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3 2 InverseLaplace Summary

The document discusses determining the inverse Laplace transform of a given function. It provides: 1) Two main techniques for determining the inverse Laplace transform: completing the square of terms in the denominator or resolving the denominator into partial fractions. 2) An example problem showing both techniques can yield the same solution. 3) The inverse Laplace transform may not appear unique but can be proven to be so, as different techniques sometimes provide equivalent expressions.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
42 views19 pages

3 2 InverseLaplace Summary

The document discusses determining the inverse Laplace transform of a given function. It provides: 1) Two main techniques for determining the inverse Laplace transform: completing the square of terms in the denominator or resolving the denominator into partial fractions. 2) An example problem showing both techniques can yield the same solution. 3) The inverse Laplace transform may not appear unique but can be proven to be so, as different techniques sometimes provide equivalent expressions.

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Hlogi Nolo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Inverse Laplace transforms

Outcome
Determine the inverse Laplace transform of a given function by
• first completing the square of a quadratic term in the denominator of the function,
• first resolving the denominator into partial fractions, and/or
• applying standard formulas in a table.

Pre-knowledge
Besides being familiar with the content of the table of Laplace transforms, you should also be able to

✓ Complete the square of a quadratic expressions (Addendum A) and to


✓ Resolve an algebraic fraction into partial fractions (Addendum B)

Basic inverse Laplace transforms


To determine the inverse Laplace transform you work from right to left in the table of Laplace
transforms.

☛ Keep you table of Laplace transforms next to you. Alternatively, you memorized the Laplace
transforms and recall them as needed.

EXAMPLE 1
Here are a few examples. The numbers in brackets below the equal sign indicate the rule used.
F(s) f(t)

3 1
a) F ( s) = = 3  f (t ) = 3
s s (1)

5  1! 
b) F ( s) = = 5  1+1  f (t ) = 5t
s 
2
s (2)

1 1  3!  1
c) F ( s) = =   f (t ) = t 3
s 4 3!  s 3+1  (2) 6

2
d) F ( s) = f (t ) = 2e3t
s −3 (7)

s
e) F ( s) = f (t ) = cos 2t
s +4
2 (4)

3 3 2  3
f) F ( s) = =  2  f (t ) = sin 2t
s +4 2 s +4
2 (3) 2

Study unit 3: Inverse Laplace transforms – EL Voges Page 1 of 19


©Tshwane University of Technology
3 3 2  3
g) F ( s) = =  2  f (t ) = sinh 2t
s −4 2 s −4
2 (5) 2

s
h) F ( s) = f (t ) = cosh 2t
s −4
2 (6)

3 3 1 
i) F ( s) = =   f (t ) = 53 et / 5
5s − 1 5  s − 15  (7)

6  2 
j) F ( s) =
s 3
= 3  2+1 
s 
f (t ) = 3t 2
(2)

ACTIVITY 1
Determine the inverse Laplace transforms of:

1 3
1. 2.
s −5 s5
2s 3
3. 4.
s + 81
2
2s
1 2 3
5. − 6.
s +1 s −1 ( s − 1) 2

s 1
7. 8.
s − 25
2
2s − 6
s −3 3
9. 10.
( s − 3) 2 + 4 ( s − 3) 2 + 4

6s 6s
11. 12.
( s + 9) 2
2
( s − 9) 2
2

s2 − 4 s2 + 4
13. 14.
( s 2 + 4) 2 ( s 2 − 4) 2

1
15. 16. Y ( s)
( s + 16)2
2

3 3
17. 18.
s − 11
2
( s − 3)5

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©Tshwane University of Technology
Inverse Laplace transforms using one of two techniques
1
What is the inverse Laplace transform of F ( s ) = ? There is no formula in the table which
s + 2s + 5
2

will directly lead you to the inverse. In order to answer this question, we need to use either partial
fractions or completion of the square.

NB!
It is quite often useful to write a given transform as the sum of fractions (partial fractions) whose
inverse transforms are already known or can be read from a table of Laplace transforms. Revise
partial fractions before you continue!

