Complex Variable, Laplace & Z-Transform Mid term

Lecture-1
Laplace Transformation

Definition: Let the function 𝑓(𝑡) be defined for all positive values of 𝑡 , then multiply
𝑓(𝑡)by𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 and integrate it with respect to 𝑡 from zero to infinity. If the resulting integral exists
(i.e., has some finite value), it is a function of 𝑠, 𝑠 may be real or complex, say 𝐹(𝑠).
∞

𝐹(𝑠) = ∫ 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝑓(𝑡)𝑑𝑡.

0
This function 𝐹(𝑠) of variable 𝑠 is called Laplace Transformation of the original function 𝑓(𝑡)
and will be denoted by ℒ{𝑓(𝑡)}, where ℒ denotes the Laplace transform operator. Thus
∞

ℒ{𝑓(𝑡)} = 𝐹(𝑠) = ∫ 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝑓(𝑡)𝑑𝑡.

0
The original function 𝑓(𝑡) is called the inverse transform or inverse of 𝐹(𝑠) and will be
denoted byℒ −1 {𝐹(𝑠)}.
∴ 𝑓(𝑡) = ℒ −1 {𝐹(𝑠)}.

Important formulae:
𝑐 Some important formulae
1. ℒ{𝑐} = , 𝑐 is any constant, (𝑠 > 0)
𝑠
𝑛! 𝑒 𝑖𝑎𝑡 − 𝑒 −𝑖𝑎𝑡
2. ℒ{𝑡 𝑛 } = , when 𝑛 = 0,1,2,3, . .. sin 𝑎𝑡 =
𝑠𝑛+1
2𝑖
1 𝑒 + 𝑒 −𝑖𝑎𝑡
𝑖𝑎𝑡

3. ℒ{𝑒 𝑎𝑡 } = , (𝑠 > 𝑎) cos 𝑎𝑡 =

𝑠−𝑎 2

𝑠 𝑒 𝑎𝑡 − 𝑒 −𝑎𝑡
4. ℒ{cosh 𝑎𝑡} = , s a sinh 𝑎𝑡 =
𝑠2 −𝑎2
2
𝑎 𝑒 𝑎𝑡 + 𝑒 −𝑎𝑡
5. ℒ{sinh 𝑎𝑡} = , s a cosh 𝑎𝑡 =
𝑠2 −𝑎2
2
𝑠 𝑒 𝑎𝑡 (𝑎sin 𝑏𝑡 − 𝑏 cos 𝑏𝑡)
6. ℒ{cos 𝑎𝑡} = , s a ∫ 𝑒 𝑎𝑡 sin 𝑏𝑡 𝑑𝑡 =
𝑠2 +𝑎2
𝑎2 + 𝑏 2
𝑎 𝑒 𝑎𝑡 (𝑎cos 𝑏𝑡 + 𝑏 sin 𝑏𝑡)
7. ℒ{sin 𝑎𝑡} = , s a ∫ 𝑒 𝑎𝑡 cos 𝑏𝑡 𝑑𝑡 =
𝑠2 +𝑎2
𝑎2 + 𝑏2

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Complex Variable, Laplace & Z-Transform Mid term

Properties of Laplace transformation:

1. ℒ{𝑎𝑓1 (𝑡) + 𝑏𝑓2 (𝑡)} = 𝑎ℒ{𝑓1 (𝑡)} + 𝑏ℒ{𝑓2 (𝑡)}(linearity), where 𝑎 &𝑏 are constants.

2. If ℒ{𝑓(𝑡)} = 𝐹(𝑠), then ℒ{𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝑓(𝑡)} = 𝐹(𝑠 − 𝑎)(first shifting or translation)

𝑑𝑛
3. If ℒ{𝑓(𝑡)} = 𝐹(𝑠), then ℒ{𝑡 𝑛 𝑓(𝑡)} = (−1)𝑛 𝑑𝑠𝑛 [𝐹(𝑠)](multiplication by 𝑡 𝑛 )

Proof of some selective formulae:

1
1. ℒ{𝑒 𝑎𝑡 } = , (𝑠 > 𝑎)
𝑠−𝑎
Proof: From the definition of Laplace transformation we know that,
∞

ℒ{𝑓(𝑡)} = ∫ 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝑓(𝑡)𝑑𝑡

0
∞ 𝑝 𝑝
𝑎𝑡 } −𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑡 −(𝑠−𝑎)𝑡
𝑒 −(𝑠−𝑎)𝑡 1 − 𝑒 −(𝑠−𝑎)𝑝
ℒ{𝑒 =∫𝑒 𝑒 𝑑𝑡 = lim ∫ 𝑒 𝑑𝑡 = lim [ ]| = lim
𝑝→∞ 𝑝→∞ −(𝑠 − 𝑎) 𝑝→∞ (𝑠 − 𝑎)
0 0 0
1
= 𝑠−𝑎 if 𝑠 > 𝑎.

