University of Johannesburg

Faculty of Science
Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
Lecturer: JH Malele

Inverse Laplace Transforms

1. Introduction

We now reverse the process: on the right hand column of the Laplace transforms tables we identify the appropriate
rule and read off the answer in the left hand column of the tables. That is, for the inverse Laplace transforms, we
just reverse the order. We break this into four sections:

2. Basic Rules

Firstly, we concentrate on the first seven rules of Laplace transforms in Table 1 (please refer to last week’s set of
notes on page 4).

Example 1:
(a)
( )
1
L −1
=1 rule 1
s

(b)
( )
1
L−1 = e2t rule 7
s−2

(c)
( ) ( )
12 12
L−1 = L−1
2s − 8 2(s − 4)
( )
6
= L−1
s−4
( )
1
= 6 L−1
s−4
= 6 e4t rule 7

(d)
 s 
L−1 = cos 4t rule 4
s2 + 16
(e)
( )
3
L−1 = sinh 3t rule 5
s2 − 9

1
(f)
( ) ( )
1 1 −1 2 n!
L−1 = L get in form
s3 2 s3 sn+1
1
= t2 rule 2
2
(g)
( ) ( )
2 1
L −1
=2L −1
linearity property
s2 − 5 s2 − 5
 √ 
2 −1   5  a
= √ L 

get in form
 
s 2 − 5

s2 − a2
5

 

2 √
= √ sinh 5t rule 5
5
(h)
( ) ( )
2 2
L−1 = L −1
get s2 term with coefficient one
3s2 + 6 3(s2 + 2)
( )
2 1
= L−1 2 linearity property
3 s +2
 √ 
2  2  a
= √ L  −1 
 
get in form

 s2 + 2  s2 − a2
3 2  

√
2 √
= sin 2t rule 3
3

Exercises
Determine the following inverse Laplace transforms
( )
1
1. L−1 3
(s )
−1 1
2. L 2
( s − 3)
5
3. L−1 2
( s +)4
−1 5
4. L 4
( 2s )
−1 2
5. L
(s + 8 )
2

4s
6. L−1
( 2s +)3
2

5π
7. L−1
s+π
( 2 )
s
8. L−1 3
s −s
9. Please see exercises in the prescribed textbook

2
3. Combination rules

We now concentrate on rules 8 - 21 of Laplace transforms in Tables 2 and 3 (refer to last week’s set of notes on
pages 7 and 9, respectively).
NB: Always look out for the numerator and the a2 term to identify which rule is resembled.

Example 2:
(a)
( ) ( )
5 1
L −1
= 5L −1
resembles rule 8
(s − 4)3 (s − 4)3
( )
5 −1 2 n!
= L get in form
2 (s − 4)3 (s − b)n+1
5
= e4t t2 rule 8 with n = 2 and b = 4
2
(b)
( ) ( )
3 1
L −1
= 3L −1
resembles rule 9
(s − 1)2 + 4 (s − 1)2 + 4
( )
3 −1 2
= L force 2 in numerator
2 (s − 1)2 + 4
3
= et sin 2t rule 9 with a = 2 and b = 1
2
(c)
( ) ( )
s s
L−1 = L −1
resembles rule 10
(s − 1)2 + 4 (s − 1)2 + 4
(s − 1) + 1
( )
= L−1 force (s − 1) in numerator to match denominator
(s − 1)2 + 4
( )
(s − 1) 1
= L−1 + split into two terms
(s − 1)2 + 4 (s − 1)2 + 4
( )
(s − 1) 1 2
= L−1 + . force 2 in numerator
(s − 1)2 + 4 2 (s − 1)2 + 4
1
= et cos 2t + et sin 2t rules 9 and 10 with a = 2 and b = 1
2 !
1
= et cos 2t + sin 2t common factor
2

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(d)
( ) ( )
s−1 s−1
L−1 = L −1
resembles rule 12
(s + 2)2 − 5 (s + 2)2 − 5
(s + 2) − 3
( )
= L−1 force (s + 2) in numerator to match denominator
(s + 2)2 − 5
(s + 2)
( )
3
= L−1 − split into two terms
(s + 2)2 − 5 (s + 2)2 − 5
 √ 
 (s + 2)
 3 5  √
=L −1 
.

