How can you prove the Laplace transform of a periodic function with an integral?

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    2015
In summary, the Laplace transform is a mathematical tool that converts a function in the time domain to a function in the complex frequency domain. It can be used for periodic functions by integrating the function over one period and applying a Fourier series representation. However, the Laplace transform alone cannot prove the periodicity of a function and must be used in conjunction with other methods. The integral property of the Laplace transform can also be used to prove periodicity by showing that the transform of the function is equal to the transform of the function multiplied by a constant. Some practical applications of using the Laplace transform to prove periodicity include analyzing systems in engineering and physics, signal processing, and solving differential equations involving periodic functions.
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Euge
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Suppose $f$ is a $p$-periodic complex-valued function on $[0,\infty)$. Let $F(s)$ denote the Laplace transform of $f(t)$. Prove

$$F(s) = \frac{1}{1 - e^{-ps}}\int_0^p e^{-st}f(t)\, dt, \qquad \operatorname{Re}(s) > 0.$$

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Congratulations to GJA, chisigma, and Kokuhaku for their correct solutions! Here is GJA's solution below.
We first note that, since $\text{Re}(s)>0$, $|e^{-sp}|=e^{-\text{Re}(s)p}<1$; therefore
$$\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}e^{-nsp}=\frac{1}{1-e^{-sp}}\tag{$*$}$$
via geometric series.

Using the definition of the Laplace Transform we compute:

$\begin{align*}
F(s)&=\int_{0}^{\infty}e^{-st}f(t)dt\\
&=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\int_{np}^{(n+1)p}e^{-st}f(t)dt\\
&=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\int_{0}^{p}e^{-s(u+np)}f(u+np)du\tag{$u=t-np$}\\
&=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}e^{-nsp}\int_{0}^{p}e^{-su}f(u+np)du\\
&=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}e^{-nsp}\int_{0}^{p}e^{-su}f(u)du\tag{$f$ is $p$-periodic}\\
&=\frac{1}{1-e^{-sp}}\int_{0}^{p}e^{-st}f(t)dt\tag{Via $(*)$ and setting $t=u$}
\end{align*}$

which gives the desired result.
 

FAQ: How can you prove the Laplace transform of a periodic function with an integral?

How does the Laplace transform work for periodic functions?

The Laplace transform is a mathematical tool used to convert a function in the time domain to a function in the complex frequency domain. It works for periodic functions by integrating the function over one period and then applying a Fourier series representation to the resulting integral.

Can the Laplace transform be used to prove the periodicity of a function?

No, the Laplace transform alone cannot prove the periodicity of a function. It can only be used to show that a function is periodic if it satisfies the necessary conditions, such as having a finite number of discontinuities and boundedness over one period.

How do you use the integral property of the Laplace transform to prove the periodicity of a function?

The integral property of the Laplace transform states that the transform of an integral is equal to the transform of the function multiplied by 1/s. By applying this property to the integral of a periodic function over one period, we can show that the Laplace transform of the function is equal to the transform of the function multiplied by a constant, which signifies periodicity.

Is the Laplace transform the only way to prove the periodicity of a function?

No, there are other methods for proving the periodicity of a function, such as using Fourier series or directly showing that the function repeats itself over a certain interval. However, the Laplace transform is a useful tool for proving periodicity in certain cases.

What are some practical applications of using the Laplace transform to prove the periodicity of a function?

The Laplace transform is commonly used in engineering and physics to analyze the behavior of systems that exhibit periodicity, such as electrical circuits and mechanical systems. It can also be used in signal processing to analyze periodic signals and in mathematics to solve differential equations involving periodic functions.

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