𝑠 𝑎
2. ℒ{cos 𝑎𝑡} = 𝑠2 +𝑎2 if s  a and 3. ℒ{sin 𝑎𝑡} = 𝑠2 +𝑎2 if s  a .
1 𝑠+𝑖𝑎 𝑠 𝑎
Proof:ℒ{𝑒 𝑖𝑎𝑡 } = 𝑠−𝑖𝑎 = 𝑠2 +𝑎2 = 𝑠2 +𝑎2 + 𝑖 𝑠2 +𝑎2 - - - - - (1)
But, 𝑒 𝑖𝑎𝑡 = cos 𝑎𝑡 + 𝑖 sin 𝑎𝑡
∞ ∞
So, ℒ{𝑒 𝑖𝑎𝑡 } = ∫0 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝑒 𝑖𝑎𝑡 𝑑𝑡 = ∫0 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 (cos 𝑎𝑡 + 𝑖 sin 𝑎𝑡)𝑑𝑡
∞ ∞

= ∫ 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 cos 𝑎𝑡 𝑑𝑡 + 𝑖 ∫ 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 sin 𝑎𝑡 𝑑𝑡

0 0
= ℒ{cos 𝑎𝑡} + {sin 𝑎𝑡} - - - -- - (2)
Comparing (1) and (2), we have on equating real and imaginary parts,
𝑠 𝑎
ℒ{cos 𝑎𝑡} = 2 2 if s  a andℒ{sin 𝑎𝑡} = 2 2 if s  a .
𝑠 +𝑎 𝑠 +𝑎

Some workout examples on Laplace transformation:

Example: 1 Example: 2
ℒ{(𝑡 2 + 1)2 } ℒ{e−3𝑡 + 5 cosh 𝑡}
= ℒ{𝑡 4 + 2𝑡 2 + 1} = ℒ{e−3𝑡 } + 5 ℒ{cosh 𝑡}
= ℒ{𝑡 4 } + 2ℒ{𝑡 2 } + ℒ{1} 1 s
4! 2! 1 = +5 2
s − (−3) s − 12
= 4+1 + 2 2+1 +
𝑠 𝑠 𝑠 1 5s
24 4 1 = + 2
= 5+ 3+ s+3 s −1
𝑠 𝑠 𝑠

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Complex Variable, Laplace & Z-Transform Mid term

Example: 3 Example: 4
ℒ{(sin 𝑡 − cos 𝑡)2 + cos2 3𝑡} ℒ{3 − e−𝑡 cos 2𝑡 + 𝑡 sinh 3𝑡}
1 = ℒ{3} − ℒ{e−𝑡 cos 2𝑡} + ℒ{𝑡 sinh 3𝑡}
= ℒ {sin2 𝑡 − 2 sin 𝑡 cos 𝑡 + cos2 𝑡 + (1 1 s+1 d 3
2
=3 − 2 2
+ (−1)1 ( 2 )
+ cos 6𝑡)} s (s + 1) + 2 ds s − 32
3 s+1 3.2s
1 1 = − 2 + 2
= ℒ {1 − sin 2𝑡 + + cos 6𝑡)} s s + 2s + 5 (s − 9)2
2 2 3 s+1 6s
3 1 = − 2 + 2
= ℒ { } − ℒ{sin 2𝑡} + ℒ{cos 6𝑡} s s + 2s + 5 (s − 9)2
2 2
31 2 1 𝑠
= − 2 2
+ 2
2𝑠 𝑠 +2 2 𝑠 + 62
3 2 1 𝑠
= − 2 + ( 2 ).
2𝑠 𝑠 +4 2 𝑠 +36

