Inverse Laplace transforms

If 𝐿 𝑓 𝑡 = 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 then 𝑓(𝑡) is called the inverse Laplace transform of

𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 and is denoted by 𝐿−1 [𝑓(𝑠)].
ҧ
Thus we can say that,
𝐿 𝑓 𝑡 = 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 ⇔𝐿−1 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 = 𝑓 𝑡
Observe the following illustrations.
1 −1
1
𝐿 1 = ⇒𝐿 =1
𝑠 𝑠
𝑠 𝑠
𝐿 cos 𝑎𝑡 = ⇒ 𝐿−1 = cos 𝑎𝑡
𝑠2 +𝑎2 𝑠2 +𝑎2

Dept of Mathematics 1
Table of Laplace transforms
Functions Inverse Transforms
1 𝟏 𝟏
𝒔
2 𝟏 𝒆𝒂𝒕
𝒔−𝒂
3 𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝒂𝒕
𝒔𝟐 + 𝒂 𝟐
4 𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒉 𝒂𝒕
𝒔𝟐 − 𝒂 𝟐
5 𝟏 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒕
𝒔𝟐 + 𝒂 𝟐 𝒂
6 𝟏 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒉 𝒂𝒕
𝒔𝟐 − 𝒂 𝟐 𝒂
7 𝟏 𝒕𝒏
𝒏+𝟏 (n>-1)
𝒔
𝜞(𝒏 + 𝟏)
8 𝟏 𝒕𝒏
𝒔𝒏+𝟏
n=1,2,3,….. 𝒏!
Dept of Mathematics 2
Find the inverse Laplace transform of the following functions
1 3 4
1. + −
𝑠+2 2𝑠+5 3𝑠−2
1 3 −1 1 4 −1 1
≫ 𝐿−1 + 𝐿 5 − 𝐿
𝑆+2 2 𝑠+ Τ2 3 𝑠− 2Τ3
−2𝑡 3 −5𝑡Τ 4 2𝑡Τ
= 𝑒 + Τ2 . 𝑒 2 − Τ3 ∙ 𝑒 3

2𝑠−5 8−6𝑠
2. 2 + 2
4𝑠 +25 16𝑠 +9
−1 𝑠 −1 1 −1 1 −1 𝑠
≫ 2𝐿 − 5𝐿 + 8𝐿 − 6𝐿
4𝑠 2 +25 4𝑠2 +25 16𝑠2 +9 16𝑠 2 +9
1 −1 𝑠 5 −1 1 1 −1 1 3 −1 𝑠
= 𝐿 5 − 𝐿 5 + 𝐿 3 − 𝐿
2 2
𝑠 + Τ2 2 4 2
𝑠 + Τ2 2 2 2
𝑠 + Τ4 2 8 𝑠2 + 3Τ4 2
1 5 2 1 4 3
= cos( Τ2) − ∙ sin Τ2 + ∙ sin Τ4 − cos(3𝑡Τ4)
5𝑡 5𝑡 3𝑡
2 4 5 2 3 8
1 1 2 3
= ∙ cos( Τ2) − ∙ sin Τ2 + ∙ sin Τ4 − ∙ cos(3𝑡Τ4)
5𝑡 5𝑡 3𝑡
2 2 3Dept of Mathematics 8 3
 (𝑠+2)3
3. 6
𝑠
𝑆 3 +6𝑆 2 +12𝑆+8 1 1 1 1
>>𝐿−1 = 𝐿−1 + 6𝐿−1 + 12𝐿−1 + −1
8𝐿 ( 6 )
𝑆6 𝑆3 𝑆4 𝑆5 𝑆
𝑡2 𝑡3 𝑡4 𝑡5
= + 6. + 12. +8∙
2! 3! 4! 5!
𝑡2 𝑡 4 𝑡 5
= + 𝑡3 + +
2 2 15

1 3 8
4. + −
𝑠 𝑠 𝑠2 𝑠 𝑠
1 1 1
≫ 𝐿−1 3 + 3𝐿−1 5ൗ − 8𝐿−1 1
𝑠 ൗ2 𝑠 2 𝑠 ൗ2
1ൗ 3ൗ −1ൗ
𝑡 2 𝑡 2 𝑡 2
= + 3. −8
𝛤(3Τ2) 𝛤 5Τ2 𝛤(1Τ2)

Dept of Mathematics 4
 𝑡 𝑡 𝑡 8
= 1Τ ·𝛤(1Τ ) + 3. 3Τ 1Τ 1Τ −
2 2 2· 2∙𝛤( 2) 𝑡𝛤(1Τ2)
2 𝑡 𝑡 𝑡 8
= +4 −
𝜋 𝜋 𝑡 𝜋
2 4
= 𝑡 + 2𝑡 𝑡 −
𝜋 𝑡

Exercise problems
𝑠+2 4𝑠−1
1. + 2
𝑠 2 +36 𝑠 +25
3𝑠+5 2
2.
𝑠2 +8
3(𝑠2 −1)2
3.
2𝑠5

Dept of Mathematics 5
 ത
Computation of the inverse transform of 𝒆−𝒂𝒔 𝒇(𝒔)
We have 𝐿 𝑓 𝑡 − 𝑎 𝑢 𝑡 − 𝑎 = 𝑒 −𝑎𝑠 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠
∴ 𝐿−1 𝑒 −𝑎𝑠 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 = 𝑓 t − a u(t − a)

Working procedure for problems

❖In the given function we should observe the presence of 𝑒 −𝑎𝑠 first and identify
the remaining part of the function to be called as 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 .
❖Taking the inverse of 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 we obtain𝑓(𝑡).
ҧ
❖The required inverse of 𝑒 −𝑎𝑠 𝑓(𝑠) is obtained by replacing t by 𝑡 − 𝑎 in 𝑓(𝑡) &
to be multiplied by the unit step function u 𝑡 − 𝑎 .

Dept of Mathematics 6
Problems
Find the inverse Laplace transform of the following
1+𝑒 −3𝑠
1. 𝑠2
1 𝑒 −3𝑠
>> 𝐿−1 + 𝐿−1 2
𝑠2 𝑠
1
We have 𝐿−1 2 = 𝑡
𝑠
−3𝑠
−1 1+𝑒
Thus 𝐿 2 =𝑡+ 𝑡 − 3 𝑢(𝑡 − 3)
𝑠

cosh 2𝑠
2. 𝑒 3𝑠 𝑠2
cosh 2𝑠 𝑒 −3𝑠 (𝑒 2𝑠 +𝑒 −2𝑠 ) 1 𝑒 −𝑠 𝑒 −5𝑠
>> = = + 2
𝑒 3𝑠 𝑠2 𝑠2 2 2
2 𝑠−𝑠 𝑠 −5𝑠
cosh 2𝑠 1 −1 𝑒 𝑒 1
Now, 𝐿−1 3𝑠 2 = 𝐿 + 𝐿−1 2 −1
But 𝐿 =𝑡
𝑒 𝑠 2 𝑠2 𝑠 𝑠2

−1 cosh 2𝑠 1
Thus 𝐿 = 𝑡−1 𝑢 𝑡−1 + 𝑡−5 𝑢 𝑡−5
𝑒 3𝑠 𝑠 2 2
Dept of Mathematics 7
 (1−𝑒 −𝑠 )(2−𝑒 −2𝑠 )
3.
𝑠3
(1−𝑒 −𝑠 )(2−𝑒 −2𝑠 ) 2−2𝑒 −𝑠 −𝑒 −2𝑠 +𝑒 −3𝑠
>> =
𝑠3 𝑠3
1−𝑒 −𝑠 2−𝑒 −2𝑠 1 𝑒 −𝑠 𝑒 −2𝑠 𝑒 −3𝑠
Now ,𝐿 −1 = 2𝐿 −1 − 2𝐿−1 − 𝐿−1 + 𝐿−1
𝑠3 𝑆3 𝑆3 𝑆3 𝑆3
−1 1 𝑡2
But 𝐿 =
𝑆3 2
1−𝑒 −𝑠 2−𝑒 −2𝑠 (𝑡−2)2 𝑢(𝑡−2) 𝑡−3 2 𝑢(𝑡−3)
Thus 𝐿−1 𝑠3
= 𝑡 2 − (𝑡 − 1)2 𝑢 𝑡 − 1 − +
2 2
Exercise problems
𝑒 −𝜋𝑠 𝑠𝑒 −2𝜋𝑠
1. 2 +
𝑠 +1 𝑠 2 +4
−𝑠ൗ
𝑠𝑒 2 +𝜋𝑒 −𝑠
2.
𝑠2 +𝜋2

Dept of Mathematics 8
Inverse transform by completing the square
Working procedure for problems
∅(𝑠)
❖Given 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 = 2 ,
(𝑝𝑠 +𝑞𝑠+𝑟)
we first express (𝑝𝑠 2 + 𝑞𝑠+ 𝑟) in the form (𝑠 − 𝑎)2 ±𝑏 2 and later
express ∅(𝑠) in terms of (𝑠 − 𝑎) so that the given function of s reduces
to a function of (𝑠 − 𝑎).
❖We then use 𝐿−1 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 − 𝑎 = 𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐿−1 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 to obtain the result.
❖ However if 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 = ∅(𝑠)Τ𝛹(𝑠 − 𝑎) we only need to express ∅(𝑠) in
terms of (𝑠 − 𝑎) to compute the inverse transform.