EXAMPLE 2
 1  1
 , that is, determine f (t ) if F ( s) = 2
−1
Determine  2 .
 s + 6s + 8  s + 6s + 8
SOLUTION
Method 1: Partial fractions

1 1 A B
Rewrite: = = +
s + 6s + 8 ( s + 2)( s + 4) s + 2 s + 4
2

Thus,

1 1 1 1
A= = and B = =−
−2 + 4 2 −4 + 2 2
so that
1
− 12 1 1  1 1 
F ( s) = 2
+ =  −  
s+2 s+4 2 s+2 2 s+4
and hence

f (t ) = 12 e −2t − 12 e −4t .

Method 2: Completing the square


We know that

s 2 + 6s + 8 = (s + 3)2 − 1
so that

1 1
F (s) = = .
s + 6s + 8 ( s + 3) 2 − 1
2

Using rule 11, with a =1 and b = −3 ,

Study unit 3: Inverse Laplace transforms – EL Voges Page 3 of 19


©Tshwane University of Technology
f (t ) = e−3t sinh t . ✔

−1  1  1 −2t 1 −4t
let's compare the two answers. Using partial fractions  2  = 2 e − 2 e . However,
 s + 6s + 8 
−1  1  −3t
by completing the square,  2  = e sinh t . Surely those two answers should be the
 s + 6s + 8 
same! Let's check.

EXAMPLE 3
−3t −2 t −4 t
Is e sinh t = 12 e − 12 e ? Motivate your answer with relevant calculations.

SOLUTION
We know that

et − e − t
sinh t = .
2
Thus,

−3t −3t  et − e−t  1 −2t 1 −4t


e sinh t = e  = 2e −2e .
 2 
−3t −2 t −4 t
Yes, e sinh t = 12 e − 12 e . ✔

NB!
Every function has a unique Laplace transform but the inverse Laplace transform may seem to be not
unique. It is, however, possible to prove the inverse Laplace transform is unique.

NB!
Which method is "best"? It depends on the problem. Sometimes the denominator has no real factors
and then we have no choice as is the case in the next example.

EXAMPLE 4
−1  s +1 
Determine  2 .
 s + 6s + 25 
SOLUTION
The denominator has no real factors. Completion of the square yields

Study unit 3: Inverse Laplace transforms – EL Voges Page 4 of 19


©Tshwane University of Technology
−1  s +1  −1  s +1 
 2 =  .
 s + 6s + 25   ( s + 3) + 16 
2

Because of the format of the fraction with an s in the numerator we can only use rule 10.
However, to use thus rule we need ( s + 3) in the numerator but we have ( s + 1) . We
therefore write

(s + 1) = (s + 3) − 2
so that

−1  s +1  −1 s +1 
 2 =  
 s + 6s + 25   ( s + 3) + 16 
2

 s+3 2 
= −1  − 
 ( s + 3) + 16 ( s + 3) + 16 
2 2

and implement rules 9 and 10:

1
f (t ) = e−3t cos 4t − e−3t sin 4t ✔
2

NB!
Remember the following factors:

a3 + b3 = (a + b)(a2 − ab + b2 ) and a3 − b3 = (a − b)(a 2 + ab + b2 ) .

ACTIVITY 2
1. Determine the inverse Laplace transforms of the following using partial fractions:

1 s
1.1 1.2
s +1
3
( s + 2)3

s+4 5s 2 + 9 s + 8
1.3 1.4
( s + 4)( s − 1)
2
( s + 3)( s 2 + 4)

2s + 3 2 s 2 + 11s − 9
1.5 1.6
s + 6s + 8
2
s ( s 2 + 2s − 3)

2. Determine the inverse Laplace transforms of the following by completing the square in the
denominator.

1 s
2.1 2.2
s + 2s + 5
2
s + 2s + 5
2

Study unit 3: Inverse Laplace transforms – EL Voges Page 5 of 19


©Tshwane University of Technology
s +1 s +1
2.3 2.4
s + 2s − 2
2
s + 6s + 25
2

2s − 5
3. Consider F ( s ) = .
s − 6s + 18
2

3.1 Determine f (t ) using

3.1.1 partial fractions and


3.1.2 completion of the square in the denominator.
3.2 Hence show that these two answers are the same.

