Laplace transforms in solving differential equations

Let us first state a few important points about the application of Laplace transform in solving differential equations (Fig. 2.1). After we have formulated a model in terms of a linear or linearized differential equation, dy/dt = f(y), we can solve for y(t). Alternatively, we can transform the equation into an algebraic problem as represented by the function G(s) in the Laplace domain and solve for Y(s). The time domain solution y(t) can be obtained with an inverse transform, but we rarely do so in control analysis. 

The Laplace transform is similar to a one-sided Fourier transform, except that it has a real exponential instead of the complex exponential of the Fourier transform. If we consider complex values of the variables, the two transforms become different versions of the same transform, and their properties are related. The integral that is carried out to invert the Laplace transform is carried out in the complex plane, and we do not discuss it. Fortunately, it is often possible to apply Laplace transforms without carrying out such an integral. We will discuss the use of Laplace transforms in solving differential equations in Chapter 8. 

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