Dept of Mathematics 9
Find the inverse Laplace transforms of the following functions
𝑠+5
1.
𝑠 2 −6𝑠+13
−1 𝑠+5 𝑠+5
≫ 𝐿 = 𝐿−1
𝑠2 −6𝑠+13 𝑠−3 2 +4
−1 𝑠−3 +3+5 −1 𝑠−3 +8
i.e., =𝐿 =𝐿
𝑠−3 2 +22 𝑠−3 2 +22
Here 𝑎 = 3 and 𝑠 − 3 changes to 𝑠.
𝑠+8
i.e., = 𝑒 3𝑡 𝐿−1
𝑠 2 +22
3𝑡 −1 𝑠 1
= 𝑒 𝐿 + 8𝐿−1
𝑠 2 +22 𝑠2 +22
−1 𝑠+5
Thus 𝐿 = 𝑒 3𝑡 (cos 2t + 4 sin 2t)
𝑠2 −6𝑠+13

Dept of Mathematics 10
 𝑠2
2.
(𝑠+1)3
>>Here we need to express 𝑠 2 in terms of (𝑠 + 1)
𝑠 2 = (𝑠 + 1)2 −2𝑠 − 1 = 𝑠 + 1 2 − 2 𝑠 + 1 + 2 − 1
i.e., 𝑠 2 = (𝑠 + 1)2 −2 𝑠 + 1 + 1
𝑠2 (𝑠+1)2 −2 𝑠+1 +1
∴ 𝐿−1 = 𝐿−1
𝑠+1 3 𝑠+1 3
Here 𝑎 = −1 and (𝑠 + 1) changes to 𝑠.Hence R.H.S becomes
−𝑡 −1 𝑠2 −2𝑠+1 1 1 1
𝑒 𝐿 = 𝑒 −𝑡 𝐿−1 − 2𝐿−1 + 𝐿−1
𝑠3 𝑠 𝑠2 𝑠3
𝑠 2 𝑡2
Thus 𝐿−1 = 𝑒 −𝑡 1 − 2t +
𝑠+1 3 2

Dept of Mathematics 11
 𝑒 −4𝑠
3.
(𝑠−4)2
1
ҧ
>>Let 𝑓 𝑠 =
(𝑠−4)2
1 1
𝐿−1 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 = 𝐿−1 = 𝑒 4𝑡 𝐿−1 = 𝑒 4𝑡 ∙ 𝑡 = 𝑓 𝑡
𝑠−4 2 𝑠2
But 𝐿−1 𝑒 −4𝑠 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 = 𝑓 𝑡 − 4 𝑢(𝑡 − 4)
𝑒 −4𝑠
Thus 𝐿−1 = 𝑒4 𝑡−4 𝑡 − 4 𝑢(𝑡 − 4)
𝑠−4 2

1 1
4. 5 +
(𝑠+4) ൗ2 2𝑠+3
−1 1 −1 1 −4𝑡 −1 1 1 −1 1
>>𝐿 5ൗ +𝐿 = 𝑒 𝐿 5ൗ + 𝐿
𝑠+4 2 2𝑠+3 𝑠 2 2 𝑠+3Τ2
3ൗ −3𝑡ൗ
𝑡 2 𝑒 2 1
= 𝑒 −4𝑡 + 𝐿−1
𝛤 5Τ2 2 𝑠
5Τ 3 1 3 𝜋
But 𝛤 2 = ∙ ∙ 𝜋=
2 2 4
Dept of Mathematics 12
 −3𝑡ൗ −1ൗ
−1 1 −1 1 4 −4𝑡 3Τ2 𝑒 2 𝑡 2
Thus we have 𝐿 5ൗ +𝐿 = 𝑒 𝑡 +
𝑠+4 2 2𝑠+3 3 𝜋 2 𝛤(1Τ2)

But 𝛤 1Τ2 = 𝜋
−3𝑡ൗ
1 4 −4𝑡 3Τ 𝑒 2
= 𝑒 𝑡 2 +
𝜋 3 2𝑡
7𝑠+4
5. 2
4𝑠 +4𝑠+9
>> Consider 4𝑠 2 + 4𝑠 + 9 = 4 𝑠 2 + 𝑠 + 9Τ4 = 4 𝑠 + 1Τ2 2 +2
Hence 7𝑠 + 4 = 7 𝑠 + 1Τ2 + 1Τ2
−1 7𝑠+4 1 −1 7 𝑠+1Τ2 +1Τ2
Now 𝐿 2 = 𝐿 1Τ 2
4𝑠 +4𝑠+9 4 −𝑡 𝑠+ 2 +2
𝑒 ൗ2 −1 𝑠 1 −1 1
i.e., = 7𝐿 2 + 𝐿 2
4 2
𝑠 + 2 2 2
𝑠 + 2
−𝑡ൗ
7𝑠+4 𝑒 2 1
Thus 𝐿−1 = 7 cos 2t + sin 2t
4𝑠 2 +4𝑠+9 4 2 2
Dept of Mathematics 13
Exercise Problems
(𝑠+2)𝑒 −𝑠
1.
(𝑠+1)4
2𝑠−1
2. 2
𝑠 +4𝑠+29
𝑠+1
3. 2
𝑠 +6𝑠+9

Dept of Mathematics 14
Inverse transforms by the method of Partial fractions
1
1.
𝑠 𝑠+1 𝑠+2 (𝑠+3)
1 𝐴 𝐵 𝐶 𝐷
>> Let = + + +
𝑠 𝑠+1 𝑠+2 (𝑠+3) 𝑆 𝑆+1 𝑆+2 𝑆+3
Multiplying by 𝑠 𝑠 + 1 𝑠 + 2 (𝑠 + 3) we get,
1 = 𝐴 𝑠 + 1 𝑠 + 2 𝑠 + 3 + 𝐵𝑠 𝑠 + 2 𝑠 + 3 + 𝐶𝑠 𝑠 + 1 𝑠 + 3 +
𝐷𝑠(𝑠 + 1)(𝑠 + 2)
Put 𝑠 = 0 : 1 = 𝐴(6) ∴ 𝐴 = 1Τ6
Put 𝑠 = −1 : 1 = 𝐵(−2) ∴ 𝐵 = −1Τ2
Put 𝑠 = −2 : 1 = 𝐶(2) ∴ C = 1Τ2
Put 𝑠 = −3 : 1 = 𝐷(−6) ∴ 𝐷 = −1Τ6
1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1
Now,𝐿−1 = 𝐿 − 𝐿 + 𝐿 − 𝐿
𝑠 𝑠+1 𝑠+2 𝑠+3 6 𝑆 2 𝑆+1 2 𝑆+2 6 𝑆+3
Dept of Mathematics 15
 −1 1 1 1 −𝑡 1 −2𝑡 1 −3𝑡
Thus 𝐿 = − 𝑒 + 𝑒 − 𝑒
𝑠 𝑠+1 𝑠+2 𝑠+3 6 2 2 6

