then I found myself wasting hours and days (even before non-mathematics exams!) trying to solve the problem. I also checked the provided answer...
  21. G

    Laplace Transform of sin(t)/t help

    Homework Statement \mathcal{L}\left[\frac{\sin(t)}{t}\right]=? Homework Equations \mathcal{L}\left[f(t)\right]=\int_0^\infty e^{-zt}f(t)dt The Attempt at a Solution \int_0^\infty e^{-zt}\frac{\sin(t)}{t}dt=\int_0^\infty \frac{e^{-zt}}{t}\left(\frac{e^{it}-e^{-it}}{2i}\right )dt...
  22. R

    Differential equation, Laplace transform

    Homework Statement solve the differential equation by using Laplace transform x^{''}(t)+7x^{'}(t)+10x(t)=sin3t x(0)=0, x^{'}(0)=0 Homework Equations X(s)s^2+X(s)7s+X(s)10=\frac{3}{s^2+9} then i get X(s) = \frac{3}{s^2+9}\cdot\frac{1}{(s+5)(s+2)}...
  23. T

    Multiplication in a LaPlace Transform

    Homework Statement Find the Laplace transform of the given function, a and b are real constants. Hint: cos(bt)=(e^ibt+e^-ibt)/2 and sin(bt)=(e^it-e^ibt)/2i. f(t)=e^(at)*sin(bt) The attempt at a solution The LaPlace transform of e^at is 1/(s-a). The LaPlace transform of sin(bt) is...
  24. T

    Laplace transform of function with independent variables OTHER than time

    Hi all Conventionally we used to seeing the Laplace transform applied to problems that use time as the independent variable, can anybody point me at some examples that do not use time as the independent variable? Thanks Tim
  25. A

    Laplace transform, with integral

    Homework Statement I'm trying to solve a definite Laplace transform. The function is defined as f(t) = sin(t) over the interval [0, \pi] Homework Equations The integrate to evaluate is: \int_0^\pi e^{-st} sin(t) dt The Attempt at a Solution To evaluate, first use integration by...
  26. T

    What is the laplace transform of t(sinh(3t))?

    Homework Statement So I finally had my final today, and I was so worried because I needed a 90% at least to pass the class with an A. :\ So I'm really worried with a few of my answers. One of those (that I can remember) was the laplace transform of: t(sinh(3t). Homework Equations laplace t...
  27. J

    How can I use the Dirac delta function in a Laplace transform?

    Homework Statement 2y'' + y' + 4y = ∂(t-π/6)sin(t); y(0)=0, y'(0)=1/2. Homework Equations Dunno The Attempt at a Solution The left side of the equation is what's tripping me up. There's nothing on my Elementary Laplace Transforms table that has the Dirac delta function...
  28. F

    What is the proof for the Laplace transform of f(t)/t?

    Hello, I am trying to find the laplace transform of \frac{f(t)}{t} http://nptel.iitm.ac.in/courses/Webcourse-contents/IIT-KANPUR/mathematics-2/node92.html Lemma 10.3.9 I don't understand why we are taking the limit as s goes to infinity Can anyone help me? thank you
  29. Char. Limit

    What is the Laplace Transform of the Sinc Function?

    Just out of curiosity, I've been looking into the Laplace transform and noticed that... \mathcal{L}(sin(t))=\frac{1}{s^2+1}=\frac{d}{ds}(tan^{-1}(s)) So, I was wondering if the Laplace transform of the sinc function was the inverse tangent function. In LaTEX...
  30. J

    Laplace Transform to Solve a Diff. Eq. System spent hours on this one =*(

    Homework Statement http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/3381/38442384.jpg The Attempt at a Solution [PLAIN][PLAIN]http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/6295/56987528.jpg Thanks in advance, JJ
  31. C

    Find Laplace Transform of 1+t - No Table Needed

    Find the laplace transform {\cal L} (1 + t) Without using the table. im really having a hard time working these out please help!
  32. I

    What is the Laplace Transform of (t-3)u2(t) - (t-2)u3(t)?

    Compute L[(t-3)u2(t) - (t-2)u3(t)] I come up with using unit step function but I don't know how to solve it
  33. B

    A laplace transform question

    one of the questions my diff eq teacher gave us is L{(t^3)(sin^3(t))} (laplace of t cubed sine cubed t) i'll just cut to the chase and ask, would you be of the opinion that a question like this is in the scope of an intro to ODE class?
  34. R

    Laplace Transform, what am I doing wrong?