4. Determine the inverse Laplace transforms of the following:

3 4s − 3
4.1 4.2
s − 4s + 13
2
s − 4s − 5
2

26 − s 2 2s + 2
4.3 4.4
s ( s 2 + 4s + 13) s + 2s + 10
2

5s 2 + 8s − 1 3s 2 + 16s + 15
4.5 4.6
( s + 3)( s 2 + 1) ( s + 3)3

Study unit 3: Inverse Laplace transforms – EL Voges Page 6 of 19


©Tshwane University of Technology
Answers
ACTIVITY 1
Determine the inverse Laplace transforms of:

1
1. Answer: f (t ) = e5t
s −5

3 t4
2. Answer: f (t ) =
s5 8
2s
3. Answer: f (t ) = 2cos9t
s + 81
2

3 3
4. Answer: f (t ) =
2s 2
1 2
5. − Answer: f (t ) = e−t − 2et
s +1 s −1
3
6. Answer: f (t ) = 3tet
( s − 1) 2

s
7. Answer: f (t ) = cosh 5t
s − 25
2

1 1 3t
8. Answer: f (t ) = e
2s − 6 2
s −3
9. Answer: f (t ) = e3t cos 2t
( s − 3) 2 + 4

3
Answer: f (t ) = 32 e sin 2t
3t
10.
( s − 3) 2 + 4

6s
11. Answer: f (t ) = t sin 3t
( s + 9) 2
2

6s
12. Answer: f (t ) = t sinh 3t
( s − 9) 2
2

s2 − 4
13. Answer: f (t ) = t cos 2t
( s 2 + 4) 2

s2 + 4
14. Answer: f (t ) = t cosh 2t
( s 2 − 4) 2

1 1
15. Answer: f (t ) = ( sin 4t − 4t cos 4t )
( s + 16)2
2
128

16. Y ( s) Answer: f (t ) = y(t )

Study unit 3: Inverse Laplace transforms – EL Voges Page 7 of 19


©Tshwane University of Technology
3 3 11
17. Answer: f (t ) = sinh 11t
s − 11
2
11
3 1
18. Answer: f (t ) = t 4 e3t
( s − 3)5 8

ACTIVITY 2
1. Determine the inverse Laplace transforms of the following using partial fractions:

1
1.1
s +1
3

1 −t −t / 2  1 3t 3 t/2 3t 
Answer: f (t ) = e + e  − cos + e sin 
3  3 2 3 2 

1 A Bs + C 1 1 2
Partial fractions: = + 2  A = , B = − ,C =
s +1 s +1 s − s +1
3
3 3 3
s
1.2
( s + 1)3

 t2 
Answer: f (t ) = e− t  t − 
 2

s A B C
Partial fractions: = + +  A = 0, B = 1, C = −1
( s + 1) 3
s + 1 ( s + 1) ( s + 1)3
2

s+4
1.3
( s + 4)( s − 1)
2

Answer: f (t ) = et − cos 2t

s+4 As + B C
Partial fractions: = 2 +  A = −1, B = 0, C = 1
( s + 4)( s − 1) s + 4 s − 1
2

5s 2 + 9 s + 8
1.4
( s + 3)( s 2 + 4)

Answer: f (t ) = 3cos 2t + 2e−3t

5s 2 + 9 s + 8 A Bs + C
Partial fractions: = + 2  A = 2, B = 3, C = 0
( s + 3)( s + 4) s + 3 s + 4
2

2s + 3
1.5
s + 6s + 8
2

Study unit 3: Inverse Laplace transforms – EL Voges Page 8 of 19


©Tshwane University of Technology
5 −4t 1 −2t
Answer: f (t ) = e − e
2 2
2s + 3 A B 5 1
Partial fractions: = +  A= ,B = −
s + 6s + 8 s + 4 s + 2
2
2 2

2s 2 + 11s − 9
1.6
s( s 2 + 2s − 3)