2𝑠2 +5𝑠−4
2. 3 2
𝑠 +𝑠 −2𝑠
>>Let 𝑠 3 + 𝑠 2 − 2𝑠 = s 𝑠 2 + s − 2 = s(s − 1)(s + 2)
2𝑠2 +5𝑠−4 𝐴 𝐵 𝐶
= + +
s s−1 s+2 𝑠 𝑠−1 𝑠+2
Multiplying by s(s − 1)(s + 2) we get,
2𝑠 2 + 5𝑠 − 4=A(s−1)(s+2)+Bs(s+2)+Cs(s−1)
Put 𝑠 = 0 :−4 = 𝐴(−2) ∴ 𝐴 = 2
Put 𝑠 = 1 : 3 = 𝐵(3) ∴𝐵=1
Put 𝑠 = −2 : −6 = 𝐶(6) ∴ 𝐶 = −1
−1 2𝑠2 +5𝑠−4 −1 1 −1 1 −1 1
Now ,𝐿 =2𝐿 +Dept𝐿of Mathematics −𝐿 = 2 + 𝑒 𝑡 − 𝑒 −2𝑡16
s s−1 s+2 𝑆 𝑆−1 𝑆+2
 4𝑆+5
3.
𝑆+1 2 (𝑆+2)
4𝑆+5 𝐴 𝐵 𝐶
>> Let = + +
𝑆+1 2 𝑆+2 𝑆+1 (𝑆+1)2 𝑠+2
Multiplying by 𝑠 + 1 2 𝑠 + 2 we get,
4𝑠 + 5 = A s + 1 s + 2 + B s + 2 + C(𝑠 + 1)2 …………(1)
Put 𝑠 = −1 : 1 = 𝐵(1) ∴ 𝐵 = 1
Put 𝑠 = −2 : −3 = 𝐶 1 ∴ 𝐶 = −3
Equating the coefficient of 𝑠 2 on both sides of (1) we get,
0=𝐴+𝐶 ∴𝐴=3
4𝑆+5 1 1 1
Now, 𝐿−1 = 3𝐿−1 + 𝐿−1 − 3𝐿−1
𝑆+1 2 𝑆+2 𝑆+1 𝑆+1 2 𝑆+2
= 3𝑒 −𝑡 + 𝑒 𝐿 −𝑡 −1 1
Τ𝑆 2 − 3𝑒 −2𝑡
= 3𝑒 −𝑡 + 𝑒 −𝑡 ∙ 𝑡 − 3𝑒 −2𝑡
Dept of Mathematics 17
 (3𝑠+1)𝑒 −3𝑠
4.
(𝑠−1)(𝑠2 +1)
(3𝑠+1) 𝐴 𝐵𝑠+𝐶
>> Let = + 2
(𝑠−1)(𝑠2 +1) 𝑠−1 𝑠 +1
or 3𝑠 + 1 = 𝐴 𝑠 2 + 1 + (𝐵𝑠 + 𝐶)(𝑠 − 1) ……………..(1)
Put 𝑠 = 1 : 4 = 𝐴(2) ∴ 𝐴 = 2
Put 𝑠 = 0 : 1 = 𝐴 − 𝐶 ∴ 𝐶 = 1
Equating the coefficient of 𝑠 2 on both sides of (1) we get,
0 = 𝐴 + 𝐵 ∴ 𝐵 = −2
−1 3𝑠+1 −1 1 −1 𝑆 −1 1
𝐿 = 2𝐿 − 2𝐿 +𝐿 [ 2 ]
𝑠−1 𝑠2 +1 𝑆−1 𝑆 2 +1 𝑆 +1
= 2𝑒 𝑡 − 2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡
3𝑠+1 𝑒 −3𝑠
Thus 𝐿−1 = 2𝑒 𝑡−3 − 2 cos 𝑡 − 3 + sin 𝑡 − 3 𝑢(𝑡 − 3)
𝑠−1 𝑠2 +1
Dept of Mathematics 18
 𝑠2
5.
(𝑠2 +1)(𝑠2 +4)
𝑠2 2
>> We have 2 2 and let 𝑠 = t for convenience
(𝑠 +1)(𝑠 +4)
𝑡 𝐴 𝐵
We now have = + (say)
(𝑡+1)(𝑡+4) 𝑡+1 𝑡+4
or 𝑡 = 𝐴 𝑡 + 4 + 𝐵(𝑡 + 1)
Put 𝑡 = −1 : −1 = 𝐴(3) ∴ 𝐴 = − 1Τ3
Put 𝑡 = −4 : −4 = 𝐵(−3) ∴ 𝐵 = 4Τ3
𝑡 −1 1 4 1
Hence = ∙ + ∙
(𝑡+1)(𝑡+4) 3 𝑡+1 3 𝑡+4
Substituting 𝑡 = 𝑠 2 and taking inverse we have,
𝑠2 −1 −1 1 4 −1 1
𝐿−1 2 2 = 𝐿 2 + 𝐿
𝑠 +1 𝑠 +4 3 𝑆 +1 3 𝑆 2 +4
𝑠 2 1
Thus, 𝐿−1 = (2 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝑡 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡)
2 2
𝑠 +1 𝑠 +4 3
Dept of Mathematics 19
 𝑠2 +2𝑠+3
6. 2
(𝑠 +2𝑠+2)(𝑠2 +2𝑠+5)
𝑠2 +2𝑠+3
>> Consider 2
(𝑠 +2𝑠+2)(𝑠2 +2𝑠+5)
Let 𝑡 = 𝑠 2 + 2𝑠 for convenience
𝑡+3 𝐴 𝐵
∴ = + (say) where A & B are constants.
(𝑡+2)(𝑡+5) 𝑡+2 𝑡+5
or 𝑡 + 3 = A t + 5 + B(t + 2)
Put 𝑡 = −2 : 1 = 𝐴(3) ∴ 𝐴 = 1Τ3
Put 𝑡 = −5 : −2 = 𝐵(−3) ∴ 𝐵 = 2Τ3
𝑡+3 1 1 2 1
Hence = ∙ + ∙ where 𝑡 = 𝑠 2 + 2𝑠
𝑡+2 𝑡+5 3 𝑡+2 3 𝑡+5
𝑠 2 +2𝑠+3 1 −1 1 2 −1 1
Now,𝐿−1 = 𝐿 + 𝐿
2 2
𝑠 +2𝑠+2 𝑠 +2𝑠+5 3 2
𝑠 +2𝑠+2 3 𝑠2 +2𝑠+5

Dept of Mathematics 20
 −1
𝑠 2 + 2𝑠 + 3 1 −1 1 2 −1 1
𝐿 = 𝐿 + 𝐿
𝑠 2 + 2𝑠 + 2 𝑠 2 + 2𝑠 + 5 3 2
𝑠+1 +1 3 𝑠+1 2+4
1 1 2 1
= 𝑒 −𝑡 𝐿−1 + 𝑒 −𝑡 𝐿−1
3 𝑠2 +1 3 𝑠2 +4
𝑠2 +2𝑠+3 1 −𝑡 1 𝑒 −𝑡
Thus 𝐿−1 = 𝑒 sin 𝑡 + 𝑒 −𝑡 sin 2𝑡 = (sin 𝑡 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝑡)
𝑠2 +2𝑠+2 𝑠2 +2𝑠+5 3 3 3

Exercise Problem
𝑠+2
1. 2
𝑠 (𝑠+3)
5𝑠+3
2.
(𝑠−1)(𝑠2 +2𝑠+5)

Dept of Mathematics 21
Inverse transform of Logarithmic functions and inverse functions
Given 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 we need to find 𝐿−1 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 = 𝑓(𝑡)
We have the property : 𝐿 𝑡 𝑓 𝑡 = −𝑓ഥ′ (𝑠)
Equivalently , 𝐿−1 −𝑓ഥ′ 𝑠 = 𝑡𝑓(𝑡) ……………(1)

Working procedure for problems

❖In the case of logarithmic functions we apply the properties of logarithms and then
differentiate w.r.t 𝑠 to obtain 𝑓ഥ′ (𝑠)
❖We then multiply by -1 and take inverse on both sides.
❖L.H.S becomes 𝑡𝑓(𝑡) by (1) and inverse are also found for the terms in R.H.S with
the result we obtain the required 𝑓(𝑡).
❖If logarithmic function persists in 𝑓ഥ′ (𝑠) we differentiate again w.r.t. s to obtain
𝑓 ′′ (𝑠) and use the property that 𝐿−1 𝑓 ҧ′′ 𝑠 = 𝑡 2 𝑓(𝑡) since 𝐿 𝑡 2 𝑓 𝑡 = ഥ𝑓 ′′ (𝑠)
❖In the case of inverse functions we simplify differentiate the given 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 and use the
result (1) to obtain 𝑓(𝑡)
Dept of Mathematics 22
Find the inverse Laplace transforms of the following functions
𝑠+𝑎
1. log
𝑠+𝑏
𝑠+𝑎
>> Let 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 = log
𝑠+𝑏
= log 𝑠 + 𝑎 − log(𝑠 + 𝑏)
1 1
−𝑓ഥ′ 𝑠 = − −
𝑠+𝑎 𝑠+𝑏
1 1
= −
𝑠+𝑏 𝑠+𝑎
1 1
Now 𝐿−1 −𝑓ഥ′ 𝑠 = 𝐿−1 − 𝐿−1
𝑠+𝑏 𝑠+𝑎
i.e., 𝑡𝑓 𝑡 = 𝑒 −𝑏𝑡 − 𝑒 −𝑎𝑡
𝑒 −𝑏𝑡 −𝑒 −𝑎𝑡
Thus 𝑓 𝑡 =
𝑡

