LESSON 4

THE LAPLACE TRANSFORM

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

1. Understand the transform concept and define the Laplace transform, and

2. Evaluate the Laplace transforms of elementary functions.

The concept of transform is not a new field of study. Recall in calculus that
differentiation and integration are transforms – meaning that these operations
transform a particular function into another function. Moreover, the differential
operator D is another example of transforming a function of a large class into
another function. Another operator 𝐿, the Laplace transform of a function, will be
discussed in this section which is essential particularly in the study of initial value
problems involving linear differential equations with constant coefficients.

Definition of the Laplace Transform. Let 𝐹(𝑡) be any function such that its
integral exists. The Laplace transform of 𝐹(𝑡), denoted by 𝐿{𝐹(𝑡)}, is a
function 𝑓(𝑠) defined by
∞
𝐿 {𝐹(𝑡)} = ∫ 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝐹(𝑡) 𝑑𝑡 = 𝑓(𝑠)
0

The Laplace operator L is a linear operator and the linearity property applies;
meaning, that the transform of a linear combination of functions is a linear
combination of the transforms. This is illustrated below:

𝐿{𝑐1 𝐹1 (𝑡) + 𝑐2 𝐹2 (𝑡) + ⋯ + 𝑐𝑘 𝐹𝑘 (𝑡)}

= 𝑐1 𝐿{𝐹1 (𝑡)} + 𝑐2 𝐿{𝐹2 (𝑡)} + ⋯ + 𝑐𝑘 𝐿{𝐹𝑘 (𝑡)}
Example Evaluate the Laplace transform of the following functions.
4.1.

1. 𝐹(𝑡) = 1
∞
𝐿{𝐹(𝑡)} = ∫ 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝐹(𝑡) 𝑑𝑡
0
∞
= ∫0 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 (1) 𝑑𝑡
∞
= ∫0 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑡
Let 𝑢 = −𝑠𝑡
𝑑𝑢 = −𝑠 𝑑𝑡
1 ∞
= − ∫0 𝑒 𝑢 𝑑𝑢
𝑠
1
= − 𝑠 (𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 )|∞
0
1
= − 𝑠 (𝑒 −𝑠(∞) − 𝑒 −𝑠(0) )
1
= − 𝑠 (0 − 1)
1
= − 𝑠 (−1)
1
=𝑠

1
∴ 𝐿{1} = 𝑠

2. 𝐹 (𝑡) = 𝑡
∞
𝐿{𝐹(𝑡)} = ∫ 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝐹(𝑡) 𝑑𝑡
0
∞
= ∫0 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 (𝑡) 𝑑𝑡
∞
= ∫0 𝑡𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑡
Use IBP.
𝑢=𝑡 𝑑𝑣 = 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑡
1
𝑑𝑢 = 𝑑𝑡 𝑣 = − 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡
𝑠
1 −𝑠𝑡 ∞ 1 −𝑠𝑡
= 𝑡 (− 𝑠 𝑒 ) − ∫0 (− 𝑠 𝑒 ) 𝑑𝑡
1 1 ∞
= − 𝑠 𝑡𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 + 𝑠 ∫0 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑡
1 1
= (− 𝑠 𝑡𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 − 𝑠 2 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 ) |∞
0
 1 1
= (− (∞)𝑒 −𝑠(∞) − 2 𝑒 −𝑠(∞) ) −
𝑠 𝑠
1 −𝑠(0)
1
(− (0)𝑒 − 2 𝑒 −𝑠(0) )
𝑠 𝑠
1
= (0 − 0) − (0 − 𝑠 2 (1))
1
= − (− 𝑠 2)
1
= 𝑠2

1
∴ 𝐿{𝑡} = 𝑠 2

3. 𝐹(𝑡) = cos 𝑡
∞
𝐿{𝐹(𝑡)} = ∫ 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝐹(𝑡) 𝑑𝑡
0
∞
= ∫0 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 (cos 𝑡) 𝑑𝑡
∞
= ∫0 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 cos 𝑡 𝑑𝑡
Use IBP:
𝑢 = cos 𝑡 𝑑𝑣 = 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑡
1
𝑑𝑢 = − sin 𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝑣 = − 𝑠 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡
1 ∞ 1
= (cos 𝑡) (− 𝑠 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 ) − ∫0 (− 𝑠 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 ) (− sin 𝑡)𝑑𝑡
1 1 ∞
= − 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 cos 𝑡 − ∫0 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 sin 𝑡 𝑑𝑡
𝑠 𝑠
𝑢 = sin 𝑡 𝑑𝑣 = 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑡
1
𝑑𝑢 = cos 𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝑣 = − 𝑠 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡
1
= − 𝑠 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 cos 𝑡 −
1 1 ∞ 1
𝑠
[(sin 𝑡) (− 𝑠 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 ) − ∫0 (− 𝑠 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 ) cos 𝑡 𝑑𝑡]
1 1 1 ∞
= − 𝑠 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 cos 𝑡 + 𝑠2 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 sin 𝑡 − 𝑠 ∫0 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 cos 𝑡 𝑑𝑡

∞ 1 1
∫0 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 cos 𝑡 𝑑𝑡 = − 𝑠 𝑒−𝑠𝑡 cos 𝑡 + 𝑠2 𝑒−𝑠𝑡 sin 𝑡 −
1 ∞ −𝑠𝑡
∫ 𝑒
𝑠2 0
cos 𝑡 𝑑𝑡
∞ 1 ∞ −𝑠𝑡
∫0 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 cos 𝑡 𝑑𝑡 + 𝑠2 ∫0 𝑒 cos 𝑡 𝑑𝑡
1 1
= − 𝑠 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 cos 𝑡 + 𝑠2 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 sin 𝑡
𝑠 2 +1 ∞ 1 1
𝑠2
∫0 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 cos 𝑡 𝑑𝑡 = − 𝑠 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 cos 𝑡 + 𝑠2 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 sin 𝑡
1 1
∞ − 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 cos 𝑡+ 2 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 sin 𝑡
∫0 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 cos 𝑡 𝑑𝑡 = 𝑠 𝑠
𝑠2 +1
𝑠2
 𝑠2 1 1
= (𝑠 2+1) (− 𝑠 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 cos 𝑡 + 𝑠 2 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 sin 𝑡) |∞
0
𝑠2 1 1
= (𝑠2+1) [(− 𝑠 𝑒 −𝑠(∞) cos(∞) + 𝑠2 𝑒 −𝑠(∞) sin(∞)) −
1 1
(− 𝑠 𝑒 −𝑠(0) cos(0) + 𝑠2 𝑒 −𝑠(0) sin(0))]
𝑠2 1
= (𝑠 2+1) [(0 + 0) − (− 𝑠 (1) + 0)]
𝑠2 1
= (𝑠 2+1) ( 𝑠 )
𝑠
=
𝑠 2+1

𝑠
∴ 𝐿{cos 𝑡} = 𝑠 2+1

𝑡2 , 0<𝑡<2
4. 𝐺 (𝑡) = {
3, 𝑡>2
∞
𝐿{𝐺(𝑡)} = ∫ 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝐺(𝑡) 𝑑𝑡
0
2 ∞
= ∫0 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 (𝑡 2 ) 𝑑𝑡 + ∫2 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 (3) 𝑑𝑡
2 ∞
= ∫0 𝑡 2 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑡 + 3 ∫2 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑡

2
Use IBP (shortcut) for ∫0 𝑡 2 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑡.
+ 𝑡2 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡
- 2𝑡 1
− 𝑠 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡
+2 1 −𝑠𝑡
2𝑒 𝑠
1
0 − 𝑠 3 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡

