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GATE - NOTES - LAPLACE

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TRANSFORMATION

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R.Dhanaraj

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May 3, 2020

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1 Laplace Transformation

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Transformation is a process using which a given mathematical form can be
converted to another equivalent form which can be handled conveniently.
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The simplest example is the application of logarithm. The use of logarithm
converts multiplication and division respectively to addition and subtrac-
tion. Consider the transformation of rectangle, edges of which are parallel
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to its reference coordinate axes, to an equivalent surface in another refer-
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ence coordinate system. In the transformed shape, the edges may not be
parallel to its coordinate axes and it is possible to have edges in the curved
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form also. Another example is the transformation of differential equation

with variable coefficients to a differential equation with constant coefficients.
Hence transformation is used for simplification in obtaining the solution to
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a problem.
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French mathematician, Pierre Simon Marquis de Laplace (1749-1827), known

as Newton of France and teacher to Napoleon Bonaparte, developed a trans-
formation technique, later known as Laplace Transformation, and used
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the same in theory of probability. Oliver Heaviside (1850-1925), British elec-

trical engineer further developed Laplace transform technique and was used
widely by scientists and engineers to solve varieties of problems. Laplace
RD

transformation is considered to be one of the important tools used for solv-

ing linear ordinary or partial differential equations. Using Laplace transfor-
mation the given initial value problem defined by ordinary or partial differ-
ential equation is converted to a single or set of linear algebraic equations.
By

The transformation process include the use of initial or boundary conditions

specified for the problem. The solution to the transformed equation leads
to an expression defined in term of Laplace transformation variable. Then

1
 by using inverse Laplace transformation the solution to original problem is

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determined. This is similar to use of logarithm. Suppose if the product

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m × n is to be determined, first sum of logarithm of m and n is found. Then
anti-logarithm of the sum defines the product of m and n. One of the ad-

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vantages of Laplace transformation is the ease with which the discontinuous
function in the governing equation can be handled.

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1.1 Definition

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Consider a function f (t) be a function defined for all positive values of t,

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t ≥ 0. Laplace transform of the function is defined as
Z ∞

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L [f (t)] = e− st f (t) dt = F (s)
0
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L represents Laplace transformation, F (s) is the transformed function of
f (t) and s is the Laplace transformation variable. Laplace transformation
is defined if the integral exists. Laplace transformation exists if f (t) is
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piecewise continuous in every finite interval and is exponential order for
at

t ≥ 0.
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1.2 Laplace Transform Properties

1. Linear Property
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If f1 (t) and f2 (t) are two functions and c1 and c2 are two constants
then
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L [c1 f1 (t) ± c2 f2 (t)] = c1 L [f1 (t)] ± c2 L [f2 (t)] = c1 F1 (s) ± c2 F2 (s)

-M

2. Scale Property
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1 s
If L [f (t)] = F (s) then L [f (a t)] = F
a a
Laplace transformation of some basic functions are defined here and this can
be easily obtained by using basic integral calculus.
By

1.
1
L f ea t =


s > a
s − a

2
 2.

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1
L f e− a t =



nl
s + a
3.

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a
L [sinh at] = s > |a|
s2 − a2

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4.
s
L [cosh at] = s > |a|

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s2 − a2
5.

at
a
L [sin at] =
s2 + a2

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6.
s
L [cos at] =

rc
s 2 + a2
7. Ci
n!
L [tn ] = n = 0, 1, 2 · · · · · ·
sn + 1
e
8. Shifting Theorem
at

If L [f (t)] = F (s) then

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(a)
L eat f (t) = F (s − a)
 
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(b)
L e−at f (t) = F (s + a)
 
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Based on this, Laplace transformation of some more functions are

defined.
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9.
n!
L eat tn =
 
(s − a)n + 1
RD

10.
n!
L e−at tn =
 
(s + a)n + 1
By

11.
s ∓ a
L e± at cos bt =
 
(s ∓ a)2 + b2

3
 12.

y
b
L e± at sin bt =
 

nl
(s ∓ a)2 + b2
13.

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s ∓ a
L e± at cosh bt =
 
(s ∓ a)2 − b2

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14.
b

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L e± at sinh bt =
 
(s ∓ a)2 − b2

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15. Laplace Transform of Unit Step Function

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The unit step function is defined as

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U (t − a) = 0 t<a

Laplace transform is
U (t − a) = 1 Ci t≥ a

e−as
e
L [U (t − a)] =
at

16. Second Shifting Theorem

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If L [f (t)] = F (s) , then L [f (t − a) U (t − a)] = e−as F (s)

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where U (t − a) is Heaviside unit step function.