Answer: f (t ) = et − 2e−3t + 3

2s 2 + 11s − 9 A B C
Partial fractions: = + +  A = 2, B = 1, C = −2
s( s + 2s − 3) s s − 1 s + 3
2

2. Determine the inverse Laplace transforms of the following by completing the square in the
denominator.

1
2.1 Answer: f (t ) = e − t sin t
s + 2s + 5
2

1 1
Hint: =
s + 2s + 5 ( s + 1) 2 + 4
2

s
2.2 Answer: f (t ) = e − t ( cos 2t − 12 sin 2t )
s + 2s + 5
2

s ( s + 1) − 1
Hint: =
s + 2s + 5 ( s + 1) 2 + 4
2

s +1 −t
2.3 Answer: f (t ) = e cosh 3t
s + 2s − 2
2

s +1 s +1
Hint: =
s + 2s − 2 ( s + 1) 2 − 3
2

s +1 −3t  1 
2.4 Answer: f (t ) = e  cos 4t − sin 4t 
s + 6s + 25
2
 2 
s +1 ( s + 3) − 2
Hint: =
s + 6s + 25 ( s + 3) 2 + 16
2

2s − 5
3. Consider F ( s ) = .
s − 6s + 8
2

3.1 Determine f (t ) using

3 4t 1 2t
3.1.1 partial fractions and Answer: f (t ) = e + e
2 2

Study unit 3: Inverse Laplace transforms – EL Voges Page 9 of 19


©Tshwane University of Technology
3.1.2 completion of the square in the denominator.

Answer: f (t ) = e3t ( 2 cosh t + sinh t )

3.2 Hence show that these two answers are the same. Discussion.

4. Determine the inverse Laplace transforms of the following:

3
4.1 Answer: f (t ) = e2t sin 3t
s − 4s + 13
2

4s − 3 17 5t 7 −t
4.2 Answer: f (t ) = e + e (partial fractions)
s − 4s − 5
2
6 6

or f (t ) = e 2t ( 4 cosh 3t + 53 sinh 3t ) (complete the square)

26 − s 2
4.3 Answer: f (t ) = 2 − e −2t ( 3cos 3t + 23 sin 3t )
s ( s 2 + 4s + 13)

26 − s 2 A Bs + C
Partial fractions: = + 2  A = 2, B = −3, C = −8
s( s + 4s + 13) s s + 4s + 13
2

2s + 2
4.4 Answer: f (t ) = 2e−t cos3t
s + 2s + 10
2

5s 2 + 8s − 1
4.5 Answer: f (t ) = 2e−3t + 3cos t − sin t
( s + 3)( s 2 + 1)

5s 2 + 8s − 1 A Bs + C
Partial fractions: = + 2  A = 2, B = 3, C = −1
( s + 3)( s + 1) s + 3 s + 1
2

3s 2 + 16s + 15
4.6
( s + 3)3
(
Answer: f (t ) = 3 − 2t − 3t e
2
)
−3t

3s 2 + 16s + 15 A B C
Partial Fractions: = + +  A = 3, B = −2, C = −6
( s + 3) 3
s + 3 ( s + 3) ( s + 3)3
2

Study unit 3: Inverse Laplace transforms – EL Voges Page 10 of 19


©Tshwane University of Technology
Addendum A: Complete the square
In mathematics, numbers such as 16 = 42 and 144 = 122 are often called perfect squares because
they are integers and squares of integers. Similarly, (𝑥 + 3)2 and (𝑥 − 1)2 are examples of perfect
squares in algebra.

Example 1
Expand the following expressions and simplify.

a) ( x + 3)2 − 5 b) ( x − 1) 2 − 5

SOLUTION

a) ( x + 3) 2 − 5 = ( x 2 + 6 x + 9 ) − 5
= x2 + 6 x + 4

b) ( x − 1) 2 − 5 =  x 2 − 2 x + 1 − 5
= x2 − 2 x − 4 ✔

Now "reverse" the actions of Example 1, that is, start with the answer and write it as the sum or
difference of a perfect square and a constant.