1 2 2
= (− 𝑠 𝑡 2 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 − 𝑠 2 𝑡𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 − 𝑠 3 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 ) |20 +
1
3 (− 𝑠 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 ) |∞
2
1 2 2
= [(− (2)2 𝑒 −𝑠(2) − (2)𝑒 −𝑠(2) − 𝑒 −𝑠(2) ) −
𝑠 𝑠2 𝑠3
1 2 2
(− (0)2 𝑒 −𝑠(0) − (0)𝑒 −𝑠(0) − 𝑒 −𝑠(0) )] +
𝑠 𝑠2 𝑠3
1 1
3 [(− 𝑒 −𝑠(∞) ) − (− 𝑒 −𝑠(2) )]
𝑠 𝑠
4 4 2 2
= [(− 𝑒 −2𝑠 − 2
𝑒 −2𝑠 − 3
𝑒 −2𝑠 ) − (0 − 0 − (1))] +
𝑠 𝑠 𝑠 𝑠3
1 −2𝑠
3 [0 − (− 𝑒 )]
𝑠
4 4 2 2 3
= − 𝑠 𝑒 −2𝑠 − 𝑠2 𝑒 −2𝑠 − 𝑠3 𝑒 −2𝑠 + 𝑠3 + 𝑠 𝑒 −2𝑠
1 4 −2𝑠
= − 𝑒−2𝑠 −
𝑠 𝑠2
𝑒 − 𝑠23 𝑒−2𝑠 + 𝑠23
 𝑡 2 , 0 < 𝑡 < 2}
∴ 𝐿 {𝐺(𝑡) = {
3, 𝑡>2
1 −2𝑠 4 −2𝑠 2 −2𝑠 2
=− 𝑒 − 2𝑒 − 3𝑒 + 3
𝑠 𝑠 𝑠 𝑠

Transforms of Some Basic Functions. Below are Laplace transforms of

common functions. These formulas can be easily utilized to evaluate 𝐿{𝐹 (𝑡)}
without using the integration presented above.

1
𝐿{1} =
𝑠
𝑛!
𝐿{𝑡 𝑛 } = , 𝑛 = 1, 2, 3, …
𝑠 𝑛+1
1
𝐿{𝑒 𝑎𝑡 } =
𝑠−𝑎
𝑘
𝐿{sin 𝑘𝑡} =
𝑠2 + 𝑘2
𝑠
𝐿{cos 𝑘𝑡} = 2
𝑠 + 𝑘2
𝑘
𝐿{sinh 𝑘𝑡} = 2
𝑠 − 𝑘2
𝑠
𝐿{cosh 𝑘𝑡} = 2
𝑠 − 𝑘2

Example Evaluate the Laplace transform of the following functions.

4.2.

1. 𝐹(𝑡) = cos 𝑡

Using the formula,

𝑠
𝐿{cos 𝑘𝑡} = 𝑠 2+𝑘 2

𝐿{cos 𝑡}: 𝑘 = 1
𝑠
𝐿{cos 𝑡} = 𝑠 2+(1)2
𝑠
=
𝑠 2+1

(Note that the same answer was obtained in Example 4.1 Number 3)
2. 𝐹 (𝑡) = 3 cos 5𝑡

Using the formula,

𝑠
𝐿{cos 𝑘𝑡} = 𝑠 2+𝑘 2

𝐿{3 cos 5𝑡} = 3 𝐿{cos 5𝑡}: 𝑘 = 5

𝑠
3 𝐿{cos 5𝑡} = 3 (𝑠 2+(5)2 )
3𝑠
= 𝑠 2+25

3. 𝐹(𝑡) = 𝑒 −3𝑡

Using the formula,

1
𝐿{𝑒 𝑎𝑡 } = 𝑠−𝑎

𝐿{𝑒 −3𝑡 }: 𝑎 = −3
1
𝐿{𝑒 −3𝑡 } = 𝑠−(−3)
1
= 𝑠+3

1
4. 𝐹(𝑡) = 6 𝑡 4

Using the formula,

𝑛!
𝐿{𝑡 𝑛 } = 𝑠 𝑛+1

1 1
𝐿 {6 𝑡 4 } = 6 𝐿{𝑡 4 }: 𝑛 = 4
1 1 4!
𝐿{𝑡 4 } = 6 (𝑠 4+1)
6
1 4(3)(2)(1)
= 6( )
𝑠5
4
= 𝑠5
 5. 𝐹(𝑡) = sin 4𝑡 + cosh 2𝑡 − 8𝑒 2𝑡

𝐿{sin 4𝑡 + cosh 2𝑡 − 8𝑒 2𝑡 }
= 𝐿{sin 4𝑡} + 𝐿{cosh 2𝑡} − 8 𝐿{𝑒 2𝑡 }

𝑘 4 4
𝐿{sin 𝑘𝑡} = 𝑠2 +𝑘 2 : 𝐿{sin 4𝑡} = 𝑠2 +(4)2 = 𝑠2 +16
𝑠 𝑠 𝑠
𝐿{cos 𝑘𝑡} = : 𝐿{cosh 2𝑡} = =
𝑠 2+𝑘 2 𝑠 2 −(2)2 𝑠 2 −4
1 1
𝐿{𝑒 𝑎𝑡 } = 𝑠−𝑎 : 𝐿{𝑒 2𝑡 } = 𝑠−2

𝐿{sin 4𝑡 + cosh 2𝑡 − 8𝑒 2𝑡 }
= 𝐿{sin 4𝑡} + 𝐿{cosh 2𝑡} − 8 𝐿{𝑒 2𝑡 }
4 𝑠 1
= 2 + 2 −8( )
𝑠 +16 𝑠 −4 𝑠−2
4 𝑠 8
= 𝑠2 +16 + 𝑠2 −4 − 𝑠−2

Translation Theorems. The translation theorems help us in obtaining the

Laplace transforms of some functions not included in the formula presented
above. These theorems also provide an easy way of evaluating the transform by
not using the definition via integration. Two translation theorems will be presented
below.

1. Translation on the s-axis. The first translation theorem or first shifting

theorem can be used for obtaining the Laplace transform of any function
𝐻 (𝑡) = 𝑒 𝑎𝑡 ∙ 𝐹 (𝑡); meaning, a function 𝐹(𝑡) multiplied with 𝑒 𝑎𝑡 . The
theorem states that 𝑠 will be replaced by 𝑠 − 𝑎 in the transform of
𝐹(𝑡). By definition,

If 𝐿{𝐹(𝑡)} = 𝑓 (𝑠) and 𝑎 is any real number, then

𝐿{𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐹 (𝑡)} = 𝑓 (𝑠 − 𝑎)
Example Evaluate the 𝐿{𝐻 (𝑡)}.
4.3.

1. 𝐻 (𝑡) = 𝑒 3𝑡 cos 5𝑡

Using the First Translation Theorem,

𝐿{𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐹 (𝑡)} = 𝑓 (𝑠 − 𝑎)
𝐿{𝑒 3𝑡 cos 5𝑡}: 𝐹(𝑡) = cos 5𝑡 , 𝑎 = 3

Evaluate 𝐿{𝐹(𝑡)} first.

𝑠
𝐿{𝐹(𝑡)} = 𝐿{cos 5𝑡} (Use formula: 𝐿{cos 𝑘𝑡} =
𝑠 2 +𝑘 2
)
𝑠
= 𝑠 2+(5)2
𝑠
= 𝑠 2+25

𝑠
𝐿{𝑒 3𝑡 cos 5𝑡} = (𝑠 2+25) (Replace 𝑠 by 𝑠 − 𝑎)
𝑠→𝑠−3
(𝑠−3)
= (𝑠−3)2 +25
𝑠−3
= 𝑠 2−6𝑠+9+25
𝑠−3
= 𝑠 2−6𝑠+34

2. 𝐻 (𝑡) = 𝑡 3 𝑒 −6𝑡

Using the First Translation Theorem,

𝐿{𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐹 (𝑡)} = 𝑓 (𝑠 − 𝑎)
𝐿{𝑡 3 𝑒 −6𝑡 }: 𝐹 (𝑡) = 𝑡 3 , 𝑎 = −6

Evaluate 𝐿{𝐹(𝑡)} first.

