Write f(x) in terms of the unit step function u(x)

In summary, we discussed the definition of the Haeviside Step Function or Unit Step Function and how it can be written in terms of the unit step function. We also saw that this function can be written as a sum using the unit step function and has a Laplace Transform and Inverse Laplace Transform. It was also mentioned that for the unicity of the Inverse Laplace Transform, two functions using the unit step function are considered the same if their difference is a "null function".
  • #1
alexmahone
304
0
Write f(x) in terms of the unit step function u(x).

$u(x)=\left\{ \begin{array}{rcl} 1\ &\text{if}& \ x\geq 0 \\ 0\ &\text{if}& \ x<0\end{array} \right.$

$f(x)=\left\{ \begin{array}{rcl} 1\ &\text{if}& \ 2n\le x\le 2n+1 \\ 0\ &\text{elsewhere}\end{array} \right.$
 
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  • #2
A more useful definition of 'Haeviside Step Function' or 'Unit Step Function' is...

$\mathcal{u}(x)=\begin{cases}1 &\text{if}\ x>0\\ \frac{1}{2} &\text{if}\ x=0\\ 0 &\text{if}\ x<0\end{cases}$ (1)

... and the function...

$f(x)=\begin{cases} 1 &\text{if}\ 2n<x<2n+1\\ \frac{1}{2} &\text{if}\ x=n\\ 0 &\text{elsewhere}\end{cases}$ (2)

... can be written as...

$\displaystyle f(x)= \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} (-1)^{n} \mathcal{u}(x-n)$ (3)

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
  • #3
chisigma said:
A more useful definition of 'Haeviside Step Function' or 'Unit Step Function' is...

But I need to use the definition in post #1.

I get $\displaystyle f(x)=\sum_{-\infty}^\infty u(x-2n)u(2n+1-x)$
 
  • #4
chisigma said:
A more useful definition of 'Haeviside Step Function' or 'Unit Step Function' is...

$\mathcal{u}(x)=\begin{cases}1 &\text{if}\ x>0\\ \frac{1}{2} &\text{if}\ x=0\\ 0 &\text{if}\ x<0\end{cases}$ (1)

... and the function...

$f(x)=\begin{cases} 1 &\text{if}\ 2n<x<2n+1\\ \frac{1}{2} &\text{if}\ x=n\\ 0 &\text{elsewhere}\end{cases}$ (2)

... can be written as...

$\displaystyle f(x)= \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} (-1)^{n} \mathcal{u}(x-n)$ (3)

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$

It is curious the fact that the function...

$\displaystyle f_{a}(x) =\begin{cases} 1 &\text{if}\ 2n \le x \le 2n+1\\ 0 &\text{elsewhere}\end{cases}$ (1)

... has Laplace Transform...

$\displaystyle \mathcal{L}\{f_{a}(x)\}= F(s)= \frac{1}{s\ (1+e^-s)}$ (2)

... and the (2) has Inverse Laplace Transform...

$\displaystyle \mathcal{L}^{-1}\{F(s)\}= f_{b}(x)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} (-1)^{n}\ \mathcal{u}(x-n)$ (3)

... so that for the unicity of the inverse L-transform $f_{a}(x)$ and $f_{b}(x)$ are 'pratically' the same function... where 'pratically' means that the difference between then is a 'null function'...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 

FAQ: Write f(x) in terms of the unit step function u(x)

What is the unit step function u(x)?

The unit step function u(x) is a mathematical function that takes on the value of 0 for all negative inputs and the value of 1 for all positive inputs. It is often used in engineering and physics to represent a sudden change or "step" in a system.

How is the unit step function u(x) related to the Heaviside step function?

The Heaviside step function is another name for the unit step function u(x). They are essentially the same function, with the only difference being that the Heaviside step function is often defined as having the value of 0 at the origin (x=0), while the unit step function u(x) can have different definitions at the origin.

Can any function be written in terms of the unit step function u(x)?

Yes, any function can be written in terms of the unit step function u(x) using the following formula: f(x) = f(0) + ∫[0 to x] f'(t)u(t)dt. This formula essentially breaks down a function into its individual "steps" and adds them together.

How can the unit step function u(x) be used to solve differential equations?

The unit step function u(x) can be used to solve differential equations by transforming them into algebraic equations. This is done by applying the Laplace transform to both sides of the differential equation, which converts the derivative terms into simple multiplication terms involving the unit step function u(x).

Are there any real-world applications of the unit step function u(x)?

Yes, the unit step function u(x) has many real-world applications. It is commonly used in electrical engineering to model the behavior of electronic circuits, in physics to represent sudden changes in energy or force, and in economics to model sudden changes in supply or demand.

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