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17. Another form of Second Shifting Theorem

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If L [f (t)] = F (s) and

f (t) = 0, t < a
= f (t − a) 0, t ≥ a
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then
L [f (t)] = e−as F (s)
By

18.
dn
If L [f (t)] = F (s) then L [tn f (t)] = (−1)n F (s)
dsn

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 19.

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  Z ∞

nl
1
If L [f (t)] = F (s) then L f (t) = F (s) provide the integral exists
t s

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20. If f (t) is continuous for t ≥ 0 and of exponential order k, then
Laplace transform of f 0 (t) exists for s > k is

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L f 0 (t) = s L [f (t)] − f (0) = s F (s) − f (0)
 

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L f 00 (t) = s2 F (s) − s f (0) − f 0 (0)
 

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and in general

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L [f n (t)] = sn F (s) − sn−1 f (0) − sn−2 f 0 (0) − f n−1 (0)

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21.
If L [f (t)] = F (s) then L
Ci Z

0
t
f (t) dt

=
1
s
F (s)

22. Laplace Transform of Periodic Function

e
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If f (t) is a periodic function with period T, then Laplace transform

of periodic function is
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Z T
1
L [f (t)] = e−st f (t) dt
1 − e− s T
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23. Initial Value Theorem

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If L [f (t)] = F (s) , then lim f (t) = lim s F (s)

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t→0 s→∞

24. Final Value Theorem

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If L [f (t)] = F (s) , then lim f (t) = lim s F (s)

t→∞ s→0
By

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 1.3 Inverse Laplace Transforms

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If the Laplace transform of f (t) is F (s), that is, L [f (t)] = F (s), then
f (t) is called inverse Laplace transform of F (s) and expressed as:

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L−1 [F (s)] = f (t)

In this expression L−1 is known as inverse Laplace transform operator.

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Linear Property

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If F1 (s) and F2 (s) are respectively Laplace transforms of two functions
f1 (t) and f2 (t) and c1 and c2 are two constants then

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L−1 [c1 F1 (s) ± c2 F2 (s)] = c1 L−1 [F1 (s)] ± c2 L−1 [F2 (s)]

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Following is the list of inverse Laplace transforms of some basic functions.

1. 
Ci 
1
L−1 = eat
s − a
e
at

2.  
−1 1
L = e−at
riv

s + a

3.  
1
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−1
L = t e−at
(s + a)2
IT

4.
tn − 1
 
−1 1
L = e−at
(s + a)n (n − 1)!
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5.
tn
 
−1 1
L =
sn+1 n!
RD

6.  
−1 a
L = sin at
s + a2
2
By

7.  
−1 s
L = cos at
s + a2
2

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 8.

y
 
−1 1 1
L = (sin at − a t cos at)

nl
(s2 + a2 )2 2 a3

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9.
s3
 
−1 at
L = cos at − sin at
(s2 + a2 )2 2

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10.

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−1 s t sin at
L =
(s2 + a2 )2 2a

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11.
s2 − a2
 

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−1
L = t cos at
(s2 + a2 )2

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12.  
−1 a
L
s − a2
2
Ci = sinh at

13.  
s
e
L−1 = cosh at
s2 − a2
at

14.
riv

 
−1 s t sinh at
L =
(s2 − a2 )2 2a
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15.
s 2 + a2
 
−1
L = t cosh at
(s2 − a2 )2
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16. Scale Property

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−1 −1 1 t
If L [F (s)] = f (t) , then L [F (as)] = f
a a
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17. Method of Partial Fraction The inverse Laplace transform of ir-

rational function is determined employing method of partial fraction,
used in the evaluation integral of irrational function. The given irra-
tional form is expressed as a sum of simple fractional terms. Then in-
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verse Laplace transform is defined for each one of the fractional terms.

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 18. Inverse Laplace Transform of Type sn F (s)

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nl
d −1
L−1 [s F (s)] = L [F (s)]
dt

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provided F (s) vanishes for t = 0 and

d2 −1

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L−1 s2 F (s) =
 
L [F (s)]
dt2

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F (s)

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19. Inverse Laplace Transform of Type
sn
Z t Z t

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−1 F (s) −1
L = L [F (s)] dt = f (t) dt
s 0 0

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  Z t Z t  Z t Z t 
−1 F (s) −1
L = L [F (s)] dt dt = f (t) dt dt
s2 0 0 Ci 0 0

20. Inverse Laplace Transform of Type F 0 (s)

e
L−1 F 0 (s) = − t L−1 [F (s)] = − t f (t)
 
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21. Inverse Laplace Transform of Logarithmic and Inverse Trig-