Dept of Mathematics 23
 𝑎2
2.log 1 − 2
𝑠
𝑎2 𝑠2 −𝑎2
>> Let 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 = log 1 − = log
𝑠2 𝑠2
i.e., 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 = log 𝑠 2 − 𝑎2 − 2 log 𝑠
ഥ 1 2
∴ −𝑓′ 𝑠 = − 2 2 ∙ 2𝑠 −
𝑠 −𝑎 𝑠
1 𝑠
=2 −
𝑠 𝑠2 −𝑎2
1 𝑠
Now 𝐿−1 −𝑓ഥ′ 𝑠 =2 𝐿−1 − 𝐿−1
𝑆 𝑠 2 −𝑎2
i.e., 𝑡𝑓 𝑡 = 2(1−cosh at)
2(1−cosh at)
Thus 𝑓 𝑡 =
𝑡

Dept of Mathematics 24
 𝑠2 +4
3. log
𝑠 𝑠+4 𝑠−4
𝑠 2 +4
>> Let 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 = log
𝑠 𝑠+4 𝑠−4
i. 𝑒. , 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 = log 𝑠 2 + 4 − log 𝑠 − log 𝑠 + 4 − log(𝑠 − 4)
ഥ 𝑠 =− 2𝑠 1 1 1
∴ −𝑓′ − − −
𝑠2 +4 𝑠 𝑠+4 𝑠−4
1 1 1 𝑠
Now 𝐿−1 −𝑓ഥ′ 𝑠 =𝐿 −1 +𝐿 −1 + 𝐿−1 − 2𝐿−1
𝑠 𝑠+4 𝑠−4 𝑠2 +4
−4𝑡 4𝑡
i.e., 𝑡𝑓 𝑡 = 1 + 𝑒 +𝑒 − 2 cos 2𝑡 = 1 + 2 cosh 4𝑡 − 2 cos 2𝑡
1+2 (cosh 4𝑡 −cos 2𝑡)
Thus 𝑓 𝑡 =
𝑡

Dept of Mathematics 25
 𝑠+4
4. 𝑠 log
𝑠−4
𝑠+4
ҧ
>> Let 𝑓 𝑠 = 𝑠 log
𝑠−4
i.e., 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 = 𝑠 log 𝑠 + 4 − log 𝑠 − 4
ഥ 𝑠 𝑠
∴ 𝑓′ 𝑠 = − + log 𝑠 + 4 − log 𝑠 − 4
𝑠+4 𝑠−4
We need to differentiate w.r.t s again,
4 −4 1 1
ҧ 𝑠 =
∴ 𝑓′′ − + −
(𝑠+4)2 𝑠−4 2 𝑠+4 𝑠−4
ҧ 𝑠 1 1 1 1
Now, 𝐿−1 𝑓′′ =4 𝐿 −1 +𝐿 −1 + 𝐿−1 − 𝐿−1
(𝑠+4)2 𝑠−4 2 𝑠+4 𝑠−4
−4𝑡 −1 1 4𝑡 −1 1
i.e., 𝑡 2 𝑓 𝑡 = 4 𝑒 𝐿 +𝑒 𝐿 + 𝑒 −4𝑡 − 𝑒 4𝑡
𝑠2 𝑠2
=4 𝑒 −4𝑡 𝑡 + 𝑒 4𝑡 ∙ 𝑡 − 2 sinh 4𝑡
2(4𝑡 cosh 4𝑡 −sinh 4𝑡)
= 8𝑡 cosh 4𝑡 − 2 sinh 4𝑡 Thus 𝑓 𝑡 =
𝑡2
Dept of Mathematics 26
5.𝑐𝑜𝑡 −1 (𝑠Τ𝑎)
>> Let 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 = 𝑐𝑜𝑡 −1 (𝑠Τ𝑎)
Differentiate w.r.t. s and multiply with -1.
ഥ −1 1 ഥ 𝑎
∴ 𝑓′ 𝑠 = ∙ and −𝑓′ 𝑠 =
1+(𝑠Τ𝑎)2 𝑎 𝑎2 +𝑠2
𝑎
Taking inverse ,𝐿 −1 −𝑓ഥ′ 𝑠 = 𝐿−1
𝑎2 +𝑠2
sin 𝑎𝑡
i.e., 𝑡𝑓 𝑡 = sin 𝑎𝑡 ∴𝑓 𝑡 =
𝑡

6.𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 2Τ𝑠2
>> Let 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 2Τ𝑠2
1 −4 −4𝑠
ҧ
∴𝑓 𝑠 =′ ∙ 3 =
4 1+ ൗ𝑠4 𝑠 𝑠 4 +4
4𝑠
𝐿−1 [−𝑓 ҧ′ 𝑠 ] = 𝐿−1
𝑠4 +4
Dept of Mathematics 27
 4𝑠
i.e., 𝑡𝑓 𝑡 = 𝐿−1 …………………..(1)
𝑠 4 +4
Now 𝑠 4 + 4 = (𝑠 2 + 2)2 −4𝑠 2
= (𝑠 2 + 2 + 2𝑠)(𝑠 2 + 2 − 2𝑠)
Also 4𝑠 = (𝑠 2 + 2 + 2𝑠)−(𝑠 2 + 2 − 2𝑠)
4𝑠 𝑠2 +2+2𝑠 − 𝑠2 +2−2𝑠
Hence =
𝑠4 +4 (𝑠2 +2+2𝑠)(𝑠2 +2−2𝑠)
1 1
= 2 − 2
𝑠 +2−2𝑠 𝑠 +2+2𝑠
−1 4𝑠 −1 1 −1 1
∴ 𝐿 4 =𝐿 2 −𝐿
𝑠 +4 𝑠 +2−2𝑠 𝑠2 +2+2𝑠
Using (1) in the L.H.S we have,
1 1
𝑡𝑓 𝑡 = 𝐿−1 2 −𝐿 −1
𝑠−1 +1 𝑠+1 2 +1
𝑡 −1 1 −𝑡 −1 1
i.e., 𝑡𝑓 𝑡 =𝑒 𝐿 −𝑒 𝐿
𝑠 2 +1 𝑠 2 +1
i.e., 𝑡𝑓 𝑡 = 𝑒 𝑡 sin t-𝑒 −𝑡 sin 𝑡 = sin 𝑡(𝑒 𝑡 − 𝑒 −𝑡 )
Dept of Mathematics 28
i.e., 𝑡𝑓 𝑡 = sin 𝑡 ∙ 2 sin ℎ𝑡
2 sin 𝑡 sin ℎ𝑡
Thus 𝑓 𝑡 =
𝑡

Exercise problem
1.log (𝑠 2 + 1)Τ(𝑠 2 + 4)
−1 𝑠+𝑎
2.𝑐𝑜𝑡
𝑏

Dept of Mathematics 29
Convolution
Definition: The convolution of two functions 𝑓 𝑡 and 𝑔(𝑡) usually denoted
by 𝑓 𝑡 ∗ 𝑔(𝑡) is defined in the form of an integral as follows.
𝑡
𝑓 𝑡 ∗𝑔 𝑡 = ‫=𝑢׬‬0 𝑓 𝑢 𝑔 𝑡 − 𝑢 𝑑𝑢
Property: 𝑓 𝑡 ∗ 𝑔 𝑡 = 𝑔 𝑡 ∗ 𝑓 𝑡
That is to say that the convolution operation ∗ is commutative.

Verify convolution theorem for the following pair of functions.