• x2 + 6 x + 4 = ( x + 3)2 − 5 and
• x2 − 2 x − 4 = ( x −1)2 − 5

The technique is called "complete the square" and is often used in determining the inverse Laplace
transform of an expression. See, for example, rules 9 to 12 in the table of Laplace transforms.

a
9. f (t ) = ebt sin at  F ( s) =
( s − b) 2 + a 2

s −b
10. f (t ) = ebt cos at  F ( s) =
( s − b) 2 + a 2

a
11. f (t ) = ebt sinh at  F ( s ) =
( s − b) 2 − a 2

s −b
12. f (t ) = ebt cosh at  F ( s) =
( s − b) 2 − a 2

How do we "complete the square"? Any quadratic trinomial ax2 + bx + c may be written in the form
b b2
a ( x + d ) 2 + e where d = and e = c − . You may either memorize these two formulas or
2a 4a
follow the steps shown below. Make sure you make no calculation mistakes, whichever method you
prefer.

Study unit 3: Inverse Laplace transforms – EL Voges Page 11 of 19


©Tshwane University of Technology
Example 2
Complete the square in each case.

a) x2 + 6 x + 4 and b) x 2 + 12 x + 13

SOLUTION

 
a) x 2 + 6 x + 4 =  x 2 + 6 x + ( 3) − ( 3)  + 4
2 2

  Check:
 6 =3
2 subtract 
6
  𝑑= =3
=  x2 + 6 x + 9 − 9 + 3 2

 Factorize  𝑒 =4−
36
= −5
4
= ( x + 3) 2 − 9 + 4
= ( x + 3) 2 − 5

 
Check:
v) x 2 + 12 x + 13 =  x 2 + 12 x + ( 6 ) − ( 6 )  + 13
2 2

  12
 12 = 6
2 subtract  𝑑=
2
=6
  144
=  x 2 + 6 x + 62 − 36  + 13 𝑒 = 13 − = −23
4
 Factorize 
= ( x + 6) − 23
2

Example 3
Complete the square: s 2 − 8s + 3

SOLUTION

 
s 2 − 8s + 3 =  s 2 − 8s + 16 − 16  + 3
 
 ( 82) 
2

= ( s − 4 ) − 16 + 3
2

= ( s − 4 ) − 13 ✔
2

Now complete the square in each of the following. Do you agree with the given answer?

Practice
1. s 2 − 4s + 3 2. s 2 + 6s − 8

3. s 2 − 10s + 2 4. s 2 + 7s + 1

5. s 2 − 6s + 25 6. s 2 − 4s − 5

7. s 2 − 5s + 3 8. s 2 − 6s + 18

Study unit 3: Inverse Laplace transforms – EL Voges Page 12 of 19


©Tshwane University of Technology
9. s 2 + 7s + 1 10. 9 − 8s + s 2

ANSWERS
1. ( s − 2) 2 − 1 2. (s − 3)2 − 17

( s − 5) 2 − 23 (s + 72) − 45 4
2
3. 4.

5. (s − 3)2 + 16 6. (s − 2)2 − 9

(s − 52) − 13 4 ( s − 3) 2 + 27
2
7. 8.

(s + 72) − 45 4 (s − 4)2 − 7
2
9. 10.

Study unit 3: Inverse Laplace transforms – EL Voges Page 13 of 19


©Tshwane University of Technology
Addendum B: Partial fractions

SUMMARY OF THE STEPS for use with Laplace transforms


Step 1: Check the degree of the numerator (n) and the degree of the denominator (d).

If n ≥ d do long division first. (Seldom necessary in Laplace transforms)


Step 2: Factorize the denominator.
Step 3: Check the factors.
3.1 If the factors are all distinct and linear, write the expression as

1 A B
= + +
( s + 1)( s − 1) s + 1 s −1

that is, an undetermined coefficient for each factor.