𝑛!
𝐿{𝐹(𝑡)} = 𝐿{𝑡 3 } (Use formula: 𝐿{𝑡 𝑛 } = 𝑠𝑛+1)
3!
= 𝑠 3+1
3(2)(1)
=
𝑠4
6
= 𝑠4
 6
𝐿{𝑡 3 𝑒 −6𝑡 } = (𝑠 4) (Replace 𝑠 by 𝑠 − 𝑎)
𝑠→𝑠−(−6)
6
= ( 4)
𝑠 𝑠→𝑠+6
6
= (𝑠+6)4

3. 𝐻 (𝑡) = 𝑒 2𝑡 (𝑡 − 1)2

Rewrite 𝐻 (𝑡) first.

𝐻 (𝑡) = 𝑒 2𝑡 (𝑡 − 1)2
= 𝑒 2𝑡 (𝑡 2 − 2𝑡 + 1)
= 𝑡 2 𝑒 2𝑡 − 2𝑡𝑒 2𝑡 + 𝑒 2𝑡

𝐿{𝐻 (𝑡)} = 𝐿{𝑡 2 𝑒 2𝑡 − 2𝑡𝑒 2𝑡 + 𝑒 2𝑡 }

= 𝐿{𝑡 2 𝑒 2𝑡 } − 2𝐿{𝑡𝑒 2𝑡 } + 𝐿{𝑒 2𝑡 }
(Use linearity property)

Using the First Translation Theorem,

𝐿{ 𝑡 2 𝑒 2𝑡 }: 𝐹 (𝑡) = 𝑡 2 , 𝑎 = 2
𝑛!
𝐿{𝐹 (𝑡)} = 𝐿{𝑡 2 } (Use formula: 𝐿{𝑡 𝑛 } = 𝑠𝑛+1)
2!
= 𝑠 2+1
2(1)
= 𝑠3
2
= 𝑠3
2
𝐿{𝑡 2 𝑒 2𝑡 } = (𝑠 3) (Replace 𝑠 by 𝑠 − 𝑎)
𝑠→𝑠−2
2
= (𝑠−2)3

𝐿{𝑡𝑒 2𝑡 }: 𝐹 (𝑡) = 𝑡 , 𝑎 = 2
𝑛!
𝐿{𝐹 (𝑡)} = 𝐿{𝑡} (Use formula: 𝐿{𝑡 𝑛 } = 𝑠𝑛+1)
1!
= 𝑠 1+1
1
=
𝑠2
 1
𝐿{𝑡𝑒 2𝑡 } = (𝑠 2) (Replace 𝑠 by 𝑠 − 𝑎)
𝑠→𝑠−2
1
= (𝑠−2)2

1 1
𝐿{𝑒 2𝑡 } = 𝑠−2 (Use formula: 𝐿{𝑒 𝑎𝑡 } =
𝑠−𝑎
)

𝐿{𝐻 (𝑡)} = 𝐿{𝑡 2 𝑒 2𝑡 } − 2𝐿{𝑡𝑒 2𝑡 } + 𝐿{𝑒 2𝑡 }

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

2. Translation on the t-axis. Translation on the t-axis is useful especially

in solving ordinary differential equations (ODEs) with complicated
functions. Some applications include single waves, discontinuous inputs
or inputs acting for some time only, periodic inputs, or impulsive forces
acting for an instant.

Unit Step Function (Heaviside Function). The unit step function is a

representation of functions that are either “on” or “off”. One example is a
voltage impressed on a circuit which can be turned off after a period of time.
It is convenient to define this as a function represented by 0 (off) up to a
certain time 𝑡 = 𝑎 and then by 1 (on) after that time. By definition,

The unit step function 𝑈(𝑡 − 𝑎) is given by

0, 0≤𝑡 <𝑎
𝑈 (𝑡 − 𝑎 ) = {
1, 𝑡≥𝑎
The graph of the unit step function is given below.

In general, when a function defined for 𝑡 ≥ 0 is multiplied by 𝑈(𝑡 − 𝑎),

the unit step function “turns off” the portion of the graph on the interval 0 ≤
𝑡 < 𝑎 as seen above. For instance, if we have a function 𝑓(𝑡) = cos 𝑡
and we want to “turn off” a portion of the graph on the interval 0 ≤ 𝑡 < 𝜋,
we simply form the product 𝑓(𝑡)𝑈(𝑡 − 𝑎), which in our case, cos 𝑡 ∙
𝑈(𝑡 − 𝜋).

Moreover, the unit step function can also be used to write piecewise-defined
functions in a compact form. A general piecewise-defined function given by

𝑔 (𝑡 ) , 0 ≤ 𝑡 < 𝑎
𝑓 (𝑡 ) = {
ℎ(𝑡 ) , 𝑡≥𝑎

can be written as
𝑓 (𝑡 ) = 𝑔 (𝑡 ) − 𝑔 (𝑡 )𝑈 (𝑡 − 𝑎 ) + ℎ(𝑡 )𝑈 ( 𝑡 − 𝑎 ) (Eqn. 4.1)

Also, a function defined as

𝑔 (𝑡 ) , 0≤𝑡<𝑎
𝑓 (𝑡 ) = { ℎ (𝑡 ) , 𝑎≤𝑡<𝑏
𝑗 (𝑡 ) , 𝑡≥𝑏

can be written as

𝑓 (𝑡) = 𝑔(𝑡) + [ℎ(𝑡) − 𝑔(𝑡)]𝑈(𝑡 − 𝑎) + [𝑗(𝑡) − ℎ(𝑡)]𝑈(𝑡 − 𝑏)

(Eqn. 4.2)
Example Convert the following functions into unit step functions.
4.4.

𝑡−1, 𝑡 <1
1. 𝑓 (𝑡 ) = {
𝑡+1, 𝑡 >1

Use Eqn. 4.1.

𝑡−1, 𝑡 < 1
𝑓 (𝑡) = { :
𝑡+1, 𝑡 > 1
𝑔(𝑡) = 𝑡 − 1 , ℎ(𝑡) = 𝑡 + 1 , 𝑎 = 1

𝑓 (𝑡) = 𝑔(𝑡) − 𝑔(𝑡)𝑈(𝑡 − 𝑎) + ℎ(𝑡)𝑈(𝑡 − 𝑎)

= (𝑡 − 1) − (𝑡 − 1)𝑈(𝑡 − 1) + (𝑡 + 1)𝑈(𝑡 − 1)
(factor out 𝑈(𝑡 − 1))

= (𝑡 − 1) − [(𝑡 − 1) − (𝑡 + 1)]𝑈(𝑡 − 1)
= (𝑡 − 1) − [ 𝑡 − 1 − 𝑡 − 1] 𝑈 (𝑡 − 1)
= (𝑡 − 1) − (−2)𝑈(𝑡 − 1)
= (𝑡 − 1) + 2 𝑈 (𝑡 − 1)

10𝑡 , 0 ≤ 𝑡 < 3
2. 𝑓 (𝑡) = {
0, 𝑡>3

Use Eqn. 4.1.