Example: 5 Example: 6
ℒ{𝑡 cos 𝑡 − e−3𝑡 sin 2𝑡 + 𝑡 7 e5𝑡 } ℒ{e2𝑡 𝑡 + e𝑡 cosh 3𝑡}
d s 2 1 s−1
= (−1)1 − = 2
+
ds s + 1 (s + 3)2 + 22
2 (s − 2) (s − 1)2 − 32
7!
+ 1 s−1
(s − 5)8 = (s−2)2 + .
1−s 2
2 5040 s2 −2s−8
=− 2 2
− +
(s + 1) (s + 3) + 4 (s − 5)8
2

Example: 7 Example: 8
ℒ{𝑡 sin 𝑎𝑡} ℒ{𝑡 cos 𝑎𝑡}
𝑒 𝑖𝑎𝑡 − 𝑒 −𝑖𝑎𝑡 𝑒 𝑖𝑎𝑡 + 𝑒 −𝑖𝑎𝑡
= ℒ {𝑡 } = ℒ {𝑡 }
2𝑖 2
1 1
= ℒ{𝑡𝑒 𝑖𝑎𝑡 − 𝑡𝑒 −𝑖𝑎𝑡 } = ℒ{𝑒 𝑖𝑎𝑡 𝑡 + 𝑒 −𝑖𝑎𝑡 𝑡}
2𝑖 2
1 1! 1! 1 1! 1!
= 2𝑖 [(𝑠−𝑖𝑎)2 − (𝑠+𝑖𝑎)2 ](first Shifting = 2 [(𝑠−𝑖𝑎)2 + (𝑠+𝑖𝑎)2 ](first shifting property)
Property) 𝑎2 − 𝑠 2
2𝑎𝑠 =
= 2 (𝑠 2 + 𝑎2 )2
(𝑠 + 𝑎2 )2 Or
Or ℒ{𝑡 cos 𝑎𝑡}
ℒ{𝑡 sin 𝑎𝑡} 𝑑 𝑠
𝑑 𝑎 = (−1)1 ( 2 )
= (−1)1 ( 2 ) 𝑑𝑠 𝑠 + 𝑎2
𝑑𝑠 𝑠 + 𝑎2 (𝑠 2 + 𝑎2 ). 1 − 𝑠. 2𝑠
(𝑠 2 + 𝑎2 ). 0 − 𝑎. 2𝑠 =−
=− (𝑠 2 + 𝑎2 )2
(𝑠 2 + 𝑎2 )2 𝑠 2 − 𝑎2
−2𝑎𝑠 = 2
=− 2 (𝑠 + 𝑎2 )2
(𝑠 + 𝑎2 )2
2𝑎𝑠
= 2
(𝑠 + 𝑎2 )2

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Complex Variable, Laplace & Z-Transform Mid term

Piecewise function
Example:
0, 0 < 𝑡 < 2
Sketch 𝑓(𝑡) = { and
4, 𝑡 > 2
findℒ{𝑓(𝑡)}.

Solution:
∞

ℒ{𝑓(𝑡)} = ∫ 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝑓(𝑡)𝑑𝑡

0
2 ∞
−𝑠𝑡
= ∫𝑒 . 0 𝑑𝑡 + ∫ 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 4 𝑑𝑡
0 2
∞
𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝑒 −2𝑠
= 4 [ −𝑠 ]| = 4 𝑠
.
2

Reference Books:
1. Advanced Engineering Mathematics- Erwin Kreyszig.(10th Edition)
2. Differential Equations- Paul Blanchard, Robert L. Devaney, Glen R. Hall (4th Edition)

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Complex Variable, Laplace & Z-Transform Mid term

Problem Set 1.1

Find the Laplace Transforms and also sketch (if free hand sketching is getting complex
then use MATLAB) the following functions (1-20):

Using direct formula

1
1. 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑒 5𝑡 , Ans: 𝐹(𝑠) = 𝑠−5.
1
2. 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑒 −2𝑡 , Ans: 𝐹(𝑠) = 𝑠+2.
𝜔 cos 𝜃 + 𝑠 sin 𝜃
3. 𝑓(𝑡) = sin(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜃), Ans: 𝐹(𝑠) = .
𝜔 2 + 𝑠2
𝜋 −3𝑠
4. 𝑓(𝑡) = 1.5 sin (3𝑡 − 2 ) , Ans: 𝐹(𝑠) = 2(𝑠2 +9).

First shifting or Translation property

If ℒ{𝑓(𝑡)} = 𝐹(𝑠) then ℒ{𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝑓(𝑡)} = 𝐹(𝑠 − 𝑎).