3.2 If there is a repetition of linear factors, write the expression as

1 A B C
= + +
( s + 1) 3
s + 1 ( s + 1) ( s + 1)3
2

that is, the number of undetermined coefficients equals the exponent of the repeated
factor.
3.3 If there is one or more non-linear factor, write the expression as

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

that is, two undetermined coefficients for each non-linear factor. (If the factor was of
degree 3, you would need three undetermined coefficients, etc.)

☛ If the variable is 𝑧 ∈ ℂ, you MUST factorize the quadratic expression! In this


study unit we won't use complex factors.

Step 4: Calculate the undetermined coefficients


4.1 For the distinct linear factors and the repeating factor with the highest exponent, use
the "hiding" method
4.2 Wisely "choose" suitable values of s to determine the rest of the unknown
coefficients.
Step 5: Write down the answer!

 REMEMBER!

☝ Recall the "hiding" method? This method works only for distinct linear factors and the
repeating factor with the highest exponent; it does not work for other repeating factors!

Study unit 3: Inverse Laplace transforms – EL Voges Page 14 of 19


©Tshwane University of Technology
☝ If you have different types of factors in one problem, always calculate the value(s) of the
undetermined coefficients associated with the distinct linear factor(s) first. Then calculate
the rest of the coefficients using the steps described later.

EXAMPLE 1
2s + 1
Write as partial fractions.
s + 5s + 6
2

SOLUTION

n  d  no long division.
s 2 + 5s + 6 = (s + 2)(s + 2)

Two distinct linear factors ⇒ write as


2s + 1 A B
= +
( s + 2)( s + 3) s + 2 s + 3

Use the "hiding" method


Calculate A: The denominator of A will be 0 if s = −2  hide (s + 2) on the left and
substitute s = −2
2(−2) + 1 −4 + 1
A= = = −3
( s + 2)(−2 + 3) 1
Calculate B: The denominator of B will be 0 if s = −3  hide (s + 3) on the left and
substitute s = −3
2(−3) + 1 −6 + 1
B= = =5
(−3 + 2)( s + 3) −1

2s + 1 5 3
 = −
s + 5s + 6 s + 3 s + 2
2 ✔

EXAMPLE 2
2s + 5
Express as partial fractions.
s + 2s + 1
2

SOLUTION

n  d  no long division.
s 2 + 2s + 1 = (s + 1)2

Repeating factors ⇒ write as

2s + 5 A B
= +
( s + 1) 2
s + 1 ( s + 1) 2

The "hiding" method can't be used because both denominators will be 0 when s = −1 is
substituted. let's choose values of s "wisely":

Study unit 3: Inverse Laplace transforms – EL Voges Page 15 of 19


©Tshwane University of Technology
s = 0:5 = A+ B
7 A B
s = 1: = +
4 2 4
Use your clever Casio to solve the system of equations.

A = 2; B = 3

2s + 5
 =
2
+
3

s + 2s + 1 s + 1 ( s + 1) 2
2

☛ IMPORTANT WARNING! When resolving into partial fractions, don't do it in the following

way!

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

Why not? If you do it this way, your answer is

1 −s − 2
1
s ( s + 1) 2
= +
s ( s + 1) 2
. ✘

Although the answer is mathematically correct, it is not the answer to the question! The right-
hand side can be simplified!

1 − s − 2 1 −( s + 1) − 1 1 s +1 1 1 1 1
+ = + = − − = − −
s ( s + 1) 2
s ( s + 1) 2
s ( s + 1) ( s + 1)
2 2
s s + 1 ( s + 1) 2

You will get this answer directly if you start with

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

EXAMPLE 3
3s 2 + 2 s + 1
Resolve into partial fractions.
( s + 1)( s 2 + 1)
SOLUTION

n  d  no long division.
Non-linear factor:

3s 2 + 2s + 1 A Bs + C
= + 2
( s + 1)( s + 1) s + 1 s + 1
2

Study unit 3: Inverse Laplace transforms – EL Voges Page 16 of 19


©Tshwane University of Technology
Calculate A by "hiding" ( s + 1) on the left and substitute s = −1 :

3(−1)2 + 2(−1) + 1 3 − 6 + 1
s = −1  A = = =1
( s + 1)( s 2 + 1) (−1)2 + 1

Substitute A = 1 in the original:

3s 2 + 2s + 1 1 Bs + C
= + 2
( s + 1)( s + 1) s + 1 s + 1
2

Now "wisely" choose values of s.