10𝑡 , 0 ≤ 𝑡 < 3
𝑓 (𝑡) = { :
0, 𝑡>3
𝑔(𝑡) = 10𝑡 , ℎ(𝑡) = 0 , 𝑎 = 3

𝑓 (𝑡) = 𝑔(𝑡) − 𝑔(𝑡)𝑈(𝑡 − 𝑎) + ℎ(𝑡)𝑈(𝑡 − 𝑎)

= 10𝑡 − 10𝑡 𝑈 (𝑡 − 3) + 0𝑈(𝑡 − 3)
= 10𝑡 − 10𝑡 𝑈 (𝑡 − 3)
3. Given the graph of 𝑓(𝑡), find the corresponding unit step
function.

First, find the piecewise-defined function

𝑔(𝑡), 𝑡 ≤ 𝑎
𝑓 (𝑡) = { . The graph is composed of two
ℎ(𝑡), 𝑡 > 𝑎
linear functions divided at 𝑎 = 1 (see figure below).

•(1, 1)
(0, 0) (2, 0)
• •

𝑎=1

For the left portion of the graph, we get two points

(1, 1) and (0, 0). Using the two-point form,
𝑦 −𝑦
𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑡2 −𝑡 1 (𝑡 − 𝑡1 ):
2 1

0−1
𝑦 − 1 = 0−1 (𝑡 − 1)
𝑦−1 =𝑡−1
𝑦=𝑡
𝑔 (𝑡 ) = 𝑡
For the right portion of the graph, we get two points
(1, 1) and (2, 0). Using the two-point form,
𝑦 −𝑦
𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 2 1 (𝑡 − 𝑡1 ):
𝑡2 −𝑡1

0−1
𝑦 − 1 = 2−1 (𝑡 − 1)
−1
𝑦 − 1 = 1 (𝑡 − 1)
𝑦 − 1 = − (𝑡 − 1 )
𝑦 = −(𝑡 − 1) + 1
𝑦 = −𝑡 + 1 + 1
ℎ(𝑡) = −𝑡 + 2

Hence, the piecewise-defined function,

𝑔(𝑡), 𝑡 ≤ 𝑎
𝑓 (𝑡) = { is
ℎ(𝑡), 𝑡 > 𝑎

𝑡, 𝑡≤1
𝑓 (𝑡 ) = {
−𝑡 + 2, 𝑡 > 1

Using Eqn. 4.1:

𝑡, 𝑡≤1
𝑓 (𝑡) = { :
−𝑡 + 2, 𝑡 > 1
𝑔(𝑡) = 𝑡 , ℎ(𝑡) = −𝑡 + 2 , 𝑎 = 1

𝑓 (𝑡) = 𝑔(𝑡) − 𝑔(𝑡)𝑈(𝑡 − 𝑎) + ℎ(𝑡)𝑈(𝑡 − 𝑎)

= 𝑡 − 𝑡 𝑈 (𝑡 − 1) + (−𝑡 + 2)𝑈(𝑡 − 1)
(factor out 𝑈(𝑡 − 1))

= 𝑡 − [𝑡 − (−𝑡 + 2)]𝑈(𝑡 − 1)
= 𝑡 − [ 𝑡 + 𝑡 − 2] 𝑈 (𝑡 − 1 )
= 𝑡 − (2𝑡 − 2)𝑈(𝑡 − 1)
 Second Translation Theorem. The second translation theorem or second
shifting theorem states that

If 𝐿{𝐹(𝑡)} = 𝑓 (𝑠) and 𝑎 > 0 , then

𝐿{𝐹 (𝑡 − 𝑎)𝑈(𝑡 − 𝑎)} = 𝑒 −𝑎𝑠 𝐿{𝐹(𝑡)} (Eqn. 4.3)

Moreover,
𝑒 −𝑎𝑠
𝐿{𝑈 (𝑡 − 𝑎)} = (Eqn. 4.4)
𝑠

And an alternative form of Eqn. 4.3 is given below

𝐿{𝐺 (𝑡)𝑈(𝑡 − 𝑎)} = 𝑒 −𝑎𝑠 𝐿{𝐺 (𝑡 + 𝑎)} (Eqn. 4.5)

Example Find the Laplace transform of the following.

4.5.
1. 𝐿{(𝑡 − 1)𝑈(𝑡 − 1)}

Use Eqn. 4.3.

𝐿{𝐹(𝑡 − 𝑎)𝑈(𝑡 − 𝑎)} = 𝑒 −𝑎𝑠 𝐿 {𝐹(𝑡)}

𝐿{(𝑡 − 1)𝑈(𝑡 − 1)}: 𝐹(𝑡 − 𝑎 ) = 𝑡 − 1 , 𝑎 = 1

𝐹 (𝑡) = 𝑡

𝐿{(𝑡 − 1)𝑈(𝑡 − 1)} = 𝑒 −(1)𝑠 𝐿{𝑡}

1!
= 𝑒 −𝑠 (𝑠 1+1)
𝑒 −𝑠
= 𝑠2
2. 𝐿{(𝑡 − 3)2 𝑈 (𝑡 − 3)}

Use Eqn. 4.3.

𝐿{𝐹(𝑡 − 𝑎)𝑈(𝑡 − 𝑎)} = 𝑒 −𝑎𝑠 𝐿 {𝐹(𝑡)}

𝐿{(𝑡 − 3)2 𝑈(𝑡 − 3)}: 𝐹 (𝑡 − 𝑎) = 𝑡 − 3 , 𝑎 = 3

𝐹 (𝑡 ) = 𝑡 2

𝐿{(𝑡 − 3)2 𝑈 (𝑡 − 3)} = 𝑒 −(3)𝑠 𝐿{𝑡 2 }

2!
= 𝑒 −3𝑠 (𝑠2+1 )
2
= 𝑒 −3𝑠 (𝑠3 )
2𝑒 −3𝑠
= 𝑠3

3. 𝐿{sin(𝑡 − 𝜋)𝑈(𝑡 − 𝜋)}

Use Eqn. 4.3.

𝐿{𝐹(𝑡 − 𝑎)𝑈(𝑡 − 𝑎)} = 𝑒 −𝑎𝑠 𝐿 {𝐹(𝑡)}

𝐿{sin(𝑡 − 𝜋) 𝑈(𝑡 − 𝜋)}: 𝐹(𝑡 − 𝑎) = sin(𝑡 − 𝜋) , 𝑎 = 𝜋
𝐹 (𝑡) = sin 𝑡

𝐿{sin(𝑡 − 𝜋)𝑈(𝑡 − 𝜋)} = 𝑒 −(𝜋)𝑠 𝐿{sin 𝑡}

1
= 𝑒 −𝜋𝑠 (𝑠 2+(1)2 )
1
= 𝑒 −𝜋𝑠 (𝑠 2+1)
𝑒 −𝜋𝑠
= 𝑠 2+1
4. 𝐿{(𝑡 2 + 1)𝑈{𝑡 − 1}}

Use Eqn. 4.3.

𝐿{𝐹(𝑡 − 𝑎)𝑈(𝑡 − 𝑎)} = 𝑒 −𝑎𝑠 𝐿 {𝐹(𝑡)}

𝐿{(𝑡 2 + 1)𝑈(𝑡 − 1)}: 𝐹 (𝑡 − 𝑎) = 𝑡 2 + 1 , 𝑎 = 1

To solve for 𝐹(𝑡), express 𝑡 2 + 1 as a function of 𝑡 − 1.

𝑡 2 + 1 = 𝑎(𝑡 − 1)2 + 𝑏(𝑡 − 1) + 𝑐

𝑡 2 + 1 = 𝑎(𝑡 2 − 2𝑡 + 1) + 𝑏(𝑡 − 1) + 𝑐
= 𝑎𝑡 2 − 2𝑎𝑡 + 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑡 − 𝑏 + 𝑐
= 𝑎𝑡 2 + (−2𝑎 + 𝑏)𝑡 + (𝑎 − 𝑏 + 𝑐)

Collect the terms.

