Chapter 1 The Laplace Transform

40

SOLUTIONS OF DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

We recall that if

{y

(n)

y=f (t)

then

}=s n { y }s n1 y ( 0 )sn2 y ' ( 0 )

s y ( n2 ) ( 0 ) y (n1 ) ( 0 )
'
''
( n1 )
where
are the initial
y ( 0 ) , y ( 0 ) , y ( 0 ) , , y ( 0)
t=0. This theorem on Laplace
conditions of derivatives at
transform of derivatives is a powerful tool in solving differential
equations with constant coefficients. It is assumed that the
solution to y=f ( t ) satisfies suitable conditions stated in the
theorem.
The general procedure for solving ordinary differential
Example 1
Solve the initial-value problem

dy
+2 y=6 sin 2 t , y ( 0 )=1.
dt

Solution:

5 2 t 3
3
y= e cos 2 t+ sin 2 t
2
2
2

ANS

Example 2
Solve the initial-value problem

d3 y d2 y
dy
+ 2 3 2 y=et ,
3
dt
dt
dt
y ( 0 )=0, y ' ( 0 )=0, y ' ' ( 0 )=1.

ANS:

1 t 1
y=1+ e + et
2
2

Example 3
Solve

y '' + y=f ( t ) ; y ( 0 )=0, y ' ( 0 )=0 ,

if

f ( t )= 0, t <5 .
10,t 5

Chapter 1 The Laplace Transform

41

y=[ 1010 cos ( t5 ) ] U ( t5 )

Simultaneous Differential Equations

To solve these equations simultaneously, we take the Laplace
transform of each equation obtaining two simultaneous
algebraic
equations
from
which
we
obtain
1
1
y= { F1 (s) }=f 1 (t) and x= { F 2 (s ) }=f 2 ( t ) .
Example 1
Solve the system

ANS:

dx
=2 y
dt
dy
=8 x
dt

y=2 sinh 4 t ,

x ( 0 )=1 , y ( 0 ) =0.

x=cosh 4 t

Example 2

dy
+ x=t
dt
Solve simultaneously the system
dx
+ 4 y =0
dt
given that x=1, y=1
at t=0.

ANS: y=

1 7 2 t 3 2 t
+ e + e
4 8
8

7
3
x=t e 2t + e2 t
4
4

Solutions of Differential Equations

42

Homework
I. Use the Laplace transform method to solve the given
initial-value problem.

1.

y ' ' 3 y ' +2 y=e4 t ; y ( 0 ) =1, y ' ( 0 )=5

2.

y ' ' + y=f (t ); y ( 0 )=0, y ' ( 0 )=1

Use the Laplace transform method to solve the given

system of differential equations.
where
3.

f ( t )= 4 t <
8t

y ' ' + x + y=0 ; x ' + y ' =0

y ' ( 0 )=0, y ( 0 )=0, x' ( 0 )=0, x ( 0 )=1

Chapter 1 The Laplace Transform

43

Applications to Some Physical Problems

Apply the Laplace Transform to solve the differential
equations involved.
4. Kirchoffs second law states that the algebraic sum of
the voltage drops in a single loop containing a resistor ,
an inductor, and a capacitor is equal to the impressed
voltage. Thus, we may write

RI + L

dI 1
+ Q=E(t )
dt C

where:

RI

= voltage across the resistor,

E(t)

= impressed

voltage

dI
= voltage across the inductor
dt

1
Q
C

= voltage across the capacitor.

The relationship between the current,

charge, Q (coulombs) is given by
t

dQ
I=
Q= I ( r ) dr .
dt
0
R=3
E(t) =100sint V
L=0.1h

Problem 17

C=0.05f

I (amperes) and the

Solutions of Differential Equations

44

Solve the LRC-series circuit shown subject to the

condition ( t )=0 , that is, the current I is zero at
time t=0 .

Chapter 1 The Laplace Transform

45

5.

In an RC-series circuit, determine the current

I ( 0 ) =0
subject to the condition
given
R=12 , C=0.5 h , and E ( t ) =2t .

6.

I
that

An electrical network having more than one loop will

result to a system of differential equations. Solve the
currents I 1 and I 2 from the given differential
equations describing the electrical network shown
I 1 and
subject to the conditions that the currents
I 2 are initially zero.
L=2h

d I1
+ R I 2=E (t)
dt
dI
RC 2 + I 2I 1 =0
dt
L

7.

60 V

R=50

C= 10-4f

Consider the predator-prey model described by

dx
=0.1 x0.025 y
dt
dx
=0.15 y 0.02 x ,
dt

where x (t) and y (t) are the populations of the

predators and prey at any time t both are measured in the
thousands. Suppose at time t=0, x=5 and y=5 . Find
the populations of the predator and prey after 100 years.