1 1 C
s = 0: = + C =0
(1)(1) 1 2

3 + 2 +1 1 B + 0
s = 1: = + B=2
(2)(2) 2 2

3s 2 + 2s + 1 1 2s
= + 2 ✔
( s + 1)( s + 1) s + 1 s + 1
2

EXAMPLE 4
5s 2 − 2s − 19
Resolve into partial fractions: f ( s ) = .
s 3 + s 2 − 5s + 3
SOLUTION
Factorize the denominator using your Casio:
Solve 𝑠3 + 𝑠 2 − 5𝑠 + 3 = 0
5s − 2s − 19
2
5s − 2s − 19
2
= Solution: 𝑠 = −3 or 𝑠 = 1 twice
s + s − 5s + 3 ( s + 3)( s − 1) 2
3 2

Factors: (𝑠 + 3)(𝑠 − 1)2


Thus,

5s 2 − 2s − 19 A B C
= + +
( s + 3)( s − 1) 2
s + 3 s − 1 ( s − 1) 2
Use the "hiding" method to solve for A and C.

5(−3) 2 − 2(−3) − 19
s = −3 : A = =2
( s + 3)(−3 − 1) 2

5 − 2 − 19
s = 1: C = = −4
(1 + 3)( s − 1) 2

To calculate B, choose "wisely".

Study unit 3: Inverse Laplace transforms – EL Voges Page 17 of 19


©Tshwane University of Technology
−19 2 B 4
s = 0: = + −  B=3
(3)(−1) 2
3 −1 (−1) 2

2 3 4
 f (s) = + −
s + 3 s − 1 ( s − 1) 2 ✔

EXAMPLE 5
3 + 6s + 4s 2 − 2s3
Write g ( s ) = as partial fractions.
s 4 + 3s 2
SOLUTION

3 + 6s + 4s 2 − 2s 3 A B Cs + D
g ( s) = = + 2+ 2
s 2 ( s 2 + 3) s s s +3

Using the "hiding" method to determine B,

3
s +0: B = 2
=1
s (3)

Thus,

3 + 6s + 4s 2 − 2s 3 A 1 Cs + D
= + 2+ 2
s 2 ( s 2 + 3) s s s +3
Now use values of s to obtain a system of three equations in three unknowns to solve for A, B
and C.

11 A 1 C + D 7 1 1
s = 1:
= + +  = A+ C + D
4 1 1 4 4 4 4
3 A 1 −C + D 1 1 1
s = −1: = + +  − = −A− C + D
4 −1 1 4 4 4 4
15 A 1 2C + D 2 1 2 1
s = 2: = + +  = A+ C + D
18 2 4 7 7 2 7 7
Use your clever Casio to solve:

A = 2; B = −4; C = 3

 g (s) =
2 1 −4s + 3
+ +

s s2 s2 + 3

NB!

2 1 −4s + 3 2 1 4s + 3
Note g ( s ) = + + 2  + 2− 2 .
s s2 s +3 s s s +3
−4s + 3 4s − 3
+ =− 2
s +3
2
s +3

Study unit 3: Inverse Laplace transforms – EL Voges Page 18 of 19


©Tshwane University of Technology
In MATLAB:

ACTIVITY
Write as partial fractions and use MATLAB to check your answers (none given here!).

2 − 5s s +1
1. 2.
( s − 6)( s 2 + 11) s ( s + 2)

s2 + 1 s+9
3. 4.
s 2 ( s + 2) s − 2s − 3
2

1 1
5. 6.
( s + 1)( s − 1) 2 s + 5s 3 + 7 s 2
4

s2 + s + 4 3s 2 + 5s + 5
7. 8.
( s 2 + 1)( s 2 + 4) s( s 2 + 4s + 5)

Study unit 3: Inverse Laplace transforms – EL Voges Page 19 of 19


©Tshwane University of Technology

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