𝑡2 : 1 = 𝑎
𝑡: 0 = −2𝑎 + 𝑏
0 = −2(1) + 𝑏
𝑏=2
𝑘: 1 = 𝑎 − 𝑏 + 𝑐
1 = (1) − (2) + 𝑐
𝑐=2

𝑡 2 + 1 = 𝑎(𝑡 − 1)2 + 𝑏(𝑡 − 1) + 𝑐

𝑡 2 + 1 = (1)(𝑡 − 1)2 + (2)(𝑡 − 1) + (2)
𝑡 2 + 1 = (𝑡 − 1)2 + 2(𝑡 − 1) + (2)

𝐿{(𝑡 2 + 1)𝑈{𝑡 − 1}}

= 𝐿{[(𝑡 − 1)2 + 2(𝑡 − 1) + (2)]𝑈(𝑡 − 1)}
= 𝐿{(𝑡 − 1)2 𝑈(𝑡 − 1)} + 2𝐿{(𝑡 − 1)𝑈(𝑡 − 1)} +
2𝐿{𝑈(𝑡 − 1)}

𝐿{(𝑡 − 1)2 𝑈(𝑡 − 1)}: 𝐹(𝑡 − 𝑎) = 𝑡 − 1 , 𝑎 = 1

𝐹 (𝑡 ) = 𝑡 2
2 −(1)𝑠
𝐿{(𝑡 − 1) 𝑈(𝑡 − 1)} = 𝑒 𝐿{𝑡 2 }
2!
= 𝑒 −𝑠 ( 2+1 )
𝑠
2
= 𝑒 −𝑠 ( 3 )
𝑠

𝐿{(𝑡 − 1)𝑈(𝑡 − 1)}: 𝐹(𝑡 − 𝑎) = 𝑡 − 1 , 𝑎 = 1

𝐹 (𝑡 ) = 𝑡
 𝐿{(𝑡 − 1)𝑈(𝑡 − 1)} = 𝑒 −(1)𝑠 𝐿{𝑡}
1!
= 𝑒 −𝑠 ( 1+1 )
𝑠
1
= 𝑒 −𝑠 ( 2 )
𝑠

𝑒−(1)𝑠
𝐿{𝑈(𝑡 − 1)} = (Use Eqn. 4.4)
𝑠
𝑒−𝑠
= 𝑠

𝐿{(𝑡 2 + 1)𝑈{𝑡 − 1}}

= 𝐿{(𝑡 − 1)2 𝑈(𝑡 − 1)} + 2𝐿{(𝑡 − 1)𝑈(𝑡 − 1)}
+2𝐿{𝑈(𝑡 − 1)}
2 1 𝑒 −𝑠
= 𝑒 −𝑠 (𝑠3 ) + 2 [𝑒 −𝑠 (𝑠2 )] + 2 ( 𝑠
)
2𝑒 −𝑠 2𝑒 −𝑠 2𝑒 −𝑠
= + +
𝑠3 𝑠2 𝑠

Alternative Solution using Eqn. 4.5.

𝐿{(𝑡 2 + 1)𝑈{𝑡 − 1}}

𝐿{𝐺 (𝑡)𝑈(𝑡 − 𝑎 )} = 𝑒 −𝑎𝑠 𝐿{𝐺 (𝑡 + 𝑎)}

𝐿{(𝑡 2 + 1)𝑈{𝑡 − 1}}: 𝐺 (𝑡) = 𝑡 2 + 1 , 𝑎 = 1

𝐺 (𝑡 + 𝑎) = 𝐺 (𝑡 + 1)
= (𝑡 + 1)2 + 1
= (𝑡 2 + 2𝑡 + 1) + 1
= 𝑡 2 + 2𝑡 + 2

𝐿{(𝑡 2 + 1)𝑈{𝑡 − 1}} = 𝑒 −(1)𝑠 𝐿{𝑡2 + 2𝑡 + 2}

2! 1! 1
= 𝑒 −𝑠 [𝑠 2+1 + 2 (𝑠 1+1) + 2 ( 𝑠 )]
2 1 1
= 𝑒 −𝑠 [𝑠 3 + 2 (𝑠 2) + 2 ( 𝑠 )]
2𝑒 −𝑠 2𝑒 −𝑠 2𝑒 −𝑠
= + +
𝑠3 𝑠2 𝑠
5. 𝐿{cos 𝑡 𝑈(𝑡 − 𝜋)}

Use Eqn. 4.5.

𝐿{𝐺 (𝑡)𝑈(𝑡 − 𝑎)} = 𝑒 −𝑎𝑠 𝐿{𝐺 (𝑡 + 𝑎)}

𝐿{cos 𝑡 𝑈{𝑡 − 𝜋}}: 𝐺(𝑡) = cos 𝑡 , 𝑎 = 𝜋

𝐺(𝑡 + 𝑎) = 𝐺(𝑡 + 𝜋)
= cos(𝑡 + 𝜋)
= cos 𝑡 cos 𝜋 −
sin 𝑡 sin 𝜋
= (cos 𝑡)(−1) − (sin 𝑡)(0)
= − cos 𝑡

𝐿{cos 𝑡 𝑈(𝑡 − 𝜋)} = 𝑒 −(𝜋)𝑠 𝐿{− cos 𝑡}

𝑠
= 𝑒 −𝜋𝑠 [− (𝑠 2+(1)2 )]
𝑠𝑒 −𝜋𝑠
=− 𝑠 2+1

6. Find the transform of the function defined by

2, 0<𝑡<1
1 2 𝜋
𝑓 (𝑡 ) = { 2 𝑡 , 1<𝑡<2
𝜋
cos 𝑡 , 𝑡>
2

Use Eqn. 4.2.

𝑔 (𝑡 ) , 0≤𝑡<𝑎
𝑓 𝑡 = ℎ(𝑡 ) ,
( ) { 𝑎≤𝑡<𝑏
𝑗 (𝑡 ) , 𝑡≥𝑏
= 𝑔(𝑡) + [ℎ(𝑡) − 𝑔(𝑡)]𝑈(𝑡 − 𝑎) +
[𝑗(𝑡) − ℎ(𝑡)]𝑈(𝑡 − 𝑏)
2, 0<𝑡<1
1 2 𝜋
𝑓 (𝑡 ) = { 2 𝑡 , 1<𝑡<2
𝜋
cos 𝑡 , 𝑡> 2
1
=2+ [ 𝑡2 − 2] 𝑈 (𝑡 − 1) +
2
1 𝜋
[cos 𝑡 − 𝑡 2 ] 𝑈 (𝑡 − )
2 2
 1
= 2 + 2 𝑡 2 𝑈(𝑡 − 1) − 2 𝑈 (𝑡 − 1) +
𝜋 1 𝜋
cos 𝑡 𝑈 (𝑡 − 2 ) − 2 𝑡 2 𝑈 (𝑡 − 2 )

1 𝜋
𝐿 {2 + 𝑡2 𝑈(𝑡 − 1) − 2 𝑈(𝑡 − 1) + cos 𝑡 𝑈 (𝑡 − )
2 2
1 2
𝜋
− 𝑡 𝑈 (𝑡 − )}
2 2
1
= 2𝐿{1} + 2 𝐿{𝑡 2 𝑈(𝑡 − 1)} −
𝜋
2𝐿{𝑈(𝑡 − 1)} + 𝐿 {cos 𝑡 𝑈 (𝑡 − )} −
2
1 𝜋
2
𝐿 {𝑡2 𝑈 (𝑡 − 2)}