1
5. 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑒 2𝑡 sinh 𝑡, Ans: 𝐹(𝑠) = (𝑠−2)2 −1.
4
6. 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑒 −𝑡 sinh 4𝑡, Ans: 𝐹(𝑠) = (𝑠+1)2 −16.
𝑠−2
7. 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑒 2𝑡 cos 3𝑡, Ans: 𝐹(𝑠) = (𝑠−2)2 + 9
.
10 !
8. 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑡10 𝑒 −7𝑡 , Ans: 𝐹(𝑠) = (𝑠+7)11
.
𝑠−3
9. 𝑓(𝑡) = cosh 5𝑡 𝑒 3𝑡 , Ans: 𝐹(𝑠) = (𝑠−3)2 −25.

Property of multiplication by 𝒕𝒏

𝑑𝑛
If ℒ{𝑓(𝑡)} = 𝐹(𝑠) then ℒ{𝑡 𝑛 𝑓(𝑡)} = (−1)𝑛 [𝐹(𝑠)].
𝑑𝑠𝑛

4𝑠
10. 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑡 sin 2𝑡, Ans: 𝐹(𝑠) = − (𝑠2 +4)2
.
2 𝑠2 1
11. 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑡 cos 𝑏𝑡, Ans: 𝐹(𝑠) = (𝑏2 + 𝑠2 )2 − .
𝑏2 + 𝑠2

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Complex Variable, Laplace & Z-Transform Mid term

Piece-wise Function

∞
If 𝑓(𝑡) is a piece-wise function then 𝓛{𝑓(𝑡)} = ∫𝟎 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝑓(𝑡) 𝑑𝑡

1 − 𝑡 ;0 < 𝑡 < 1 𝑘; 0<𝑡<𝑐

12. 𝑓(𝑡) = { 13. 𝑓(𝑡) = {
0; 𝑡>1 0 ; 𝑡>𝑐
𝑠 +𝑒 −𝑠 − 1 𝑘 (𝑒 −𝑐 𝑠 − 1)
Ans: 𝐹(𝑠) = . Ans: 𝐹(𝑠) = − .
𝑠2 𝑠

𝑏 − 𝑡 ;0 < 𝑡 < 𝑏 1;0 < 𝑡 < 1

14. 𝑓(𝑡) = {
0; 𝑡>𝑏 15. 𝑓(𝑡) = {−1 ; 1 < 𝑡 < 2
0; 𝑡>2
𝑒 −𝑏𝑠 + 𝑏𝑠 − 1
Ans: 𝐹(𝑠) = . 1
𝑠2
Ans: 𝐹(𝑠) = 𝒔 (𝒆−𝟐𝒔 − 𝟐𝒆−𝒔 + 𝟏).

𝑡 ;0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 4
16. 𝑓(𝑡) = {
1; 𝑡>4
Also sketch 𝑓(𝑡).
𝑒 −4𝑠 + 3𝑠 𝑒 −4𝑠 −1
Ans: 𝐹(𝑠) = − .
𝑠2

Problems from Book:( Advanced Engineering Mathematics – Erwin Kreyszig - 10th

edition. Page# 210, 211, 251)

i) Find the Laplace transformation (1-6) using definition:

1. e at 4. t e 
2 at

2. sin 2t 5. e f  t 
at

3. cos 3t 6. cos at

ii) Find the Laplace transformation of the following functions (7-26), assuming a, b, ω, π
as constants:
7. f  t   3t  12 17 f  t   e2t sinh t
8. f  t    a  bt 
2
18. f  t   et sinh 4t
9. f  t   cos  t 19. f  t   sinh t cos t
10. f  t   cos 2  t 20. f  t   12te 3t
11. 1  21. f  t   t 2e 3t
f  t   sin   t 
2

2 

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Complex Variable, Laplace & Z-Transform Mid term

12. f  t   5cosh 2t  3sinh t 22. f  t   t cos t  sin t

13. f t   e t
 cos 4t  2sin 4t  23. f  t   e2t sinh t
14. f  t   ke at cos  t 24. f  t   et sinh 4t
15. f  t   0.5e4.5t sin 2 t 25. f  t   et  t 2  sin 3t 
16. f  t   t 5e2t 26. f  t   e 3t  t  4 
2

Define the function f  t  and find the Laplace transformation of f  t  (27-34) by using definition

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Complex Variable, Laplace & Z-Transform Mid term

The Unit step function (Heaviside function):

In engineering applications, we frequently encounter functions whose values change abruptly

at specified values of time t. One common example is when a voltage is switched on or off in
an electrical circuit at a specified value of time t.