1. 𝑓 𝑡 = 𝑡 and 𝑔 𝑡 = cos 𝑡
ҧ 1
>> 𝑓 𝑠 = 𝐿 𝑓 𝑡 = 𝐿 𝑡 =
𝑠2
𝑠
𝑔ҧ 𝑠 = 𝐿 𝑔 𝑡 = 𝐿 cos 𝑡 =
𝑠2 +1
𝑡
𝑓 𝑡 ∗𝑔 𝑡 = ‫=𝑢׬‬0 𝑓 𝑢 𝑔 𝑡 − 𝑢Dept𝑑𝑢
of Mathematics 30
 𝑡

𝑓 𝑡 ∗ 𝑔 𝑡 = න 𝑢 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑡 − 𝑢 𝑑𝑢
𝑢=0
Applying Bernoulli’s rule to the integral we get,

𝑓 𝑡 ∗ 𝑔 𝑡 = 𝑢 · − sin 𝑡 − 𝑢 𝑡𝑢=0 − [1 ∙ −cos(𝑡 − 𝑢)]𝑡𝑢=0

= − 0 − 0 + 1 − cos 𝑡 = 1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡
1 𝑠 1
∴ 𝐿 𝑓 𝑡 ∗ 𝑔 𝑡 = 𝐿 1 − 𝐿 cos 𝑡 = − 2 =
𝑠 𝑠 + 1 𝑠(𝑠 2 +1)
1 𝑠 1
ҧ
Also 𝑓 𝑠 ∙ 𝑔ҧ 𝑠 = ∙ =
𝑠2 𝑠 2 +1 𝑠(𝑠2 +1)
Thus 𝐿 𝑓 𝑡 ∗ 𝑔 𝑡 = 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 ∙ 𝑔ҧ 𝑠
The theorem is verified.

Dept of Mathematics 31
2. 𝑓 𝑡 = sin 𝑡 and 𝑔 𝑡 = 𝑒 −𝑡
ҧ 1 1
>>𝑓 𝑠 = 𝐿 sin 𝑡 = 2 , 𝑔ҧ 𝑠 = 𝐿 𝑒 −𝑡 =
(𝑠 +1) 𝑠+1
𝑡 𝑡
𝑓 𝑡 ∗𝑔 𝑡 = ‫=𝑢׬‬0 𝑓 𝑢 𝑔 𝑡 − 𝑢 𝑑𝑢 = ‫=𝑢׬‬0 sin 𝑢 · 𝑒 − 𝑡−𝑢 𝑑𝑢
𝑡
= 𝑒 ‫=𝑢׬‬0 𝑒 𝑢 sin 𝑢 𝑑𝑢
−𝑡

𝑒 𝑢 𝑡
= 𝑒 −𝑡 sin 𝑢 − cos 𝑢
1+1 𝑢=0
𝑒 −𝑡 sin 𝑡−cos 𝑡 𝑒 −𝑡
= 𝑒 𝑡 sin 𝑡 − cos 𝑡 + 1 = +
2 2 2
1 1 𝑠 1
∴𝐿 𝑓 𝑡 ∗𝑔 𝑡 = 2
− 2 +
2 (𝑠 +1) (𝑠 +1) 𝑠 + 1

1 𝑠+1 −𝑠 𝑠+1 + 𝑠 2 +1 1
= =
2 𝑠+1 𝑠2 +1 𝑠+1 𝑠2 +1
ҧ 1
Also 𝑓 𝑠 ∙ 𝑔ҧ 𝑠 =
𝑠+1 𝑠2 +1
Thus 𝐿 𝑓 𝑡 ∗ 𝑔 𝑡 = 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 ∙ 𝑔(𝑠)
ҧ The theorem is verified.
Dept of Mathematics 32
3. 𝑓 𝑡 = cos 𝑎𝑡 and 𝑔 𝑡 = cos 𝑏𝑡
ҧ 𝑠 𝑠
>>𝑓 𝑠 = 𝐿 cos 𝑎𝑡 = 2 2 ; 𝑔ҧ 𝑠 = 𝐿 cos 𝑏𝑡 =
𝑠 +𝑎 𝑠 2 +𝑏 2
𝑡 𝑡
𝑓 𝑡 ∗𝑔 𝑡 = ‫=𝑢׬‬0 𝑓
𝑢 𝑔 𝑡 − 𝑢 𝑑𝑢 = ‫=𝑢׬‬0 cos 𝑎𝑢
· cos(𝑏𝑡 − 𝑏𝑢) 𝑑𝑢
𝑡
1
𝑓 𝑡 ∗𝑔 𝑡 = න cos 𝑎𝑢 + 𝑏𝑡 − 𝑏𝑢 + cos 𝑎𝑢 − 𝑏𝑡 + 𝑏𝑢 𝑑𝑢
2
𝑢=0
1 sin 𝑎𝑢+𝑏𝑡−𝑏𝑢 sin 𝑎𝑢−𝑏𝑡+𝑏𝑢 𝑡
= +
2 𝑎−𝑏 𝑎+𝑏 𝑢=0
1 1 1
= sin at − sin bt + {sin 𝑎𝑡 + sin 𝑏𝑡}
2 𝑎−𝑏 𝑎+𝑏
1 1 1 1 1
= sin 𝑎𝑡 + + sin 𝑏𝑡 +
2 𝑎−𝑏 𝑎+𝑏 𝑎+𝑏 𝑎−𝑏
1 2𝑎 −2𝑏
= sin 𝑎𝑡 · 2 2 + sin 𝑏𝑡 ∙ 2 2
2 𝑎 −𝑏 𝑎 −𝑏
1
= 2 2 𝑎 sin 𝑎𝑡 − 𝑏 sin 𝑏𝑡 , 𝑎 ≠b
𝑎 −𝑏
1 𝑎 𝑏
∴𝐿 𝑓 𝑡 ∗𝑔 𝑡 = 2 2 𝑎· 2 2−𝑏· 2 2
𝑎 −𝑏 𝑠 +𝑎 𝑠 +𝑏
Dept of Mathematics 33
 1 𝑎2 𝑠 2 + 𝑏2 − 𝑏2 𝑠 2 + 𝑎2
𝐿 𝑓 𝑡 ∗𝑔 𝑡 = 2
𝑎 − 𝑏2 𝑠 2 + 𝑎2 𝑠 2 + 𝑏2
1 𝑠2 (𝑎2 −𝑏 2 )
i.e., 𝐿 𝑓 𝑡 ∗𝑔 𝑡 = ·
𝑎2 −𝑏2 𝑠2 +𝑎2 𝑠2 +𝑏 2
𝑠2
=
𝑠2 +𝑎2 𝑠2 +𝑏 2
𝑠2
Also 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 ∙ 𝑔ҧ 𝑠 =
𝑠2 +𝑎2 𝑠2 +𝑏2
Thus 𝐿 𝑓 𝑡 ∗ 𝑔 𝑡 = 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 ∙ 𝑔(𝑠)
ҧ
The theorem is verified.

Exercise problem
1.𝑓 𝑡 = 𝑡 and 𝑔 𝑡 = 𝑡𝑒 −𝑡

Dept of Mathematics 34
Using convolution theorem obtain the inverse Laplace transform of
the functions
1
1. 2 2
𝑠(𝑠 +𝑎 )
ҧ 1 1
>>Let 𝑓 𝑠 = ; 𝑔ҧ 𝑠 = 2 2
𝑠 𝑠 +𝑎
Taking inverse,
−1 1 1 sin 𝑎𝑡
𝑓 𝑡 =𝐿 = 1 ; g 𝑡 = 𝐿−1 =
𝑠 𝑠 2 +𝑎2 𝑎
𝑡
We have convolution theorem , 𝐿−1 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 ∙ 𝑔ҧ 𝑠 = ‫=𝑢׬‬0 𝑓 𝑢 𝑔 𝑡 − 𝑢 𝑑𝑢
𝑡
−1
1 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑡 − 𝑎𝑢
∴ 𝐿 = න 1∙ 𝑑𝑢
𝑠 𝑠 2 + 𝑎2 𝑎
𝑢=0