1
𝐿{1} =
𝑠

𝐿{𝑡 2 𝑈(𝑡 − 1)}: 𝐺(𝑡) = 𝑡 2 , 𝑎 = 1

𝐺 (𝑡 + 𝑎) = 𝐺 (𝑡 + 1)
= (𝑡 + 1)2
= 𝑡 2 + 2𝑡 + 1

𝐿{𝑡 2 𝑈(𝑡 − 1)} = 𝑒 −(1)𝑠 𝐿{𝑡 2 + 2𝑡 + 1}

2 2 1
= 𝑒 −𝑠 (𝑠3 + 𝑠2 + 𝑠 )

𝑒 −𝑠
𝐿{𝑈(𝑡 − 1)} =
𝑠
𝜋 𝜋
𝐿 {cos 𝑡 𝑈 (𝑡 − )} : 𝐺 (𝑡) = cos 𝑡 , 𝑎 =
2 2
𝜋
𝐺 (𝑡 + 𝑎) = 𝐺 (𝑡 + 2)
𝜋
= cos (𝑡 + 2)
𝜋
= cos 𝑡 cos 2 −
𝜋
sin 𝑡 sin 2
= cos 𝑡 (0) − sin 𝑡 (1)
= − sin 𝑡

𝜋 𝜋
𝐿 {cos 𝑡 𝑈 (𝑡 − )} = 𝑒 − 2 𝑠 𝐿{− sin 𝑡}
2 𝜋
1
= 𝑒 −2 𝑠 (− 𝑠2 +1)
𝜋
1
= −𝑒 − 2 𝑠 (𝑠2 +1)
 𝜋 𝜋
𝐿 {𝑡2 𝑈 (𝑡 − )} : 𝐺 (𝑡) = 𝑡 2 , 𝑎 =
2 2
𝜋
𝐺 (𝑡 + 𝑎) = 𝐺 (𝑡 + 2)
𝜋
2
= (𝑡 + 2)
𝜋2
= 𝑡 2 + 𝜋𝑡 + 4

𝜋 𝜋 𝜋2
𝐿 {𝑡2 𝑈 (𝑡 − )} = 𝑒 − 2 𝑠 𝐿 {𝑡 2 + 𝜋𝑡 + }
2 4
𝜋
2 𝜋 𝜋2
= 𝑒 −2 𝑠 ( 3 + + )
𝑠 𝑠2 4𝑠

1
𝐿{𝑓 (𝑡)} = 2𝐿{1} + 𝐿{𝑡 2 𝑈(𝑡 − 1)} − 2𝐿{𝑈(𝑡 − 1)}
2
𝜋 1 𝜋
+𝐿 {cos 𝑡 𝑈 (𝑡 − )} − 𝐿 {𝑡 2 𝑈 (𝑡 − )}
2 2 2
1 1 2 2 1 𝑒−𝑠
= 2 (𝑠 ) + 2 [𝑒−𝑠 (𝑠3 + 𝑠2 + 𝑠 )] − 2 ( )+
𝑠
𝜋 𝜋
− 𝑠 1 1 − 𝑠 2 𝜋 𝜋2
[−𝑒 2 (𝑠2+1)] − 2 [𝑒 2 (𝑠3 + 𝑠2 + 4𝑠 )]
2 1 1 1 2𝑒−𝑠
= + 𝑒−𝑠 ( 3 + 2
+ )− −
𝑠 𝑠 𝑠 2𝑠 𝑠
𝜋 𝜋
− 𝑠 1 − 𝑠 1 𝜋 𝜋2
𝑒 2 (𝑠 2+1) − 𝑒 2 (𝑠 3 + 2𝑠 2 + 8𝑠 )

ADDITIONAL OPERATIONAL PROPERTIES

Derivatives of Transforms. Laplace Transform of 𝒕𝒏 𝑭(𝒕)

The Laplace transform of the product of a function 𝐹 (𝑡) with 𝑡 𝑛 can be
solved by getting the 𝑛-th derivative of the Laplace transform of 𝐹 (𝑡) as shown
below.

If 𝐿{𝐹 (𝑡)} = 𝑓 (𝑠) and 𝑛 = 1, 2, 3, … , then

𝑑𝑛
𝐿{𝑡 𝑛 𝐹(𝑡)} = (−1)𝑛 [ 𝑛 (𝑓(𝑠))] (Eqn. 4.6)
𝑑𝑠
Example Solve the Laplace transform of the following.
4.6.

1. 𝐿{𝑡 cos 𝑡}

𝐿{𝑡 cos 𝑡}: 𝐹 (𝑡) = cos 𝑡 , 𝑛 = 1

𝑑
𝐿{𝑡 cos 𝑡} = (−1)1 [𝑑𝑠 (𝐿{cos 𝑡})] (First derivative)
𝑑 𝑠
= (−1)1 [𝑑𝑠 (𝑠 2+1)]
(𝑠 2 +1)(1)−𝑠(2𝑠)
= −[ (𝑠 2+1)2
] (Quotient Rule)
𝑠 2 +1−2𝑠 2
= −[ (𝑠 2+1)2
]
1−𝑠 2
= − [(𝑠 2+1)2 ]
𝑠 2−1
= (𝑠 2+1)2

2. 𝐿{𝑡 2 𝑒 2𝑡 }

𝐿{𝑡 2 𝑒 2𝑡 }: 𝐹 (𝑡) = 𝑒 2𝑡 , 𝑛 = 2

𝑑2
𝐿{𝑡 2 𝑒 2𝑡 } = (−1)2 [𝑑𝑠 2 (𝐿{𝑒 2𝑡 })] (Second derivative)
𝑑2 1
= (−1)2 [𝑑𝑠 2 (𝑠−2)]
𝑑 (𝑠−2)(0)−1(1)
= [ ] (1st der: Quotient Rule)
𝑑𝑠 (𝑠−2)2
𝑑 −1
= 𝑑𝑠 [(𝑠−2) 2] (2nd der: Quotient Rule)
(𝑠−2)2 (0)−(−1)[2(𝑠−2)]
=[ [(𝑠−2) 2]2
]
2(𝑠−2)
= (𝑠−2)4
2
= (𝑠−2)3
 𝒕
Transforms of Integrals. Laplace Transform of ∫𝟎 𝑭(𝒕)𝒅𝒕
The Laplace transform of the integral of 𝐹 (𝑡) is given below.

If 𝐿{𝐹 (𝑡)} = 𝑓 (𝑠), then

𝑡 1
𝐿 {∫0 𝐹 (𝑡)𝑑𝑡} = 𝑠 𝑓(𝑠) (Eqn. 4.7)

Example Find the Laplace transform of the following.

4.6.
𝑡
1. 𝐿 {∫0 𝑡𝑒 𝑡 𝑑𝑡}

𝑡 1
𝐿 {∫0 𝑡𝑒 𝑡 𝑑𝑡} = 𝑠 [𝐿{𝑡𝑒 𝑡 }]

𝑑
𝐿{𝑡𝑒 𝑡 } = (−1)1 [𝑑𝑠 (𝐿{𝑒 𝑡 })] (Use Eqn. 4.6)
𝑑 1
= (−1)1 [ ( )]
𝑑𝑠 𝑠−1
(𝑠−1)(0)−1(1)
= −[ (𝑠−1)2
]
1
= (𝑠−1)2

𝑡 1
𝐿 {∫0 𝑡𝑒 𝑡 𝑑𝑡} = 𝑠 [𝐿{𝑡𝑒 𝑡 }]
1 1
= 𝑠 [(𝑠−1)2 ]
1
= 𝑠(𝑠−1)2

𝑡
2. 𝐿 {∫0 𝑡 3 𝑑𝑡}

𝑡 1
𝐿 {∫0 𝑡 3 𝑑𝑡} = 𝑠 [𝐿{𝑡 3 }]

3!
𝐿{𝑡 3 } = 𝑠 3+1 (Use Eqn. 4.6)
3(2)(1)
= 𝑠4
6
=
𝑠4
 𝑡 1
𝐿 {∫0 𝑡 3 𝑑𝑡} = 𝑠 [𝐿{𝑡 3 }]
1 6
= 𝑠 (𝑠 4 )
6
= 𝑠5

Transform of a Periodic Function. If a periodic function 𝐹 has period 𝑝,

𝑝 > 0, then 𝐹(𝑡 + 𝑝) = 𝐹(𝑡). The Laplace transform of a periodic function
can be obtained by integration over one period. This is given below.