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nometric Functions The inverse Laplace transform of logarithmic

and inverse trignometric functions are dtermined using the following
relations. Let F (s) be the function in the form of logaritm or inverse
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trignometric function.
 
d 1 d
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L [t f (t)] = − [F (s)] f (t) = − L−1 [F (s)]

ds t ds
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d2
 2 
2  1 −1 d
L t f (t) = [F (s)] f (t) = 2 L [F (s)]
ds2 t ds2
RD

1.4 Solution of Differential Equation

The solution to ordinary differential equations can be obtained through the
use of Laplace transform. First Laplace transform of the differential equation
is defined and the resulting expression will be in terms of Laplace transform
By

variable s. Next inverse Laplace transform is applied to define the solution

for the given differential equation. It will be seen that the initial or bound-
ary conditions specified for the given equation are taken care of during the

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 Laplace transform of the given equation. Also the solution defined com-

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prise of both complementary function and particular integral, in the case of

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differential equation of order more than one. Some example problems are
provided in the following and solution by both methods, normal procedure

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considered for the solution of differential equations and Laplace transform,
are described.

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E1

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dy
Solve − y = ex given y (0) = 1
dx

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Normal Method

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1. Complementary Function-CF

Auxilary Equation is m − 1 = 0
Ci m = 1 CF = C1 ex

2. Particular Integral-PI
e
ex
P.I. y = using shift formula
at

D − 1
1
= ex (1)
riv

(D + 1 − 1)
= x ex
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3. Final Solution
The solution is defined through the sum of PF and PI.
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y = C1 ex + x ex using the initial condition x = 0 y = 1 C1 = 1

Therefore final solution is

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y = ex (x + 1)
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Laplace Transform

Let L [y (x)] = F (s)

1. Laplace Transform of the Given Equation
By

 
dy
L − L (y) = L (ex )
dx

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 Using the expression for Laplace transform of first derivative and that

y
of ex , the above expression is written as

nl
1
s F (s) − y (0) − F (s) =

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(s − 1)

This can be simplified further using the initial condition y (0) = 1 to

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define the Laplace transform of the given equation as:

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s
F (s) =
(s − 1)2

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2. To apply further inverse Laplace transform, F (s) can be written in

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the simpler form using the method of partial fraction.
s A B

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F (s) = 2 = (s − 1) +
(s − 1) (s − 1)2
Ci
s = A (s − 1) + B

The constants A and B are evaluated by forming two equations either

by equating coefficients of s and constants on both sides of the above
e
expression. Also the constants can be determined by using two values
at

of s, s = 0 and s = 1. The values of A and B are equal to 1. Hence

the transformed expression can be written as
riv

1 1
F (s) = +
(s − 1) (s − 1)2
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3. Final Solution
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The solution to the given equation is defined by applying the inverse

Laplace transform. The solution is
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−1 −1 1 −1 1
L [F (s)] = y = L + L
(s − 1) (s − 1)2
y = ex + x ex
RD

y = ex (x + 1)

Note:
The process of Laplace transform include the use of initial condition and
By

without defining complementary function and particular integral separately

the solution to the governing equation is defined.

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 E2

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d2 x
 
dx
Solve + x = 3 − 2 t2 given x (0) = 7 = 0

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dt2 dt x=0
Normal Method

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1. Complementary Function-CF

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Auxilary Equation is m2 + 1 = 0 m1 = + i m2 = −i

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CF = C1 cos t + C2 sin t

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2. Particular Integral-PI

rc
3 − 2 t2


P.I. x =
(D2 + 1)
Ci

−1
1 + D2 3 − 2 t2


=

−1
The binomial expansion is used to expand 1 + D2
e
up to the term
at

in which power of D is equal to the power of t.

1 − D2 3 − 2 t2



x =
riv

= 3 − 2 t2 + 4
x = 7 − 2 t2
-P

3. Final Solution
IT

The solution is defined through the sum of PF and PI.

x = C1 cos t + C2 sin t + 7 − 2 t2
-M

The arbitrary constants are determined using the given conditions.