The value of t = 0 is usually taken as a convenient time to switch on or off the given voltage.

The switching process can be described mathematically by the function called the Unit Step
Function (otherwise known as the Heaviside function after Oliver Heaviside).

The Unit step function or Heaviside’s unit step function, 𝑢(𝑡),is defined as follows:
0, 𝑡 < 0
𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑢(𝑡) = { ,
1, 𝑡 ≥ 0
That is, u is a function of time t, and u has value zero when time is negative (before we flip the
switch); and value one when time is positive or zero (from when we flip the switch).

Graph of 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑢(𝑡), the unit step function.

Shifted (Right) Unit step function:

In many circuits, waveforms are applied at specified intervals other than t=0. Such a function
may be described using the shifted (aka delayed) unit step function.

A function which has value0 up to the time 𝑡 = 𝑎 and thereafter has value 1 is written:
0, 𝑡 < 𝑎
𝑢𝑎 (𝑡) = 𝑢(𝑡 − 𝑎) = { ,
1, 𝑡 ≥ 𝑎
𝑢(𝑡 − 𝑎)

O a t

Rectangular pulse:
A common situation in a circuit is for a voltage𝑉(𝑡) to be applied at a particular time (say t =
a) and removed later, at t = b (say). We write such a situation using unit step functions as:

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Complex Variable, Laplace & Z-Transform Mid term

𝑉(𝑡) = 𝑢(𝑡 − 𝑎) − 𝑢(𝑡 − 𝑏)

This voltage has strength 1, duration (𝑏 − 𝑎).
Alternatively, 𝑉(𝑡) may be constructed using top hat function 𝑢(𝑡 − 𝑎) − 𝑢(𝑡 − 𝑏) as follows:

1, 𝑎≤ 𝑡<𝑏
𝑉(𝑡) = 𝑢(𝑡 − 𝑎) − 𝑢(𝑡 − 𝑏) = { ,
0, otherwise
Example 1 :

The graph of 𝑉(𝑡) = 𝑢(𝑡 − 1.2) − 𝑢(𝑡 − 3.8) is as follows. Here, the duration is 3.8−1.2=2.6
.

Graph of𝑉(𝑡) = 𝑢(𝑡 − 1.2) − 𝑢(𝑡 − 3.8)is an example of a rectangular pulse.

Example 2:
Write the following functions in terms of unit step function(s). Sketch each waveform.

(i) A 12-V source is switched on at t = 4 s,

1, 0< 𝑡<𝑎
(ii) 𝑉(𝑡) = { and,
0, t>𝑎
0, 𝑡 < 3
(iii) 𝑉(𝑡) = {2𝑡 + 8, 3 < 𝑡 < 5 .
0, 𝑡>5

Solution:

(i) Since the voltage is turned on at t = 4, we need to use u(t − 4).We multiply by 12 since
that is the voltage.

We write the function as follows: 𝑉(𝑡) = 12 ⋅ 𝑢(𝑡 − 4)

Here's the graph:

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Complex Variable, Laplace & Z-Transform Mid term

Graph of𝑉(𝑡) = 12 ⋅ 𝑢(𝑡 − 4)

1, 0< 𝑡<𝑎
(ii)𝑉(𝑡) = { ,
0, t>𝑎

In words, the voltage has value 1until time𝑡 = 𝑎. Then it is turned off.

We have a "rectangular pulse" situation and need to use this formula:

𝑉(𝑡) = 𝑢(𝑡 − 𝑎) − 𝑢(𝑡 − 𝑏)

In our example, the pulse starts at 𝑡 = 0, so we use 𝑢(𝑡)and finishes at 𝑡 = 𝑎 so we use

𝑢(𝑡 − 𝑎).So the required function is:

𝑉(𝑡) = 1 ⋅ [𝑢(𝑡) − 𝑢(𝑡 − 𝑎)]

Here is the graph

Graph of 𝑉(𝑡) = 1 ⋅ [𝑢(𝑡) − 𝑢(𝑡 − 𝑎)], a shifted unit step function

0, 𝑡 < 3
(iii) 𝑉(𝑡) = {2𝑡 + 8, 3 < 𝑡 < 5 .
0, 𝑡>5

In this example, our function is 𝑉(𝑡) = 2𝑡 + 8which has slope 2 and V-intercept 8.