𝑏
1
𝐿 {𝐹(𝑡)} = ∫ 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝐹(𝑡)𝑑𝑡
1 − 𝑒 −𝑠𝑝 𝑎

where the interval [𝑎, 𝑏] represents the length of the period 𝑝.

Example Find the Laplace transform of the following graph.

4.7.

1.

The graph above shows a periodic function of period 𝑝 =

2. This means that the graph of 𝐹(𝑡) repeats every 2
units.

To solve for the 𝐿{𝐹 (𝑡)}, define first the function over
one period. In this case, define 𝐹 (𝑡) in the interval
[0, 2]. See the figure below.
 •(1,1)

•
(0, 0)
•(2, 0)

For the left portion of the graph, we get two points

(1, 1) and (0, 0). Using the two-point form,
𝑦 −𝑦
𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑡2 −𝑡 1 (𝑡 − 𝑡1 ):
2 1

0−1
𝑦−1 = (𝑡 − 1)
0−1
𝑦−1 =𝑡−1
𝑦=𝑡
𝑔 (𝑡 ) = 𝑡

For the right portion of the graph, we get two points

(1, 1) and (2, 0). Using the two-point form,
𝑦 −𝑦
𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑡2 −𝑡 1 (𝑡 − 𝑡1 ):
2 1

0−1
𝑦 − 1 = 2−1 (𝑡 − 1)
−1
𝑦 − 1 = 1 (𝑡 − 1)
𝑦 − 1 = − (𝑡 − 1 )
𝑦 = −(𝑡 − 1) + 1
𝑦 = −𝑡 + 1 + 1
ℎ(𝑡) = −𝑡 + 2

The function 𝐹 (𝑡) can now be defined over the interval

[0, 2] as

𝑡, 0≤𝑡<1
𝐹 (𝑡 ) = {
−𝑡 + 2 , 1 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 2

1 𝑏
𝐿{𝐹 (𝑡)} = ∫ 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝐹 (𝑡)𝑑𝑡
1−𝑒 −𝑠𝑝 𝑎
where 𝑝 = 2 and [𝑎, 𝑏] = [0,2]
 1 2
= 1−𝑒 −𝑠(2) ∫0 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝐹 (𝑡) 𝑑𝑡
1 1 2
= 1−𝑒 −𝑠(2) [∫0 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 (𝑡) 𝑑𝑡 + ∫1 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 (−𝑡 + 2) 𝑑𝑡]

1
∫0 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 (𝑡) 𝑑𝑡 (Use IBP: Shortcut)
+𝑡 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡
1
-1 − 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡
𝑠
1
0 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡
𝑠2
1 1
= [𝑡 (− 𝑠 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 ) − 𝑠 2 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 ] |10
1 1
= [(1) (− 𝑠 𝑒 −𝑠(1) ) − 𝑠2 𝑒 −𝑠(1) ] −
1 1
[(0) (− 𝑒 −𝑠(0) ) − 2 𝑒 −𝑠(0) ]
𝑠 𝑠
1 1 1
= (− 𝑠 𝑒−𝑠 − 𝑠2 𝑒−𝑠 ) − (0 − 𝑠2 (1))
1 1 1
= − 𝑠 𝑒−𝑠 − 𝑠2 𝑒−𝑠 + 𝑠2

2
∫1 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 (−𝑡 + 2) 𝑑𝑡
2 2
= − ∫1 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 (𝑡) 𝑑𝑡 + 2 ∫1 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑡
1 1
= − [𝑡 (− 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 ) − 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 ] |12 +
𝑠 𝑠2
1
2 [(− 𝑠 ) (𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 )] |12
1 1
[(2) (− 𝑒 −𝑠(2) ) − 2 𝑒 −𝑠(2) ] −
𝑠 𝑠
= −{ 1 1
}+
[(1) (− 𝑒 −𝑠(1) ) − 2 𝑒 −𝑠(1) ]
𝑠 𝑠
1 1
2 {[(− 𝑠 ) (𝑒 −𝑠(2) )] − [(− 𝑠 ) (𝑒 −𝑠(1) )]}
2 1 1 1
= − [(− 𝑠 𝑒 −2𝑠 − 𝑠2 𝑒 −2𝑠 ) + 𝑠 𝑒 −𝑠 + 𝑠2 𝑒 −𝑠 ) +
1 1
2 [− 𝑠 𝑒 −2𝑠 + 𝑠 𝑒 −𝑠 ]
2 1 1 1 2 2
= 𝑒−2𝑠 + 2 𝑒−2𝑠 − 𝑒−𝑠 − 2 𝑒−𝑠 − 𝑒−2𝑠 + 𝑒−𝑠
𝑠 𝑠 𝑠 𝑠 𝑠 𝑠
1 −2𝑠 1 −𝑠 1 −𝑠
= 𝑠2 𝑒 + 𝑒 − 𝑒
𝑠 𝑠2
 1 1 2
𝐿{𝐹(𝑡)} = 1−𝑒 −𝑠(2) [∫0 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 (𝑡) 𝑑𝑡 + ∫1 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 (−𝑡 + 2) 𝑑𝑡]
1 1 1
1
(− 𝑒 −𝑠 − 2 𝑒 −𝑠 + 2 ) +
= 1−𝑒 −2𝑠 [ 1 𝑠 𝑠
1 −𝑠
𝑠
1 −𝑠
]
−2𝑠
( 2𝑒 + 𝑒 − 2𝑒 )
𝑠 𝑠 𝑠

1 2 1 1
= 1−𝑒 −2𝑠 (− 𝑠 2 𝑒 −𝑠 + 𝑠 2 + 𝑠 2 𝑒 −2𝑠 )
(Combine like terms)
1 −2𝑒 −𝑠 +1+𝑒 −2𝑠
= 1−𝑒 −2𝑠 ( ) (Get LCD)
𝑠2
𝑒 −2𝑠 −2𝑒 −𝑠+1
= 𝑠 2(1−𝑒 −2𝑠 )
(𝑒 −𝑠 −1)(𝑒 −𝑠 −1)
= 𝑠 2(1−𝑒 −𝑠 )(1+𝑒 −𝑠 ) (Get factors)

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

2.

The graph above shows a periodic function of period 𝑝 = 2. This

means that the graph of 𝐹(𝑡) repeats every 2 units.