RD

t = 0 x = 7 C1 = 0
dx
t = 0 = C2 cos t − 4 t = 0 C2 = 0
dt
Therefore final solution is
By

x = 7 − 2 t2

11
 Laplace Transform

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Let L [x (t)] = F (s)
1. Laplace transform of the given equation is

O
 
2 dx 3 2! 3 4
s F (s) − s x (0) − + F (s) = − 2 3 = − 3
dt x = 0 s s s s

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Using given conditions the Laplace transform of the differential equa-

io
tion is
3 4

at
s2 F (s) − 7 s + F (s) = − 3
s s
7 s4 + 3 s2 − 4

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F (s) =
s3 (s2 + 1)

rc
2. The method of partial fraction is employed to express the transformed
function as a sum of simple fractional terms.
7 s4 + 3 s2 − 4
=
A B C
+ 2 + 3 +
Ci Ds + E
s3 (s2 + 1) s s s s2 + 1
7 s4 + 3 s2 − 4 = A s2 s2 + 1 + Bs s2 + 1 + C s2 + 1 + (Ds + E) s3




e
at

A set of equations involving arbitrary constants are formed by equat-

ing coefficients of s4 , s3 , s2 , s and the constants on both sides. The
riv

equations are solved to determine the arbitrary constants as A = 7 ,

B = D = E = 0 and C = − 4. The transformed expression can
be written as
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7 4
F (s) = − 3
s s
IT

3. Final Solution
The solution to the given equation is defined by applying the inverse
Laplace transform. The solution is
-M

   
−1 −1 7 −1 2
L [F (s)] = x = L − 2L
s s3
7 − 2 t2
RD

x =

E3
By

d2 x
 
dx dx
Solve 2
+4 + 3 x = 10 sin t given x (0) = 0 = 0
dt dt dt x=0
Normal Method

12
 1. Complementary Function-CF

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Auxilary Equation is m2 +4m+3 = 0 (m + 3) (m + 1) = 0 m1 = − 1 m2 = −3

CF = C1 e−t + C2 e−3t

O
2. Particular Integral-PI

n
10 sin t
D2 = −1

io
P.I. x =
D2
+ 4D +3
5 sin t

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= multiply and divide by 2D − 1
1 + 2D
(2D − 1) 5 sin t
D2 = −1

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=
(4D2 − 1)
x = − 2 cos t + sin t

rc
3. Final Solution Ci
The solution is defined through the sum of PF and PI.

x = C1 e−t + C2 e−3t − 2 cos t + sin t

e
at

The arbitrary constants are determined using the given conditions.

t = 0 x = 0 C1 + C2 = 2
riv

dx
t = 0 = 0 C1 + 3 C2 = 1
dt
-P

Solving the above two equations the values of the arbitrary constants
are:
5 1
IT

C1 = C2 = −
2 2
Therefore final solution is
-M

5 −t 1
x = e − e−3t − 2 cos t + sin t
2 2
RD

Laplace Transform

Let L [x (t)] = F (s)

1. Laplace transform of the given equation is

By

 
dx 10
s2 F (s) − s x (0) − +4 (s F (s) − x (0)) + 3 F (s) = 2
dt x = 0 s + 1

13
 Using given conditions the Laplace transform of the differential equa-

y
tion is

nl
10
F (s) s2 + 4 s + 3


=

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s2 + 1
10
F (s) =
(s + 1) (s + 3) (s2 + 1)

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2. The method of partial fraction is employed to express the transformed
function as a sum of simple fractional terms.

at
10 A B Cs + D
= + + 2
(s + 1) (s + 3) (s2 + 1) s+1 s+3 s + 1

ul
rc
10 = A (s + 3) s2 + 1 + B (s + 1) s2 + 1 + (Cs + D) (s + 1) (s + 3 )

Ci
A set of equations involving arbitrary constants are formed by equating
coefficients of s3 , s2 , s and the constants on both sides. The equations
5 1
are solved to determine the arbitrary constants as A = ,B = − ,
2 2
e
C = 1 and D = − 2. The transformed expression can be written as
at

   
5 1 1 1 −2s + 1
F (s) = − +
riv

2 s + 1 2 s + 3 s2 + 1
   
5 1 1 1 s 1
F (s) = − − 2 2 + 2
-P

2 s + 1 2 s + 3 s + 1 s + 1

3. Final Solution
IT

The solution to the given equation is defined by applying the inverse

Laplace transform. The solution is
-M

L−1 [F (s)] = x
RD

       
5 −1 1 1 1 s 1
x = L − L−1 −1
− 2L 2
+ L −1
2
2 s + 1 2 s + 3 s + 1 s + 1

Hence the solution is

By

5 −t 1
x = e − e− 3 t − 2 cos t + sin t
2 2

14
 E4

y
nl
d2 x
 
dx dx
Solve +3 + 2 x = e−t sin 2t given x (0) = 0 = 1

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dt 2 dt dt x=0
Normal Method

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1. Complementary Function-CF

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Auxilary Equation is m2 +3m+2 = 0 (m + 1) (m + 2) = 0 m1 = − 1 m2 = −2
CF = C1 e−t + C2 e−2t

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2. Particular Integral-PI

ul
e−t sin 2t
P.I. x = Using shift formula replace D by D − 1
D2 + 3 D + 2

rc
1
= e−t sin 2t substitute D2 = −4

= e−t
2
(D + D)
1
Ci
sin 2t multiply and divide by (D + 4)
(−4 + D)
e
1
= e−t (D + 4) sin 2t substitute D2 = −4 and simplify
at

2
(D − 16)
e−t e−t
x = − cos 2t − sin 2t
riv

10 5
3. Final Solution
The solution is defined through the sum of PF and PI.
-P

e−t e−t
x = C1 e−t + C2 e−2t − cos 2t − sin 2t
10 5
IT

The arbitrary constants are determined using the given conditions.

