Chapter 7: Problem 18
Fill in the blanks or answer true/false. \(\mathscr{^}{-1}\left\\{\frac{e^{-4}}{s^{2}}\right\\}=\)_____
Short Answer
Expert verified
The inverse Laplace transform is \( (t-4)u(t-4) \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Problem Type
This problem involves finding the inverse Laplace transform of a given expression. The expression provided is \( \frac{e^{-4}}{s^2} \).
02
Review Necessary Formulas
The Laplace transform that we are concerned with is for constant \( a \) and \( n \), which is given by the general formula \( \mathscr{L}^{-1}\left\{\frac{1}{s^n}\right\} = \frac{t^{n-1}}{(n-1)!} \). For expressions like \( e^{-as}\mathscr{L}(f(t))\), the inverse Laplace transform involves a time-shifting property resulting in \( f(t-a)u(t-a) \) where \( u \) is the Heaviside step function.
03
Substitute and Simplify
In our problem, \( a = 4 \) and we need to find \( \mathscr{L}^{-1}\left\{\frac{1}{s^2}\right\} \). We substitute \( n = 2 \) into the formula: \( \frac{t^{2-1}}{(2-1)!} \), which simplifies to \( t \). Thus, the inverse Laplace transform of \( \frac{1}{s^2} \) is \( t \).
04
Apply the Time-Shift Property
Now, apply the time shift property due to \( e^{-4s} \). This yields \( (t-4) \) when the time shift \( a = 4 \), placed in the Heaviside unit step function, giving the final solution as \((t-4)u(t-4)\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Laplace Transform
The Laplace Transform is a powerful mathematical tool used to convert functions of a real variable, often in the time domain, into functions of a complex variable, usually in the frequency domain. This is exceptionally useful in solving differential equations and analyzing linear time-invariant systems. The transform is defined as: \[ \mathscr{L}\{ f(t) \} = F(s) = \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-st} f(t) \, dt \]
- Purpose: It simplifies complex differential equations into algebraic equations, making them easier to manipulate and solve.
- Frequency Domain: By moving a problem into the frequency domain, it becomes easier to solve, especially for engineers and scientists dealing with systems' behavior over time.
Time-Shifting Property
The Time-Shifting Property of the Laplace Transform allows us to manipulate functions by shifting them in time. This property is particularly noticeable when you deal with expressions that include a term like \( e^{-as} \). It suggests a delay or advancement of a signal in the time domain. Mathematically, the property is expressed as: \[ \mathscr{L}^{-1}\{ e^{-as}F(s) \} = f(t-a)u(t-a) \] In our problem, with \( e^{-4s} \), this translates to shifting the function by 4 units to the right. Key points include:
- Expression: The term \( e^{-as} \) indicates the function \( f(t) \) is shifted by \( a \).
- Result: The inverse transform results in \( f(t-a) \), with the Heaviside step function \( u(t-a) \) ensuring the function only begins at \( t=a \).
Heaviside Step Function
The Heaviside Step Function, often denoted as \( u(t-a) \), plays a crucial role in controlling when a function begins to have an effect in time-shifting operations in Laplace Transforms. It's essentially a switch that turns "on" the function at a specific time \( t = a \). The function can be represented as: \[ u(t-a) = \begin{cases} 0, & t < a \ 1, & t \geq a \end{cases} \] This means:
- Control: It delays the start of a function to a specific time \( t = a \).
- Application: In our given exercise, it ensures that the function \( (t-4) \) only starts at \( t = 4 \), aligning with the physical intuition of a delayed or phase-shifted response.