Laplace Transform

Definition of Laplace Transform

Let that be a given function which is defined for . If there exists a function so

, Then is called the Laplace Transform of , and will be denoted by . Notice the integrator where is a parameter which may be real or complex.

Thus,

The symbol which transform into is called the Laplace transform operator. Laplace transformation is a powerful method of solving linear differential equations. It reduces the problem of solving differential equations into algebraic equations. For more information about the application of Laplace transform in engineering, see this Wikipedia article and this Wolfram article.
Laplace Transform by Direct Integration

To get the Laplace transform of the given function , multiply integrate with respect to from zero to infinity. In symbol,

by

and

. See examples below.

Problem 01 | Laplace Transform by Integration

Problem 01 Find the Laplace transform of

when

Solution 01

Thus, answer
Problem 02 | Laplace Transform by Integration

Problem 02 Find the Laplace transform of

Solution 02

Thus, answe
Problem 03 | Laplace Transform by Integration

Problem 03 Find the Laplace transform of

Problem 03

For

Using integration by parts:

. Let

Using integration by parts again. Let

Thus,

Therefore, answer

Table of Laplace Transforms of Elementary Functions

Below are some functions

and their Laplace transforms

Properties of Laplace Transform

Constant Multiple If is a constant and

is a function of

, then

Example:

Linearity Property If and are constants while exists, then

and

are functions of

whose Laplace transform

Example:

First Shifting Property If , then,

Second Shifting Property If , and

then,

Change of Scale Property If , then,

Multiplication by Power of If , then,

where

Division by If

, then,

provided

exists.

Transforms of Derivatives

The Laplace transform of the derivative

exists when

, and

In general, the Laplace transform of nth derivative is

Linearity Property | Laplace Transform

Linearity Property If and are constants while exists, then

and

are functions of

whose Laplace transform

Proof of Linearity Property

okay

This property can be easily extended to more than two functions as shown from the above proof. With the linearity property, Laplace transform can also be called the linear operator.

See examples below.

Problem 01 | Linearity Property of Laplace Transform

Problem 01 Find the Laplace transform of

Solution 01

answer
Problem 02 | Linearity Property of Laplace Transform

Problem 02 By using the linearity property, show that

Solution 02

But

Thus,

From the table of Laplace transform, and

Hence,

okay
First Shifting Property | Laplace Transform

First Shifting Property If , when

then,

In words, the substitution the original function by .

for

in the transform corresponds to the multiplication of

Proof of First Shifting Property

okay
Problem 01 | First Shifting Property of Laplace Transform

Problem 01 Find the Laplace transform of

Solution 01

Thus, answer
Problem 02 | First Shifting Property of Laplace Transform

Problem 02 Find the Laplace transform of

Solution 02

Thus,

answer
Problem 03 | First Shifting Property of Laplace Transform

Problem 03 Find the Laplace transform of

Solution 03

Thus,

answer
Problem 04 | First Shifting Property of Laplace Transform

Problem 04 Find the Laplace transform of

Solution 04

Thus,

answer