1
-M

t = 0 x = 0 C1 + C2 =
10
dx 13
t = 0 = 1 C1 + 2 C2 = −
dt 10
RD

Solving the above two equations the values of the arbitrary constants
are:
3 7
C1 = C2 = −
2 5
By

Therefore final solution is

3 −t 7 e−t e−t
x = e − e−2t − cos 2t − sin 2t
2 5 10 5

15
 Laplace Transform

y
nl
Let L [x (t)] = F (s)

O
1. Laplace transform of the given equation is
 
dx
2
+3 (s F (s) − x (0)) + 2 F (s) = L e−t sin 2t
 
s F (s) − s x (0) −

n
dt x = 0

io
Using given conditions the above expression can be written as:

F (s) s2 + 3 s + 2 = 1 + L e−t sin 2t

 

at
Laplace transform of second term on the right side can be defined

ul
using shift theorem as shown in the following.

rc
L e−t sin 2t
 
= L [sin 2t]s→(s + 1)
 
Ci 2
=
s2 + 22 s→(s + 1)
2
=
s2 + 2s + 5
e
at

Hence Laplace transform of the differential equation is

s2 + 2 s + 7
riv

F (s) =
(s + 1) (s + 2) (s2 + 2 s + 5)

2. The method of partial fraction is employed to express the transformed

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function as a sum of simple fractional terms.

s2 + 2 s + 7
IT

A B Cs + D
= + + 2
(s + 1) (s + 2) (s2 + 2 s + 5) s+1 s+2 s + 2s + 5
-M

s2 + 2 s + 7 = A (s + 2) s2 + 2 s + 5 + B (s + 1) s2 + 2 s + 5 + (Cs + D) (s +

A set of equations involving arbitrary constants are formed by equating

RD

coefficients of s3 , s2 , s and the constants on both sides. The equations

thus obtained are:

A + B + C = 0 coefficients of s3
4A + 3B + 3C + D = 1 coefficients of s2
By

9A + 7B + 2C + 3D = 2 coefficients of s
10 A + 5 B + 2 D = 7 constants

16
 The equations are solved to determine the arbitrary constants as A =

y
3 7 1 1
, B = − , C = − and D = − . The transformed

nl
2 5 10 2
expression can be written as

O
s 1
3

1

7

1
 − −
F (s) = − + 10 2
2 s + 1 5 s + 2 s2 + 2s +5

n
     
3 1 7 1 1 s + 5

io
= − −
2 s + 1 5 s + 2 10 s2 + 2 s + 5

at
     
3 1 7 1 1 (s + 1) + 4
= − −
2 s + 1 5 s + 2 10 s2 + 2 s + 5

ul
       
3 1 7 1 1 s + 1 1 2
F (s) = − − −
2 s + 1 5 s + 2 10 (s + 1)2 + 22 5 (s + 1)2 + 22

rc
3. Final Solution
Ci
The solution to the given equation is defined by applying the inverse
Laplace transform. The solution is

L−1 [F (s)] = x
e
at

   
3 −1 1 7 −1 1
x = L − L
riv

2 s + 1 5 s + 2
   
1 −1 s + 1 1 −1 2
− L − L
10 (s + 1)2 + 22 5 (s + 1)2 + 22
-P

The inverse Laplace transform of third and fourth terms can be defined
IT

using shifting theorem. Hence the solution is

3 −t 7 e−t e−t
x = e − e− 2 t − cos 2t − sin 2t
-M

2 5 10 5

E5
RD

Solve the following simultaneous first order differential equations.

dx dy
+ y = sin t + x = cos t
dt dt
By

The initial conditions are

for t = 0 x = 2 y = 0

17
 Normal Method

y
nl
The given equation are simplified such that one of the dependent variables
is eliminated. Consider elimination of y between the two equations. Differ-

