ECE 415 Control Systems, Spring 2022

Homework 2
Due: Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022

This homework addresses the use of the Laplace transform as a tool for solving linear
differential equations and for determining the transfer function of a linear system. It
will also help you understand the concept of linearity of a differential equation.

1. Consider the first order differential equation

d
y (t ) + k y (t ) = u (t )
dt

a) Is this a linear system? In other words, show whether superposition and homogeneity
are satisfied.
b) What is the solution of this differential equation? Give the most general expression.

From the textbook:

2. Problem E2.19
3. Problem E2.26
4. Problem P2.7
5. Solve the following differential equation using the Laplace transform:

··y + 3y· + 2y = e −t

for t ≥ 0, and the initial conditions are y (0) = 0, y· (0) = 0.