The signal is only turned on between 𝑡 = 3and𝑡 = 5. The rest of the time it is off.

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Complex Variable, Laplace & Z-Transform Mid term

So our voltage function will be:

𝑉(𝑡) = (2𝑡 + 8) ⋅ [𝑢(𝑡 − 3) − 𝑢(𝑡 − 5)]

The graph is as follows:

Graph of𝑉(𝑡) = (2𝑡 + 8) ⋅ [𝑢(𝑡 − 3) − 𝑢(𝑡 − 5)]. The dashed line is 𝑉(𝑡) = (2𝑡 + 8).

Now, the Laplace transform of unit step function is,

𝑒 −𝑎𝑠
ℒ{1. 𝑢(𝑡 − 𝑎)} =
𝑠
−𝑎𝑠
ℒ{𝑓(𝑡). 𝑢(𝑡 − 𝑎)} = 𝑒 ℒ{𝑓(𝑡 + 𝑎)}
Example: 1
Find the Laplace transformation of 𝑡 2 𝑢(𝑡 − 3).
Solution: ℒ{𝑡 2 𝑢(𝑡 − 3)} = 𝑒 −3𝑠 ℒ{(𝑡 + 3)2 }
= 𝑒 −3𝑠 ℒ{𝑡 2 + 6𝑡 + 9}
2 1 1
= 𝑒 −3𝑠 [ 3
+ 6 2 + 9 ].
𝑠 𝑠 𝑠
Example: 2
Find the Laplace transformation of 𝑒 −2𝑡 𝑢𝜋 (𝑡).
0, 𝑡 < 𝜋
Solution: 𝑢𝜋 (𝑡) = { .
1, 𝑡 > 𝜋
= 𝑢(𝑡 − 𝜋)
ℒ{𝑒 −2𝑡 𝑢𝜋 (𝑡)} = 𝑒 −𝜋𝑠 ℒ{𝑓(𝑡 + 𝜋)} = 𝑒 −𝜋𝑠 ℒ{𝑒 −2(𝑡+𝜋) }
1
= 𝑒 −𝜋𝑠 ℒ{𝑒 −2𝑡 𝑒 −2𝜋 } = 𝑒 −𝜋𝑠 𝑒 −2𝜋 ℒ{𝑒 −2𝑡 } = 𝑒 −𝜋(𝑠+2) .
𝑠+2
Example: 3
Find the Laplace transformation of 𝑡 𝑢2 (𝑡).
Solution: ℒ{𝑡 𝑢2 (𝑡)} = ℒ{𝑡 𝑢(𝑡 − 2)}
= 𝑒 −2𝑠 ℒ{𝑡 + 2}
1 1
= 𝑒 −2𝑠 ( 2 + 2 )
𝑠 𝑠
2 1
= 𝑒 −2𝑠 ( + 2 ).
𝑠 𝑠
Example: 4
8, 0 < 𝑡 < 2
Given𝑓(𝑡) = { ,
6, 𝑡>2

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Complex Variable, Laplace & Z-Transform Mid term

(i) sketch f  t  ,
(ii) convert f  t  to unit step function and,
(iii) find the Laplace transformation of f  t  .

Solution:

(i) (ii) 𝑓(𝑡) = 8[𝑢(𝑡 − 0) − 𝑢(𝑡 − 2)] + 6[𝑢(𝑡 − 2)]

= 8[𝑢(𝑡 − 0)] − 2[𝑢(𝑡 − 2)]

(iii) ℒ{𝑓(𝑡)} = ℒ{8} − 2ℒ{𝑢(𝑡 − 2)}

8 𝑒 −2𝑠
= − 2. .
𝑠 𝑠

𝐸, 𝑎< 𝑡<𝑏
Example: 5 Given𝑓(𝑡) = { , where E, a and b are positive constants.
0, 𝑡>𝑏
(i) sketch f  t  ,
(ii) convert f  t  to unit step function and,
(iii) find the Laplace transformation of f  t  .
Solution:
(i) 1 𝑎< 𝑡<𝑏
(ii) 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝐸 {
0 𝑡>𝑏
= 𝐸[𝑢(𝑡 − 𝑎) − 𝑢(𝑡 − 𝑏)]