O
entiate the first equation with respect to t
d2 x dy

n
+ = cos t
dt2 dt

io
dy
Substitute for , using second equation,
dt

at
d2 x
− x = 0

ul
dt2
Complementary function will be the solution for x and hence the solution

rc
for x is

x = C1 e−t + C2 et
Ci
t = 0 x = 2 C1 + C2 = 2

From first of the given equations

e
dx dx
= sin t − y
at

t = 0 y = 0 Hence = 0
dt dt
dx
riv

= − C1 e−t + C2 et − C1 + C2 = 0
dt
Solving these two equations, the values for arbitrary constants are C1 =
-P

C2 = 1. Hence solution for x is

x = e−t + et
IT

Substitute for x in the first of the given equations the solution for y can be
defined as
-M

y = e−t − et + sin t
Also the same solution is obtained by substituting for x in the second equa-
RD

tion. The second equation is written as

dy
= cos t − e−t − et integrating y = sin t + e−t − et + C
dt
The arbitrary constant C is determined using the condition y (0) = 0.
By

Hence C = 0. Therefore the solution for y is

y = sin t + e−t − et

18
 Laplace Transform

y
nl
The Laplace transform of the two equations will result in two simultaneous
equations involving two functions, one for x and the other for y, in terms

O
of Laplace variable s. These two equations are solved for the two unknown
functions. The inverse Laplace transform these two functions will define the
solution for x and y. Let F (s) be the Laplace transform of x and G (s) be

n
the Laplace transform of y.

io
1. The Laplace transform first equation is

at
1 2 s2 + 3
s F (s) − x (0) + G (s) = x (0) = 2 s F (s) + G (s) =
s2 + 1 s2 + 1

ul
Laplace transform of second equations is

rc
s s
F (s) + s G (s) − y (0) = 2 y (0) = 0 F (s) + s G (s) =
s + 1 s2 + 1
Ci
Eliminate G (s) between the two equations and the expression for F (s)
is
2 s3 + 2 s 2s
e
F (s) = 2 2
= 2
(s + 1) (s − 1) s − 1
at

Substitute for F (s) in one of the equations involving F (s) and G (s),
the expression for F (G) is defined as
riv

− s2 − 3
G (s) =
(s2 + 1) (s2 − 1)
-P

Using method of partial fractions the above expression can be written

as
IT

− s2 − 3 As + B Cs + D
= +
(s2 + 1) (s2 − 1) s2 − 1 s2 + 1
-M

− s2 − 3 (As + B) s + 1 + (Cs + D) s2 − 1
2



=

A set of equations involving arbitrary constants are formed by equating

RD

coefficients of s3 , s2 , s and the constants on both sides. The equations

thus obtained are:

A + C = 0 coefficients of s3
B + D = −1 coefficients of s2
By

A − C = 0 coefficients of s
B − D = −3 constants

19
 The equations are solved to determine the arbitrary constants as A =

y
0 , B = − 2, C = 0 and D = 1. The transformed expression can

nl
be written as

O
 
1 1
G (s) = − 2 + 2
s2 − 1 s + 1

n
2. Final Solution

io
The solution to the given equation is defined by applying the inverse
Laplace transform. The solution is the sum of inverse Laplace trans-

at
forms of F (s) and G (s).

L−1 [F (s)] = x

ul
rc
 
−1 2s
x = L
Cis2 − 1
 
−1 s
= 2L
s2 − 1
= 2 cosh
 t t −t 
e
e + e
at

= 2
2
t −t
riv

x = e + e

L−1 [G (s)] = y
-P

   
IT

−1 2 −1 1
y = L − + L − 2
s2 − 1 s + 1
   
1 1
-M

= − 2 L−1 2 + L−1 − 2
s − 1 s + 1
= − 2 sinh t + sin t
e − e−t
 t 
RD

= −2 + sin t
2
y = − et + e−t + sin t

The solutions for the given equations are:

By

x = e−t + et y = e−t − et + sin t

20
 1.5 Problems

y
nl
P1-G2007-Q80 and Q81

O
Q80

n
(s + 10)
Let F (s) =
(s + 2) (s + 20)

io
The partial fraction expression of F (s) is

at
1 1 5 2
(a) + (b) +
(s + 2) (s + 20) (s + 2) (s + 20)

ul
4 5
2 20 9 9

rc
(c) + (d) +
(s + 2) (s + 20) (s + 2) (s + 20)
The given expression can be written as sum of two simple fractional terms.
Ci
(s + 10) A B
= +
(s + 2) (s + 20) (s + 2) (s + 20)
e
(s + 10) A (s + 20) + B (s + 2)
=
at

(s + 2) (s + 20) (s + 2) (s + 20)
(s + 10) = A (s + 20) + B (s + 2)
riv

Equating coefficient of s 1 = A + B
Equating constants 10 = 20 A + 2 B
-P

4 5
Solving for A and B, A = and B = . Hence the given expression is
9 9
written as
IT