    Homework Statement Solve using the Laplace Transforms (can not use partial fractions) f '(t) + \int2f(u) du = 2 + 3f(t) Homework Equations Using Laplace f '(t) gets replaced with sF(s) -f(0) \int2f(u) du gets replaced with \frac{2F(s)}{s} Please correct me if I'm wrong on...
  35. R

    Proof of an inverse Laplace Transform needed please

    Homework Statement \frac{s}{(s-a)(s-b)} Homework Equations Now I know that it results in: [tex]\frac{ae^(at)-be^(bt)}{a-b}[\tex] The Attempt at a Solution OK, I don't have the slightest clue where to begin. Could someone point me in the right direction? I've looked at all...
  36. T

    Why Does L+ {f(−at)} Equal Zero for a Causal Signal?

    Homework Statement Let f(t) denote a causal signal. Show that L+ {f(−at)} = 0 for any a > 0. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I know that the laplace{f(at)} = 1/a*F(s/a) but by simply placing -a whenever determining the Laplace, my signs gets confused within the...
  37. P

    Inverse Laplace Transform Help

    Homework Statement Find the unit impulse response for the operator D^4 + I, using the Laplace transform. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution w^(4) + w = δ(t) s^4W + W = 1 W = 1 / (s^4 +1) Now, I need to find the inverse laplace transform of W. But I don't know how to simplify W...
  38. P

    Engineering Laplace Transform for a circuit

    Homework Statement It's been a while since I've done laplace transforms, but I need some help with one! I am supposed to find the laplace tranform for the following signal. This is for my circuits class btw. xa(t) = 2u(t-1) Homework Equations Laplace tables...
  39. M

    Laplace Transform for Solving a Second-Order ODE with Piecewise Functions

    Homework Statement Using laplace transform, solve: y'' - y = \frac{x^2-3x+2}{|x^2-3x+2|} y(0)=y'(0)=0 Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Just to know if I'm on the right path - Since the quadratic has 2 roots, at 1 and at 2, the entire thing can be equal to...
  40. B

    Combining Laplace Transforms to Obtain Time Domain Behavior

    Homework Statement Not a homework problem exactly, but in an EE textbook I saw something to the following effect: To obtain the time domain behavior for \frac{s}{s^2+\frac{\omega_0}{Q} + {\omega_0}^2} the following Laplace transforms are combined to cancel the term in the numerator...
  41. N

    What is the Laplace Transform of |sint|?

    Homework Statement Need to find the Laplace transform of |sint| (modulus). Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I am really not sure how to proceed here - any help would be much appreciated.
  42. N

    Proving the Vanishing Integral in Inverse Laplace Transform by Residue Method

    Homework Statement I need to find the inverse Laplace transform of s/(s^2+a^2), where a is a constant, by the method of residues. I need to prove the part of the contour not actually relating to the desired integral tends to zero as R---> infinity. Homework Equations The...
  43. D

    Laplace Transform of Bessel Diff Eq

    Hello PF, maybe you can help with this one! I need to show that the Laplace transform of J0(at) is (s^2 + a^2)^-1/2. My prof told me to start with the form: x2y'' + x y' + (x2 + p2)y = 0, where p = 0 ITC. What have I got so far?... Doing the Laplace transform on both sides, where Y...
  44. N

    Calculating the Inverse Laplace Transform of exp(-as)/s

    Homework Statement Calculate the inverse Laplace transform of exp(-as)/s (a is a constant). Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I need to calculate the integral (1/2*pi*i)int(c-i(inf), c+i(inf))(exp(s(t-a))/s). I'm guessing I need to integrate around a circular...
  45. E

    Laplace transform on specific interval

    Homework Statement I need to solve the following ODE using the laplace domain: y' + 4y + 20(integral from 0->t)y(t)dt = 34e^-t on the interval 0<t<4 (y(0) = 0) Homework Equations I can solve the ODE fine, no problems. But I'm a little confused on how to evaluate it strictly on...
  46. B

    Solve Laplace Transform: Find Series Solution

    How can I solve this Laplace transform (or how can I find series solution)? http://www.forkosh.dreamhost.com/mathtex.cgi?M=\int[/URL] _0^{\infty }e^{-\text{kR}}J_1^2(\text{ka})dk[/PLAIN] ;R>2a
  47. J

    Finding the Inverse Laplace Transform of a Rational Function

    Homework Statement ...find the inverse transform of the given function. F(s)= (2s+2)/(s2+4s+5) Homework Equations On another page, I see these 2: f(t)=eatsin(bt)--------->F(s)=b/[(s-a)2+b2) f(t)=eatcos(bt)--------->F(s)=(s-a)/[(s-a)2+b2) The Attempt at a Solution This is my first time...
  48. M

    Finding Solutions to DE using Laplace Transform

    Homework Statement y'' -6y' + 9y = f(t) f(t)= 0, 0<t<1 1, 1<t<3 0, t>3 Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Turning it to heaviside functions I get: y'' -6y' + 9y = u1 - u3 and I solve. in the answers it should be: y(t) = 2tet + u1(1/9 - 1/9e3(t-1)+...
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