cos 𝑎𝑡−𝑎𝑢 𝑡 1
= = (1 − cos 𝑎𝑡)
𝑎2 𝑢=0 𝑎2
1 1
Thus 𝐿−1 = (1 − cos 𝑎𝑡)
𝑠 𝑠 2 +𝑎2 𝑎2 Dept of Mathematics 35
 𝑠
2. (𝑠 2 +𝑎2 )2
1 𝑠
>> Let 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 = ; 𝑔ҧ 𝑠 =
(𝑠 2 +𝑎2 ) (𝑠 2 +𝑎2 )
sin 𝑎𝑡
𝑓 𝑡 = 𝐿−1 𝑓ҧ 𝑠 = ; g 𝑡 = 𝐿−1 𝑔ҧ 𝑠 = cos 𝑎𝑡
𝑎
We have convolution theorem,
𝑡
𝐿−1 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 ∙ 𝑔ҧ 𝑠 = ‫=𝑢׬‬0 𝑓 𝑢 𝑔 𝑡 − 𝑢 𝑑𝑢
−1 𝑠 𝑡 sin 𝑎𝑢
𝐿 = ‫=𝑢׬‬0 ∙ cos(𝑎𝑡 − 𝑎𝑢) 𝑑𝑢
𝑠 2 +𝑎2 2 𝑎
1 𝑡
= ‫=𝑢׬‬0 sin 𝑎𝑢 + 𝑎𝑡 − 𝑎𝑢 + sin 𝑎𝑢 − 𝑎𝑡 + 𝑎𝑢 𝑑𝑢
2𝑎
1 𝑡
= ‫=𝑢׬‬0 sin 𝑎𝑡 + sin 2𝑎𝑢 − 𝑎𝑡 𝑑𝑢
2𝑎
1 𝑡 cos 2𝑎𝑢−𝑎𝑡 𝑡
= sin at 𝑢 𝑢=0 −
2𝑎 2𝑎 𝑢=0
1 1
= sin 𝑎𝑡 𝑡 − 0 − cos 𝑎𝑡 − cos 𝑎𝑡
2𝑎 2𝑎
−1 𝑠 𝑡 sin 𝑎𝑡
Thus 𝐿 =
(𝑠 2 +𝑎2 )2 2𝑎
Dept of Mathematics 36
 1
3.
(𝑆−1)(𝑆 2 +1)
1 1
>>Let 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 = ; 𝑔ҧ 𝑠 =
(𝑠−1) (𝑠2 +1)
𝑓 𝑡 = 𝐿−1 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠
= 𝑒 𝑡 ; g 𝑡 = 𝐿−1 𝑔ҧ 𝑠 = sin 𝑡
Now by applying convolution theorem we have ,
𝑡
−1 ҧ
𝐿 𝑓 𝑠 ∙ 𝑔ҧ 𝑠 = ‫׬‬ 𝑓 𝑢 𝑔 𝑡 − 𝑢 𝑑𝑢
𝑢=0
−1 1 𝑡 𝑢 ∙ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑡 − 𝑢 𝑑𝑢
𝐿 = ‫׬‬ 𝑒
(𝑆−1)(𝑆 2 +1) 𝑢=0
𝑎𝑥 𝑒 𝑎𝑥
But ‫ 𝑒 ׬‬sin 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 𝑑𝑥 = 2 2 [𝑎 sin 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 − 𝑏 cos(𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐)]
𝑎 +𝑏
𝑢 𝑡
−1 1 𝑒
𝐿 = sin 𝑡 − 𝑢 + cos 𝑡 − 𝑢
𝑆−1 𝑆 2 +1 1+1 0
1
= 𝑒 𝑡 0 + 1 − 1 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡
2
−1 1 1 𝑡 − sin 𝑡 − cos 𝑡
Thus 𝐿 = 𝑒
𝑆−1 𝑆 2 +1 2
Dept of Mathematics 37
 𝑠+2
4. 2
(𝑠 +4𝑠+5)2
𝑠+2 1
>> Let 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 = ; 𝑔ҧ 𝑠 = 2
𝑠 2 +4𝑠+5 𝑠 +4𝑠+5
−1 𝑠+2 −1 1
⇒ 𝑓 𝑡 =𝐿 ; 𝑔 𝑡 =𝐿
(𝑠+2)2 +1 (𝑠+2)2 +1
−2𝑡 −1 𝑆 −2𝑡 −1 1
𝑓 𝑡 =𝑒 𝐿 ; 𝑔 𝑡 =𝑒 𝐿
𝑆 2 +1 𝑆 2 +1
∴ 𝑓 𝑡 = 𝑒 −2𝑡 cos 𝑡 ; 𝑔 𝑡 = 𝑒 −2𝑡 sin 𝑡
Now by applying convolution theorem we have,
𝑡
−1
𝑠+2 −2𝑢 cos 𝑢 𝑒 −2(𝑡−𝑢) sin(𝑡 − 𝑢) 𝑑𝑢
𝐿 = න 𝑒
𝑠 2 + 4𝑠 + 5 2
𝑢=0
−2𝑡 𝑡
= 𝑒 ‫=𝑢׬‬0 sin(𝑡 − 𝑢) cos 𝑢 𝑑𝑢
𝑒 −2𝑡 𝑡
= ‫=𝑢׬‬0 sin 𝑡 − 𝑢 + 𝑢 + sin 𝑡 − 𝑢 − 𝑢 𝑑𝑢
2
Dept of Mathematics 38
 𝑒 −2𝑡 𝑡
= ‫׬‬𝑢=0
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 + sin 𝑡 − 2𝑢 𝑑𝑢
2
𝑒 −2𝑡 𝑡 cos 𝑡−2𝑢 𝑡
= sin 𝑡 𝑢 0 + [ ]𝑢=0
2 2
𝑒 −2𝑡 1
= t sin t + cos 𝑡 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡
2 2
𝑒 −2𝑡 𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡
=
2
4𝑠+5
5.
𝑠−1 2 (𝑠+2)
1 4𝑠+5
>>Let 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 = ; 𝑔ҧ 𝑠 =
(𝑠+2) (𝑠−1)2
⇒ 𝑓 𝑡 = 𝐿−1 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 = 𝑒 −2𝑡
4𝑠+5 4 𝑠−1 +9
Also, g 𝑡 = 𝐿−1 [𝑔ҧ 𝑠 ]= 𝐿−1 = 𝐿−1
𝑠−1 2 𝑠−1 2
𝑡 −1 4𝑠+9
g 𝑡 = 𝑒 𝐿 = 𝑒 𝑡 (4 + 9𝑡)
𝑠2
Dept of Mathematics 39
Now by applying convolution theorem we have,
𝑡
−1
1 4𝑠 + 5 −2𝑢 ∙ 𝑒 𝑡−𝑢 4 + 9 𝑡 − 𝑢 𝑑𝑢
𝐿 ∙ = න 𝑒
𝑠+2 𝑠−1 2
𝑢=0
𝑡 𝑡
= 𝑒 ‫=𝑢׬‬0 𝑒 −3𝑢 (4 + 9𝑡 − 9𝑢)𝑑𝑢
𝑡 𝑡
= 𝑒 ‫=𝑢׬‬0 4 + 9𝑡 − 9𝑢 𝑒 −3𝑢 𝑑𝑢
Integrating R.H.S by parts we get,
𝑡
4𝑠+5 𝑒 −3𝑢 𝑒 −3𝑢
𝐿−1 = 𝑒𝑡 4 + 9𝑡 − 9𝑢 − −9
𝑠−1 2 𝑠+2 −3 9 𝑢=0
𝑡 𝑒 −3𝑡 4+9𝑡
=𝑒 4 − + 𝑒 −3𝑡 −1
−3 −3
𝑡 1 1 −3𝑡
=𝑒 − 𝑒 + 3𝑡
3 3
4𝑠+5 1 𝑡 1 −2𝑡
Thus 𝐿−1 = 𝑒 − 𝑒 + 3t𝑒 𝑡
𝑠−1 2 𝑠+2 3 3 Dept of Mathematics 40
 1
6. 2
(𝑠 +4𝑠+13)2
1
>>Let 𝑓 ҧ 𝑠 = = 𝑔ҧ 𝑠
(𝑠2 +4𝑠+13)
−1 1
⇒ 𝑓 𝑡 = 𝐿 =𝑔 𝑡
(𝑠+2)2 +(3)2
−2𝑡 −1 1 𝑒 −2𝑡 sin 3𝑡
i.e., 𝑓 𝑡 = 𝑒 𝐿 = = 𝑔(𝑡)
𝑠2 +32 3
Now by applying convolution theorem we have,
−1 1 𝑡 𝑒 −2𝑢 sin 3𝑢 𝑒 −2(𝑡−𝑢) sin(3𝑡−3𝑢)
𝐿 = ‫=𝑢׬‬0 ∙ 𝑑𝑢
𝑠2 +4𝑠+13 2 3 3
𝑒 −2𝑡 𝑡
= ∙ ‫=𝑢׬‬0 sin 3𝑢 ∙ sin 3𝑡 − 3𝑢 𝑑𝑢
9
𝑒 −2𝑡 𝑡
= ‫׬‬𝑢=0
cos 3𝑢 − 3𝑡 + 3𝑢 − cos 3𝑢 + 3𝑡 − 3𝑢 𝑑𝑢
18
𝑒 −2𝑡 𝑡
= ‫׬‬ cos 6𝑢 − 3𝑡 − cos 3𝑡 𝑑𝑢
18 𝑢=0 Dept of Mathematics 41
 𝑒 −2𝑡 sin 6𝑢−3𝑡 𝑡
= − cos 3𝑡 𝑢 𝑡0
18 6 0
𝑒 −2𝑡 sin 3𝑡+sin 3𝑡
= − cos 3𝑡 ∙ 𝑡
18 6
1 𝑒 −2𝑡
Thus 𝐿−1 = (sin 3𝑡 − 3𝑡 cos 3𝑡)
𝑠2 +4𝑠+13 2 54