4 5
(s + 10) 9 9
= +
(s + 2) (s + 20) (s + 2) (s + 20)
-M

Answer: (d)
RD

Q81

The inverse Laplace transform of F (s) is

4 −2 t 5
(a) 2 e−2 t + 20 e−20 t (b) e + e−20 t
By

9 9
9 −2 t 9
(c) 5 e−2 t + 2 e−20 t (d) e + e−20 t
4 5

21
 Refer Serial No.2, under Scale Property, of Section 1.2.

y
nl
Answer: (b)

O
P2-G2008-Q30

Let Y (s) denotes the Laplace transform L [y (t)] of the function

n
io
y (t) = cosh (at) sin (at) .

at
Then  
dy dY
(a) L = , L [ty (t)] = s Y (s)
dt ds

ul
 
dy dY
(b) L = s Y (s) , L [ty (t)] = −

rc
dt ds
 
dy dY Ci
(c) L = , L [ty (t)] = Y (s − 1)
dt ds
 
dy
(b) L = s Y (s) , L [ty (t)] = eas Y (s)
e
dt
at

 
dy
L = s Y (s) − y (0) Using S.No. 20, under Scale Property of 1.2
dt
riv

y (0) = cosh (0) sin (0) = 0

Therefore
-P

 
dy
L = s Y (s)
dt
IT

dY
L [ty (t)] = − Using S.No. 18 of 10.2
ds
Answer: (b)
-M

P3-G2010-Q33
RD

Given the Laplace transform of

2s
y (t) = e−t (2 cos 2t − sin 2t) is Y (s) =
(s + 1)2 + 4
By

the Laplace transform of

y (t) = et (2 cos 2t − sin 2t) is

22
 2 (s − 2) 2 (s + 2)

y
(a) (b)
(s − 1)2 + 4 (s + 3)2 + 4

nl
2 (s + 2) 2 (s − 1)
(c) (d)
(s + 1)2 + 4 (s − 1)2 + 4

O
Refer Serial Nos. 11 and 12, under Scale Property of Section 1.2.

n
Answer: (a)

io
P4-G2012-Q12

at
If U (t) is a unit step function, the solution of the differential equation

ul
d2 x
m + k x = u (t) in Laplace domain is

rc
dt2
1 Ci 1
(a) (b)
s (m s2 + k) (m s2 + k)
s 1
(c) (d)
e
(m s2 + k) s2 (m s2 + k)
at

Use Serial Nos. 15 and 20, under Scale Property of Section 1.2.
riv

The unit step function is U (t − a) For the problem given a = 0

Also zero initial condition is assumed while applying the definition under
-P

Serial No.20, under Scale Property of Section 1.2.

Answer: (a)
IT

P5-G2013-Q27
-M

Given the Laplace transform,

1
RD

L eat then L 3 e5t sinh 5t

= is equal to
s − a
3s 15
(a) (b)
s2 − 10 s s2 − 10 s
By

3s 15
(a) (b)
s2 + 10 s s2 + 10 s

23
 Using Serial No. 14, under Scale Property of Section 1.2. Another way of

y
defining the required Laplace transform is as follows:

nl
e − e−5t
  5t 
 5t  5t
3 L e sinh 5t = 3L e

O
2
3  10t
− e0

= L e
2 

n

3 1 1
−

io
= Using S.No. 1 of 1.2
2 s − 10 s − 0
15

at
= 2
s − 10 s

ul
Answer: (b)

rc
P6-G2014-Q30

Ci
The Laplace transform L [u (t)] = U (s) , for the solution u (t) of the prob-
lem
d2 u du du (0)
e
2
+2 + u = 1, t > 0 with initial conditions u (0) = 0, = 5
dt dt dt
at

is given by
riv

6 5s + 1
(a) (b)
(s + 1)2 s (s + 1)2
1 − 5s 5 s2 + 1
-P

(c) (d)
s (s + 1)2 s (s + 1)2
IT

The Laplace transform of the given equation is (Using Serial No.20, under
Scale Property of Section 1.2)
-M

0 1
s2 U (s) − s u (0) − u (0) + 2 s U (s) − u (0) + U (s) =
s
1
U (s) s2 + 2 s + 1