To solve for the 𝐿{𝐹 (𝑡)}, define first the function over one
period. In this case, define 𝐹 (𝑡) in the interval [−1, 1]. See
the figure below.
 • (1,1)

(−1, −1) •

To define the graph over the interval [−1, 1], we get two points
(1, 1) and (−1, −1). Using the two-point form,
𝑦 −𝑦
𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑡2 −𝑡 1 (𝑡 − 𝑡1 ):
2 1

−1−1
𝑦 − 1 = −1−1 (𝑡 − 1)
−2
𝑦 − 1 = −2 (𝑡 − 1)
𝑦−1 =𝑡−1
𝐹 (𝑡 ) = 𝑡

Therefore,

𝐹 (𝑡 ) = 𝑡 , − 1 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 1

1 𝑏
𝐿{𝐹 (𝑡)} = 1−𝑒 −𝑠𝑝 ∫𝑎 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝐹 (𝑡)𝑑𝑡
where 𝑝 = 2 and [𝑎, 𝑏] = [−1, −1]
1 1
= 1−𝑒 −𝑠(2) ∫−1 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝐹(𝑡) 𝑑𝑡
1 1
= 1−𝑒 −𝑠(2) ∫−1 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 (𝑡) 𝑑𝑡

1
∫−1 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 (𝑡) 𝑑𝑡 (Use IBP: Shortcut)
+𝑡 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡
1
-1 − 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝑠
1
0 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡
𝑠2
 1 1
= [𝑡 (− 𝑠 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 ) − 𝑠 2 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 ] |1−1
1 1
= [(1) (− 𝑠 𝑒 −𝑠(1) ) − 𝑠2 𝑒 −𝑠(1) ] −
1 1
[(−1) (− 𝑒 −𝑠(−1) ) − 2 𝑒 −𝑠(−1) ]
𝑠 𝑠
1 1 1 1
= (− 𝑠 𝑒−𝑠 − 𝑠2 𝑒−𝑠 ) − ( 𝑠 𝑒𝑠 − 𝑠2 𝑒𝑠 )
1 1 1 1
= − 𝑠 𝑒−𝑠 − 𝑠2 𝑒−𝑠 − 𝑠 𝑒𝑠 + 𝑠2 𝑒𝑠

1 1
𝐿{𝐹 (𝑡)} = 1−𝑒 −𝑠(2) ∫−1 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 (𝑡) 𝑑𝑡
1 1 1 1 1
= 1−𝑒 −2𝑠 (− 𝑠 𝑒 −𝑠 − 𝑠 2 𝑒 −𝑠 − 𝑠 𝑒 𝑠 + 𝑠 2 𝑒 𝑠 )
1 −𝑠𝑒 −𝑠 −𝑒 −𝑠 −𝑠𝑒 𝑠 +𝑒 𝑠
= ( )
1−𝑒 −2𝑠 𝑠2
1 −𝑒 −𝑠 (𝑠+1)−𝑒 𝑠 (𝑠−1)
= 1−𝑒 −2𝑠 ( )
𝑠2

3. Find the transform of the square-wave function defined as

1 , 0<𝑡<𝑐
𝐹 (𝑡, 𝑐 ) = {
−1, 𝑐 < 𝑡 < 2𝑐

where 𝐹 (𝑡 + 2𝑐, 𝑐 ) = 𝐹 (𝑡, 𝑐 ). Also, graph 𝐹 (𝑡, 𝑐 ) over

2 periods.

The graph of 𝐹 (𝑡, 𝑐 ) over 2 periods is given below.

−2𝑐 −𝑐 𝑐 2𝑐
 1 𝑏
𝐿{𝐹(𝑡, 𝑐 )} = 1−𝑒 −𝑠𝑝 ∫𝑎 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝐹 (𝑡, 𝑐 )𝑑𝑡
where 𝑝 = 2𝑐 and [𝑎, 𝑏] = [0,2𝑐]
1 2𝑐
= 1−𝑒 −𝑠(2𝑐) ∫0 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝐹 (𝑡) 𝑑𝑡
𝑐
1 ∫0 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 (1) 𝑑𝑡 +
= 1−𝑒 −𝑠(2𝑐) [ 2𝑐 ]
∫𝑐 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 (−1) 𝑑𝑡
1 𝑐 2𝑐
= (∫0 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑡 − ∫𝑐 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑡)
1−𝑒 −2𝑐𝑠
1 1 1
= 1−𝑒 −2𝑐𝑠 [(− 𝑠 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 ) |𝑐0 − (− 𝑠 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 ) |2𝑐
𝑐 ]

1
1
− 𝑠 (𝑒 −𝑠(𝑐) − 𝑒 −𝑠(0) ) +
= 1−𝑒 −2𝑐𝑠 [ 1 ]
(𝑒 −𝑠(2𝑐) − 𝑒 −𝑠(𝑐) )
𝑠

1
1
− 𝑠 (𝑒 −𝑐𝑠 − 1) +
= 1−𝑒 −2𝑐𝑠 [ 1 ]
(𝑒 −2𝑐𝑠 − 𝑒 −𝑐𝑠 )
𝑠

1 𝑒 −𝑐𝑠 1 𝑒 −2𝑐𝑠 𝑒 −𝑐𝑠

= 1−𝑒 −2𝑐𝑠 (− +𝑠+ − )
𝑠 𝑠 𝑠
1 2𝑒 −𝑐𝑠 1 𝑒 −2𝑐𝑠
= 1−𝑒 −2𝑐𝑠 (− +𝑠+ )
𝑠 𝑠
1 −2𝑒 −𝑐𝑠+1+𝑒 −2𝑐𝑠
= 1−𝑒 −2𝑐𝑠 ( )
𝑠
𝑒 −2𝑐𝑠 −2𝑒 −𝑐𝑠+1
= 𝑠(1−𝑒 −2𝑐𝑠 )
(𝑒 −𝑐𝑠−1)(𝑒 −𝑐𝑠−1)
= 𝑠(1−𝑒 −𝑐𝑠 )(1+𝑒 −𝑐𝑠)
(𝑒 −𝑐𝑠−1)(𝑒 −𝑐𝑠 −1)
= 𝑠(−1)(𝑒 −𝑐𝑠−1)(1+𝑒 −𝑐𝑠 )
(𝑒 −𝑐𝑠−1)
= 𝑠(−1)(1+𝑒 −𝑐𝑠)
−(𝑒 −𝑐𝑠−1)
= 𝑠(1+𝑒 −𝑐𝑠 )
1−𝑒 −𝑐𝑠
= 𝑠(1+𝑒 −𝑐𝑠 )
 PROBLEM SET 4
THE LAPLACE TRANSFORM
For Numbers 1 and 2. Find the Laplace transform of the following functions
using the definition via integration.

1. 𝐹(𝑡) = 5 sin 3𝑡
 1, 0<𝑡 <2
2. 𝐺(𝑡) = {
𝑡, 𝑡>2
For Numbers 3-5. Solve the Laplace transform of the following using the
formula.

3. 𝐹(𝑡) = 𝑒 −2𝑡−5

1
4. 𝐺(𝑡) = 𝑡 5 − 4 𝑒 −9𝑡 + 5(𝑡 − 1)2
 5. 𝐻(𝑡) = cos 2 𝑡 Hint: Use an appropriate
trigonometric identity.

For Numbers 6-10. Use the translation theorems to solve for the Laplace
transform of the following functions.

6. 𝐹(𝑡) = 𝑒 −𝑡 cosh 𝑡
 𝑡
7. 𝐹(𝑡) = 𝑒 2𝑡 [9 − 5𝑡 + 10 sin (4)]

1, 0≤𝑡<4
8. 𝐺(𝑡) = { 0 , 4≤𝑡<5
1, 𝑡≥5
9. 𝐺(𝑡) = 𝑡 𝑈(𝑡 − 2)

10. 𝐺(𝑡) = 𝑒 2−𝑡 𝑈 (𝑡 − 2)

11. Graph the function 𝑓 (𝑡) = (3 + 𝑡)[𝑈(𝑡 − 2) −
𝑈(𝑡 − 3)].
Also, find its Laplace transform.
12. Evaluate: 𝐿{𝑡𝑒 2𝑡 sin 6𝑡}

𝑡
13. Evaluate: 𝐿 {∫0 𝑡 2 cos 𝑡 𝑑𝑡}
For Numbers 14 and 15. Find the Laplace transform of the following periodic
functions.

14. Sawtooth function

15. Full-wave rectification of sin 𝑡