7.

Definition of the Laplace Transform Laplace Transform

Definition 7.1.1

Let f be a function defined for t 0 . Then the integral

st { f (t )} = 0 e f (t ) dt = F ( s)

is said to be the Laplace transform of f , provided the integral converges. Notations: Lowercase letter is used to denote the function being transformed, and the corresponding uppercase letter is to denote its Laplace transform. Example: at By using the definition of the Laplace Transform, find e .

{ }

Linearity of the Laplace Transform The Laplace Transform is a linear operator, ie. for any function f (t ) and g (t ) whose Laplace transform exists, and any constants and , { f (t ) + g ( t )} = { f (t )} + { g (t )} Example: Find (refer to Table of Laplace Transform), 4 1. t 2. 3. { sinh 3t }

{ } { e }
8 t

4. { 3 t 2sin 7 t }

Reference: A First Course in Differential Equations with Modeling Applications (9th Ed) Dennis G. Zill, Brooks/Cole Publishing Company