Exercise problem
𝑆2
1. (𝑠2 +𝑎2 )2
𝑆2
2. (𝑠2 +𝑎2 )(𝑠2 +𝑏 2 )

Dept of Mathematics 42
 Laplace transform of the derivatives
Solution of linear differential equations and simultaneous differential equations
using Laplace transforms(Initial value problems)

Working procedure for problems

❖The given differential equation is expressed in the notation : 𝑦 ′ (𝑡), 𝑦 ′′ (𝑡),
𝑦 ′′′ (𝑡),…… for the derivatives.
❖We take Laplace transforms on both sides of the given equation.
❖We use the expressions for L 𝑦 ′ 𝑡 , L 𝑦 ′′ 𝑡 , … … .
❖We substitute the given initial conditions and simplify to obtain L 𝑦 𝑡 as a
function of s.
❖We find the inverse to obtain 𝑦 𝑡 .
Dept of Mathematics 43
1.Solve 𝑦 ′′′ + 2𝑦 ′′ − 𝑦 ′ − 2𝑦 = 0 given 𝑦(0) = 𝑦 ′ 0 = 0 and 𝑦 ′′ 0 = 6 by
using Laplace transform method.
>>Taking Laplace transform on both sides of the given equation,
L[𝑦 ′′′ (𝑡)] + 2𝐿[𝑦 ′′ 𝑡 ] − 𝐿[𝑦 ′ 𝑡 ] − 2𝐿[𝑦 𝑡 ] = 𝐿(0)
i.e., 𝑠 3 𝐿 𝑦 𝑡 − 𝑠 2 𝑦 0 − 𝑠𝑦 ′ 0 − 𝑦 ′′ (0) + 2 𝑠 2 𝐿 𝑦 𝑡 − 𝑠𝑦 0 − 𝑦′(0) −
𝑠𝐿 𝑦 𝑡 − 𝑦 0 − 2𝐿 𝑦 𝑡 = 0
Using the given initial conditions we obtain,
𝐿 𝑦 𝑡 𝑠 3 + 2𝑠 2 − 𝑠 − 2 − 6 = 0
i.e., 𝐿 𝑦 𝑡 𝑠 2 s + 2 − 1 s + 2 = 6
or 𝐿 𝑦 𝑡 s + 2 𝑠2 − 1 = 6
6
or 𝐿 𝑦 𝑡 =
(𝑠+2)(𝑠−1)(𝑠+1)

Dept of Mathematics 44
 6
∴ 𝑦 𝑡 = 𝐿−1
𝑠+2 𝑠−1 𝑠+1
6 𝐴 𝐵 𝐶
Let = + +
𝑠+2 𝑠−1 𝑠+1 𝑆+2 𝑆−1 𝑆+1
or 6 = 𝐴 𝑠 − 1 𝑠 + 1 + 𝐵 𝑠 + 2 𝑠 + 1 + 𝐶(𝑠 + 2)(𝑠 − 1)
Put 𝑠 = −2 : 6 = 𝐴(−3)(−1) ∴ 𝐴=2
Put 𝑠 = 1 ∶ 6 = 𝐵(3)(2) ∴ 𝐵=1
Put 𝑠 = −1 ∶ 6 = 𝐶(1)(−2) ∴ 𝐶 = −3
6 2 1 −3
Hence = + +
𝑠+2 𝑠−1 𝑠+1 𝑆+2 𝑆−1 𝑆+1
6 1 1 1
∴ 𝐿−1 = 2𝐿−1 +𝐿−1 − 3𝐿−1
𝑠+2 𝑠−1 𝑠+1 𝑆+2 𝑆−1 𝑆+1
Thus 𝑦 𝑡 = 2𝑒 −2𝑡 +𝑒 𝑡 − 3𝑒 −𝑡

Dept of Mathematics 45
2.Solve the following initial value problem by using Laplace transforms
𝑑2 𝑦 𝑑𝑦
+4 + 4𝑦 = 𝑒 −𝑡 ; y 0 = 0, y ′ 0 = 0
𝑑𝑡 2 𝑑𝑡
>> The given equation is 𝑦 ′′ 𝑡 + 4𝑦 ′ (𝑡) + 4𝑦 𝑡 = 𝑒 −𝑡
Taking Laplace transform on both sides we have ,
𝐿[𝑦 ′′ 𝑡 ] + 4𝐿[𝑦 ′ 𝑡 ] + 4𝐿[𝑦 𝑡 ] = 𝐿[𝑒 −𝑡 ]
1
i.e., 𝑠 2 𝐿 𝑦 𝑡 − 𝑠𝑦 0 − 𝑦′(0) + 4 𝑠𝐿 𝑦 𝑡 − 𝑦 0 + 4𝐿[𝑦 𝑡 ] =
(𝒔+𝟏)
Using the given initial conditions we have,
2 𝟏 1
𝐿 𝑦 𝑡 𝑠 + 4𝑠 + 4 = or 𝐿 𝑦 𝑡 =
(𝒔+𝟏) (𝒔+𝟏)(𝒔+𝟐)𝟐
−1
1
∴ 𝑦 𝑡 =𝐿
𝑠+1 𝑠+2 2
𝟏 𝑨 𝑩 𝑪
Let
𝒔+𝟏 𝒔+𝟐𝟐 = (𝒔+𝟏)
+
(𝒔+𝟐)
+
(𝒔+𝟐) 𝟐

Dept of Mathematics 46
Multiplying with 𝑠 + 1 𝑠 + 2 2 we obtain
1 = 𝐴 𝑠 + 2 2 + 𝐵 𝑠 + 1 𝑠 + 2 + 𝐶(𝑠 + 1)
Putting 𝑠 = −1 we get 𝐴 = 1
Putting 𝑠 = −2 we get 𝐶 = −1
Putting 𝑠 = 0 we have 1 = 1 4 + 𝐵 2 − 1(1) ∴ 𝐵 = −1
1 1 −1 −1
Hence = + +
𝑠+1 𝑠+2 2 (𝑠+1) (𝑠+2) (𝑠+2)2
−1
1 −1
1 1 1
∴ 𝐿 2
=𝐿 − 𝐿−1 −1
−𝐿 2
𝑠+1 𝑠+2 (𝑠 + 1) 𝑠+2 𝑠+2
−𝑡 −2𝑡 −2𝑡 −1 1
i.e., 𝑦 𝑡 = 𝑒 −𝑒 −𝑒 𝐿
𝑠2
Thus 𝑦 𝑡 = 𝑒 −𝑡 − 𝑒 −2𝑡 − 𝑒 −2𝑡 𝑡
= 𝑒 −𝑡 − (1 + t) 𝑒 −2𝑡
Dept of Mathematics 47
 𝑑2 𝑦 𝑑𝑦
3. Solve by using Laplace transforms + 2 + 2𝑦 = 5 sin 𝑡 .Given that
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
𝑦 0 = 0 = 𝑦′(0).
>>The given equation is 𝑦 ′′ 𝑡 + 2𝑦 ′ 𝑡 + 2𝑦 𝑡 = 5 sin 𝑡
Taking Laplace transform on both sides we have,
L[𝑦 ′′ 𝑡 ] + 2𝐿[𝑦 ′ 𝑡 ] + 2𝐿[𝑦 𝑡 ] = 5𝐿(sin 𝑡)
5
i.e., 𝑠2𝐿 𝑦 𝑡 − 𝑠𝑦 0 − 𝑦′(0) + 2 𝑠𝐿 𝑦 𝑡 −𝑦 0 + 2𝐿 𝑦 𝑡 =
𝑠2 +1
Using the given initial conditions we obtain,
2 5 5
𝐿𝑦 𝑡 𝑠 + 2𝑠 + 2 = or 𝐿 𝑦 𝑡 =
𝑠 2 +1 (𝑠 2 +1)(𝑠2 +2𝑠+2)
−1
5
∴ 𝑦 𝑡 =𝐿
(𝑠 2 +1)(𝑠 2 + 2𝑠 + 2)

