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Find the inverse Laplace transform of the giveb function by using the convolution theorem.

$$F(x) = \frac{s}{(s+1)(s^2+4)}$$

If I use partial fractions I get: $$\frac{s+4}{5(s^2+4)} - \frac{1}{5(x+1)}$$

which gives me Laplace inverses:

$$\frac{1}{5}(\cos2t + \sin2t) -\frac{1}{5} e^{-t}$$

But the answer is: $$f(t) = \int^t_0 e^{-(t -\tau)}\cos(2\tau) d\tau$$

How did they get that?

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    Where did you use the convolution theorem in your argument?2012-12-08
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    @tomcuchta I have the inverses so to put it in convolution form then all I have to do is plug it in accordingly but even if I do that my inverses are not correct, since the correct answer above doesn't represent the inverse I gave.2012-12-08

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Related techniques (I), (II). Using the fact about the Laplace transform $L$ that

$$ L(f*g)=L(f)L(g)=F(s)G(s)\implies (f*g)(t)=L^{-1}(F(s)G(s)) .$$

In our case, given $ H(s)=\frac{1}{(s+1)}\frac{s}{(s^2+4)}$

$$F(s)=\frac{1}{s+1}\implies f(t)=e^{-t},\quad G(s)=\frac{s}{s^2+4}\implies g(t)=\cos(2t).$$

Now, you use the convolution as

$$ h(t) = \int_{0}^{t} e^{-(t-\tau)}\cos(2\tau) d\tau . $$

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    @Q.matine: If you evaluate the last integral in the answer above by a proper substitution first and using integral by parts finally; you will have your own solution: $$h(t)=\frac{1}{5}(\cos 2t + \sin 2t) -\frac{1}{5} e^{-t}$$.2012-12-08
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    I made it more difficult than it was. I dont know why I took the partial fractions. Thanks a lot Mhenni!!2012-12-08
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    @BabakSorouh so what is the point of taking the convolution when I got the solution you just wrote by just taking partial fractions and the inverse laplace?2012-12-08
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    @Q.matin: You are welcome. Note that,convolution techniques are very useful and they are used in solving many kinds of differential equations .2012-12-08
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    @MhenniBenghorbal Thanks for pointing that out and is it true what BabakSorouh said if i take the integral of the solution it will give me: $$h(t)=\frac{1}{5}(\cos 2t + \sin 2t) -\frac{1}{5} e^{-t}$$? If it does, why find the convolution then when it is easier just to take the partial fractions and then find the inverse Laplace?2012-12-08
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    @Q.matin: I think there is not a certain reason for that. Maybe, the author wanted to do it by convolution. For example, we know many ode's which are separable and exact. If we are asked to see them as separable, so we will treat them as separable and if they wish to do exact method so do we. Your approach is right.2012-12-08
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    @BabakSorouh thanks for clearing that up!2012-12-08