(iii) ℒ{𝑓(𝑡)} = 𝐸ℒ{𝑢(𝑡 − 𝑎) − 𝑢(𝑡 − 𝑏)}

𝑒 −𝑎𝑠 𝑒 −𝑏𝑠
=𝐸[ − ].
𝑠 𝑠

𝑡 − 1, 1 < 𝑡 < 2
Example: 6 Given𝑓(𝑡) = { ,
3 − 𝑡, 2 < 𝑡 < 3
(i) sketch f  t  ,
(ii) convert f  t  to unit step function and,
(iii) find the Laplace transformation of f  t  .
Solution:
(i) (ii) f  t    t  1 u  t  1  u  t  2     3  t  u  t  2   u  t  3 
= (𝑡 − 1)𝑢(𝑡 − 1) − (𝑡 − 1)𝑢(𝑡 − 2) + (3 − 𝑡)𝑢(𝑡 − 2) −
(3 − 𝑡)𝑢(𝑡 − 3)
= (𝑡 − 1)𝑢(𝑡 − 1) − 2(𝑡 − 2)𝑢(𝑡 − 2) + (𝑡 − 3)𝑢(𝑡 − 3)

(iii) ℒ{𝑓(𝑡)} = 𝑒 −𝑠 ℒ{𝑡 + 1 − 1} − 2 𝑒 −2𝑠 ℒ{𝑡 + 2 − 23} +

𝑒 −3𝑠 ℒ{𝑡 + 3 − 3}
1 1 1
= 𝑒 −𝑠 2 − 2 𝑒 −2𝑠 2 + 𝑒 −3𝑠 2
𝑠 𝑠 𝑠

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Complex Variable, Laplace & Z-Transform Mid term

1 −𝑠
= (𝑒 − 2 𝑒 −2𝑠 + 𝑒 −3𝑠 ).
𝑠2

Example: 7
9, 0< 𝑡<2
−6, 2≤𝑡<6
Given𝑓(𝑡) = { ,
25, 6≤𝑡<9
7, 𝑡>9
(i) sketch f  t  ,
(ii) convert f  t  to unit step function and,
(iii) find the Laplace transformation of f  t  .
Solution:
(i) (ii) 𝑓(𝑡) = 9[𝑢(𝑡 − 0) − 𝑢(𝑡 − 2)] + (−6)[𝑢(𝑡 − 2) −
𝑢(𝑡 − 6)] + 25[𝑢(𝑡 − 6) − 𝑢(𝑡 − 9)] +
7[𝑢(𝑡 − 9)]
= 9𝑢(𝑡 − 0) − 15𝑢(𝑡 − 2) + 31𝑢(𝑡 − 6)
− 18𝑢(𝑡 − 9)

(iii) ℒ{𝑓(𝑡)} = ℒ{9𝑢(𝑡 − 0)} − ℒ{15𝑢(𝑡 − 2)} +

ℒ{31𝑢(𝑡 − 6)} − ℒ{18𝑢(𝑡 − 9)}
1 1 1 1
= 9𝑒 0𝑠 − 15𝑒 −2𝑠 + 31𝑒 −6𝑠 − 18𝑒 −9𝑠
𝑠 𝑠 𝑠 𝑠
1
= (9 − 15𝑒 −2𝑠 + 31𝑒 −6𝑠 − 18𝑒 −9𝑠 ) 𝑠 .

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Complex Variable, Laplace & Z-Transform Mid term

14
Complex Variable, Laplace & Z-Transform Mid term

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Complex Variable, Laplace & Z-Transform Mid term

Problem Set 1.2

Unit step function

Sketch the following functions and find their Laplace transforms (21-25):

ℒ{𝑓(𝑡) 𝑢(𝑡 − 𝑎)} = 𝑒 −𝑎𝑠 ℒ{𝑓(𝑡 + 𝑎)}.

𝑒 −𝑠 𝑒 −𝑠
21. 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑡 𝑢(𝑡 − 1), Ans: 𝐹(𝑠) = + .
𝑠 𝑠2

𝑒 −𝑠
22. 𝑓(𝑡) = (𝑡 − 1) 𝑢(𝑡 − 1), Ans: 𝐹(𝑠) = .
𝑠2

2 𝑒 −𝑠
23. 𝑓(𝑡) = (𝑡 − 1)2 𝑢(𝑡 − 1), Ans: 𝐹(𝑠) = .
𝑠3

𝑒 −6 𝑒 −3𝑠
24. 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑒 −2𝑡 𝑢(𝑡 − 3), Ans: 𝐹(𝑠) = .
𝑠+2

4𝑠 𝑒 −𝜋𝑠
25. 𝑓(𝑡) = 4 cos 𝑡 𝑢(𝑡 − 𝜋), Ans: 𝐹(𝑠) = − .
𝑠2 + 1

Sketch the following functions. Write 𝒇(𝒕) in terms of unit step function and hence find
their Laplace transforms: (26-27)

𝑡 ;0 < 𝑡 < 1
26. 𝑓(𝑡) = {
2; 𝑡>1

Ans: 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑡 𝑢(𝑡) + (2 − 𝑡) 𝑢(𝑡 − 1).