Dept of Mathematics 48
 5 𝐴𝑠+𝐵 𝐶𝑠+𝐷
Let = +
(𝑠2 +1)(𝑠2 +2𝑠+2) 𝑠 2 +1 𝑠2 +2𝑠+2
i.e., 5 = 𝐴𝑠 + B 𝑠 2 + 2𝑠 + 2 + (𝐶𝑠 + 𝐷)(𝑠 2 + 1)
Comparing coefficients on both sides, we get
𝐴 + 𝐶 = 0 ; 2𝐴 + 𝐵 + 𝐷 = 0 ; 2𝐴 + 2𝐵 + 𝐶 = 0 ; 2𝐵 + 𝐷 = 5
Solving these simultaneously we obtain,
𝐴 = −2 , 𝐵 = 1, 𝐶 = 2, 𝐷 = 3
5 −2𝑠+1 2𝑠+3
Hence 2 2 = 2 + 2
(𝑠 +1)(𝑠 +2𝑠+2) 𝑠 +1 𝑠 +2𝑆+2
−1 5 −1 𝑠 −1 1 −1 2𝑠+3
∴ 𝐿 = −2𝐿 +𝐿 +𝐿
(𝑠2 +1)(𝑠2 +2𝑠+2) 𝑠2 +1 𝑠 2 +1 𝑠 2 +2𝑆+2
−1 2 𝑠+1 +1
i.e., 𝑦 𝑡 = −2 cos 𝑡 + sin 𝑡 + 𝐿
(𝑠+1)2 +1
−𝑡 −1 2𝑠+1
= −2 cos 𝑡 + sin 𝑡 + 𝑒 𝐿
𝑠2 +1
Dept of Mathematics 49
 𝑠 1
𝑦 𝑡 = −2 cos 𝑡 + sin 𝑡 + 𝑒 −𝑡 2𝐿−1
2
+ 𝐿−1
𝑠 +1 𝑠2 + 1
Thus 𝑦 𝑡 = −2 cos 𝑡 + sin 𝑡 + 𝑒 −𝑡 (2 cos t + sin t)

4.Using Laplace transform technique solve 𝑥 ′′ − 2𝑥 ′ + 𝑥 = 𝑒 2𝑡 with 𝑥 0 = 0,

𝑥 ′ 0 = −1
>>Taking Laplace transform on both sides of the equation we have,
𝐿[𝑥 ′′ (𝑡)] − 2𝐿[𝑥 ′ (𝑡)] + 𝐿[𝑥(𝑡)] = 𝐿(𝑒 2𝑡 )
1
i.e., 𝑠2𝐿 𝑥 𝑡 − 𝑠𝑥 0 − 𝑥′ 0 − 2 𝑠𝐿 𝑥 𝑡 −𝑥 0 + 𝐿[𝑥 𝑡 ] =
𝑠−2
Using the given initial conditions we obtain,
1
𝑠2 − 2𝑠 + 1 𝐿 𝑥 𝑡 +1=
𝑠−2
1 3−𝑠
i.e.,(𝑠 − 1)2 𝐿 𝑥 𝑡 = −1=
𝑠−2 𝑠−2 Dept of Mathematics 50
 3−𝑠
or 𝐿𝑥 𝑡 =
(𝑠−1)2 (𝑠−2)

−1
3−𝑠
∴ 𝑥 𝑡 =𝐿
𝑠−1 2 𝑠−2
3−𝑠 𝐴 𝐵 𝐶
Let = + +
𝑠−1 2 𝑠−2 𝑆−1 𝑠−1 2 𝑆−2
Multiplying by 𝑠 − 1 2 (s − 2) we get,
3−𝑠 =𝐴 𝑠−1 𝑠−2 +𝐵 𝑠−2 +𝐶 𝑠−1 2 ……………….(1)
Put 𝑠 = 1 ∶ 2 = 𝐵(−1) ∴ 𝐵 = −2
Put 𝑠 = 2 ∶ 1 = 𝐶(1) ∴ 𝐶=1
Equating the coefficient of 𝑠 2 on both sides of (1) we get,
0 = 𝐴 + 𝐶 ∴ 𝐴 = −1
3−𝑠 1 1 1
Hence 𝐿−1 = −𝐿−1 − 2𝐿−1 + 𝐿−1
𝑠−1 2 𝑠−2 𝑆−1 𝑠−1 2 𝑆−2
Thus 𝑥 𝑡 = −𝑒 𝑡 − 2𝑒 𝑡 ∙ 𝑡 + 𝑒 2𝑡 = 𝑒 2𝑡 -(1+2t) 𝑒𝑡
Dept of Mathematics 51
 𝑑2 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
5. Solve by using Laplace transforms + 2 + 𝑥 = 3𝑡𝑒 −𝑡 given that
𝑑𝑡 2 𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑥
𝑥=4 , = 2 when 𝑡 = 0.
𝑑𝑡
>>The given equation is 𝑥 ′′ 𝑡 + 2𝑥 ′ 𝑡 + 𝑥 𝑡 = 3𝑡𝑒 −𝑡 .
Initial conditions are 𝑥 0 = 4, 𝑥 ′ 0 = 2
Taking Laplace transform on both sides of the equation we have,
𝐿[𝑥 ′′ 𝑡 ] + 2𝐿 𝑥 ′ 𝑡 + 𝐿 𝑥 𝑡 = 3𝐿 𝑒 −𝑡 ∙ 𝑡
2 3
i.e., 𝑠 𝐿 𝑥 𝑡 − 𝑠𝑥 0 − 𝑥′(0) + 2 𝑠𝐿[𝑥 𝑡 ] − 𝑥(0) + 𝐿 𝑥 𝑡 =
(𝑠+1)2
Using the given initial conditions we obtain,
3
𝑠2 + 2𝑠 + 1 𝐿 𝑥 𝑡 − 4𝑠 − 2 − 8 =
(𝑠+1)2
3
i.e., (𝑠 + 1)2 𝐿 𝑥 𝑡 = 4𝑠 + 10 +
(𝑠+1)2
4𝑠+10 3
or 𝐿 𝑥 𝑡 = + Dept of Mathematics 52
(𝑠+1)2 (𝑠+1)4
 −1 4 𝑆+1 +6 −1 3
∴ 𝑥 𝑡 =𝐿 2 +𝐿
𝑠+1 𝑠+1 4
−𝑡 −1 4𝑠+6 −𝑡 −1 1
=𝑒 𝐿 + 3𝑒 𝐿
𝑠2 𝑠4
−𝑡 −1 1 −1 1 1
=𝑒 4𝐿 + 6𝐿 + 3𝐿−1
𝑠 𝑠2 𝑠4
−𝑡 𝑡 3
= 𝑒 (4 + 6t + 3 ∙ ൗ6)
−𝑡 𝑡 3
Thus 𝑥 𝑡 = 𝑒 (4 + 6t + ൗ2)

Dept of Mathematics 53
Exercise Problems
𝑑4 𝑦
1.Solve − 𝑘 4 𝑦 = 0 given y 0 = 1, 𝑦 ′ 0 = 0 = 𝑦 ′′ 0 = 𝑦′′′(0)
𝑑𝑡 4
2.Employ Laplace transform to solve the equation 𝑦 ′′ + 5𝑦 ′ + 6𝑦 = 5𝑒 2𝑥 ,
𝑦 0 = 2, 𝑦 ′ 0 = 1.
3.Solve 𝑦 ′′ + 6𝑦 ′ + 9𝑦 = 12𝑡 2 𝑒 −3𝑡 subject to the conditions ,𝑦 0 = 0 = 𝑦′(0)
by using Laplace transforms .

Dept of Mathematics 54