= + 5 Using the initial conditions
RD

s
5s + 1
U (s) =
s (s + 1)2

Answer: (b)
By

P7-G2017-Q28

24
 y
nl
d2 y
 
dy dy
Consider the initial value problem 2 + 4 + 6 y = f (t) y (0) = 2, = 1

O
dt dt dt t = 0
Z ∞ Z ∞
−s t
If Y (s) = y (t) e dt and F (s) = f (t) e−s t dt are the Laplace transforms of

n
0 0

io
y (t) and f (t) respectvely then Y (s) is given by

at
F (s) F (s) + 2 s + 9
(A) (B)
s2 + 4 s + 6 s2 + 4 s + 6

ul
F (s) F (s) − 2 s + 9

rc
(C) (D)
− s2 + 4 s + 6 s2 + 4 s + 6

d2 y
  h 00 i
Ci 0
L = L y (t) = s2 Y (s) − s y (0) − y (0)
dt2
e
at

 
dy h 0 i
= L y (t) = s Y (s) − y (0) Using S.No.20, under 2. Scale Property
dt
riv

d2 y dy
2
+ 4 + 6 y = f (t) is written as
dt dt
-P

0
s2 Y (s) − s y (0) − y (0) + 4 [s Y (s) − y (0)] + 6 Y (s) = F (s)
IT

 
0 dy
Using y (0) = 2 y (0) = = 1
dt t=0
-M

s2 Y (s) − 2 s − 1 + 4 s Y (s) − 8 + 6 Y (s) = F (s)

RD

F (s) + 2 s + 9
Y (s) s2 + 4 s + 6 = F (s) + 2 s + 9
 
Y (s) =
s2 + 4 s + 6
Answer: (B)
By

AP1

25
 y
1
The Laplace transform of a function f (t) is The function f (t) is

nl
s2 (s + 1)
(A) t − 1 + e− t (B) t + 1 + e− t

O
(C) − 1 + e− t (D) 2 t + et

n
The given expression can be written as sum of three simple fractional terms

io
1 A B C
= + 2 +
s2 (s + 1) s s (s + 1)

at
1 A s (s + 1) + B (s + 1) + C s2
2
=
s (s + 1) s2 (s + 1)

ul
1 = A s (s + 1) + B (s + 1) + C s2

rc
Equating coefficients of s2 0 = A + C
Equating coefficients of s 0 = A + B
Equating constants 1 = B
Ci
From the above equations the values of A, B and C are respectively - 1, 1
e
and 1.
1 1 1 1
at

2
= − + 2 +
s (s + 1) s s (s + 1)
riv

The function f (t) is obtained by applying inverse Laplace transform of the

above expression.
-P

 
−1 1 1 1
f (t) = L − + 2 +
s s (s + 1)
     
IT

−1 1 −1 1 −1 1
= L − + L + L
s s2 (s + 1)
−t
f (t) = − 1 + t + e Using S.Nos. 1, 2 and 3 of Section 1.3
-M

Answer: (A)
RD

AP2

1
The inverse Laplace transformation of is
(s2 + s)
By

(A) 1 + et (B) 1 − e− t (C) 1 − et (D) 1 + e− t

26
 The given expression can be written as sum of two simple fractional terms

y
nl
1 A B
= +
s2 + s s (s + 1)

O
1 A (s + 1) + Bs
2
=
s + s s (s + 1)
1 = A (s + 1) + Bs

n
Equating coefficients of s 0 = A + B

io
Equating constants 1 = A

at
From the above equations the values of A and B are determined as 1 and -
1 respectively. Hence the given expression written as

ul
1 1 1
= −

rc
s2 + s s (s + 1)
Ci
The required function of the given expression is obtained through inverse
Laplace transformation as shown here.
     
−1 1 −1 1 −1 1
− L
e
L = L
s2 + s s (s + 1)
at

−t
f (t) = 1 − e Using S.No. 2 of Section 1.3
riv

Answer: (B)

AP3
-P

If F (s) is theR Laplace transform of the function f (t), then Laplace trans-
IT

t
formation of 0 f (τ ) dτ is
-M

1 1
(A) F (s) (B) F (s) − f (0)
s s
Z
s F (s) − f (0)
RD

(C) (D) P (s) ds

Refer S.No. 21, under Scale Property of Section 1.2.

Answer: (A)
By

AP4

27
 A delayed unit step function is defined as u (t − a). Its Laplace transform

y
is

nl
e− a s ea s ea s
(A) a e− a s (B) (C) (D)

O
s s a
Refer S.No. 15, under Scale Property of Section 1.2.

n
Answer: (B)

io
AP5

at
Laplace transformation of sin ωt is

ul
s ω s ω
(A) (B) (C) (D)

rc
s2 + ω2 s2 + ω2 s2 − ω2 s2 − ω2
Refer S.No. 5, under Scale Property of Section 1.2.
Ci
Answer: (B)
e
at
riv
-P
IT
-M
RD
By

28