1 1 1
𝐹(𝑠) = 𝑠2 + 𝑒 −𝑠 (𝑠 − 𝑠2 ).

𝑡2 , 0 ≤ 𝑡 < 1
27. 𝑓(𝑡) = { ,
𝑡 − 3, 𝑡≥1

Ans: 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑡 2 𝑢(𝑡) + (𝑡 − 3 − 𝑡 2 ) 𝑢(𝑡 − 1).

2 2 1 𝑒 −𝑠 (𝑠2 +2𝑠+2)−2 2
𝐹(𝑠) = − 𝑒 −𝑠 [ 𝑠 − + 𝑒𝑠 ( + ) ] → MATLAB answer.
𝑠3 𝑠2 𝑠3 𝑠3
2 3 1 2
𝐹(𝑠) = − 𝑒 −𝑠 (𝑠 + + ) → By hand calculation. But both expressions are
𝑠3 𝑠2 𝑠3
same.

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Complex Variable, Laplace & Z-Transform Mid term

Using the following graphs write 𝒇(𝒕) in terms of unit step function and hence find the
Laplace transforms of 𝒇(𝒕): (28-29)
28.

Ans: 𝑓(𝑡) = sin 𝑡 𝑢(𝑡) + (3 − sin 𝑡) 𝑢(𝑡 − 7) − 3 .

3 cos 7 + 𝑠 sin 7 3 𝑒 −9𝑠 1
𝐹(𝑠) = 𝑒 −7𝑠 (𝑠 − ) − + .
𝑠2 +1 𝑠 𝑠2 +1

29.

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Complex Variable, Laplace & Z-Transform Mid term

Ans: 𝑓(𝑡) = 2 𝑢(𝑡) − 3 𝑢(𝑡 − 3) + 4 𝑢(𝑡 − 5) − 3 𝑢(𝑡 − 7).

4 𝑒 −5𝑠 3 𝑒 −3𝑠 3 𝑒 −7𝑠 2
𝐹(𝑠) = − − + .
𝑠 𝑠 𝑠 𝑠

Dirac’s delta (Unit impulse) function

Sketch the following functions and find their Laplace transforms: (30-32)

ℒ{𝛿(𝑡 − 𝑎)} = 𝑒 −𝑎𝑠 .

ℒ{𝑓(𝑡) 𝛿(𝑡 − 𝑎)} = 𝑒 −𝑎𝑠 𝑓(𝑎).

30. 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝛿(𝑡 − 2),

Ans:

𝐹(𝑠) = 𝑒 −2𝑠 .

31. 𝑓(𝑡) = 2 𝛿(𝑡 − 3),

Ans:

𝐹(𝑠) = 2 𝑒 −3𝑠 .

32. 𝑓(𝑡) = sin 𝑡 𝛿(𝑡 − 3),

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Complex Variable, Laplace & Z-Transform Mid term

Ans:

𝐹(𝑠) = sin 3 𝑒 −3𝑠 .

Problems from Book: ( Ref: Advanced Engineering Mathematics – Erwin Kreyszig - 10th
edition; Page#-223, 230, 251, 252)

iii). Convert 𝒇(𝒕) (35-47) to Unit step function and find the Laplace transformations of 𝒇(𝒕):

 3
35. f t   t  0  t  2 42. f t   t 2  t  
 2
36. f t   t  2 t  2 43. f  t   sinh t  0  t  2 
 
37. f  t   cos 4t  0  t    44. f  t   sin t   t   
2 
   1
38. f  t   et  0  t   45. f  t   16t 2u  t  
 2  4
39. f  t   sin  t  2  t  4  46. f  t   e t 2u  t  3 
40. f  t   e  t  2  t  4  47. f  t   u  t  2  sin t
f  t   t 2 1  t  2 
41.

19