− force 5 in numerator

 (s + 2)2 − 5 √
5 (s + 2) − 5
2
 


√ 3 √ √
= e−2t cosh 5t − √ e−2t sinh 5t rules 12 and 11 with a = 5 and b = −2
5
√ √
!
3
=e −2t
cosh 5t − √ sinh 5t common factor
5
(e)
( ) ( )
s s
L −1
=L −1
resembles rule 16
(s2 − 4)2 (s2 − 4)2
( )
1 −1 4s
= L force 4 in numerator with 2a = 2(2) = 4
4 (s2 − 4)2
1
= t sinh 2t
4

Exercises
Determine the following inverse Laplace transforms
( )
−1 4
1. L 2
( (s − 1) )
−2
2. L−1
( (s + 3)
4
)
4
3. L−1
( (s + 1) + 5 )
2
12
4. L−1
(s − 2)2 − 9 )
s+2
(
5. L−1
( (s − 3)3 + 16)
s
6. L−1
 (s + 2) 2−3

 s − 1 
7. L−1 

 

 (s − 1 )2 − 1 
 

2
 s 
8. L−1 4
s + 8s2 + 16
( 2 )
−1 2s − 4
9. L
( (s + 2) )
2 2
3s
10. L−1
(s2 + 16)2
11. Please see exercises in the prescribed textbook

4
4. Completing the square

In some instances, it may be necessary to reduce the number of terms in the denominator from 3 terms to 2 terms
through a procedure generally known as completing the square. Recall how you may complete a square:
!2
√ b b2
ax2 + bx + c = ax + √ +c−
2 a 4a

with a given as a perfect square.

( )
2
Example 3: Determine L−1
s + 4s − 1
2

Solution: The denominator consist of 3 terms and so we will reduce it into 2 terms by completing the square

s2 + 4s − 1 = (s + 2)2 − 5

Thus,
( ) ( )
2 2
L −1
=L −1
resembles rule 11
s2 + 4s − 1 (s + 2)2 − 5
 √ 
2 −1   5 
= √ L 

prepare the numerator
 
(s + 2) 2 − 5

5

 

2 √
= √ e2t sinh 5t rule 11
5
( )
−1 s−1
Example 4: Determine L
s2 − 6s + 13
Solution: Complete the square on the denominator

s2 − 6s + 13 = (s − 3)2 + 4

Thus,
( ) ( )
s−1 s−1
L−1 = L −1
s2 − 6s + 13 (s − 3)2 + 4
Force the numerator s − 1 to become s − 3
(s − 3) + 2
( )
= L−1
(s − 3)2 + 4
( )
s−3 2
= L−1 +
(s − 3)2 + 4 (s − 3)2 + 4
= e3t cos 2t + e3t sin 2t rule 10 and 9
= e (cos 2t + sin 2t)
3t

Exercises

Complete the square in order to determine the following inverse Laplace transforms
 π 
1. L−1 2
s − 3s − 1
5
 ( )
−1 2s
2. L
( s + 6s + 16)
2

s−1
3. L−1 2
( s − 4s + 7 )
5
4. L−1
( 2s + 2s −)1
2

−1 1−s
5. L 2−s+1
s
s+5
( )
−1
6. L 2
 s − 10s + 6
−1 s
7. L
( s − 6s + 13)
2
2s
8. L−1 2
( s − 4s + 2 )
−2
9. L−1
( 1 + 3s − 4s )
2

5s
10. L−1 4
s + 18s2 + 81
11. Please see exercises in the prescribed textbook

5. Partial fractions
In some instances, it may be necessary to manipulate expressions to resemble rules 8 - 13 of the Laplace transform
in Table 2 (refer to last week’s set of notes on page 7). Below is a revision of the fundamental rules to decompose an
algebraic fraction into partial fractions.
• The numerator must be of lower degree than denominator i.e. proper fraction (usually the case in Laplace
transforms).
• Factorize the denominator as far as possible, these factors determine the shape of the partial fractions.
• Consider three factors of the denominator:
A
– A linear distinct factor s + a results in partial form where A is constant. In this case, we may use the
s+a
“cover-up” rule (we’ll discuss it shortly).
A B
– A repeated linear factor (s + a)2 results in partial fractions of the form + where A and B are
s + a (s + a)2
constants.
As + B
– A quadratic factor as2 + bs + c result in a partial fraction of the form 2 where A and B are
as + bs + c
constants.
( )
−1 s − 19
Example 5: Determine L
s2 − 3s − 10
Solution: Factorize denominator to obtain
( ) ( )
s − 19 s − 19
L −1
=L −1
s2 − 3s − 10 (s + 2)(s − 5)
The two factors are both linear, hence we have two partial fractions of the form
s − 19 A B
≡ +
(s + 2)(s − 5) s + 2 s − 5
6
Method 1: We form the identity
s − 19 ≡ A(s − 5) + B(s + 2)
which is true for any values of s. We substitute conveniently

s = −2 : −21 = A(−7) + B(0) ∴ A=3

s=5: −14 = A(0) + B(7) ∴ B = −2

The partial fractions are

s − 19 3 2
≡ −
(s + 2)(s − 5) s + 2 s − 5
Hence
( ) ( )
s − 19 3 2
L−1 = L−1 −
(s + 2)(s − 5) s+2 s−5
= 3 e−2t − 2 e5t rule 7

Method 2: The cover-up rule

( )
s − 19 A B
We know that L−1 has partial fractions of the form +
(s + 2)(s − 5) s+2 s−5
Hence  ... ... 
L−1 +
s+2 s−5
To find the numerator for s + 2, let s = −2. In the main fraction above, note that when s = −2, the factor (s + 2)
results in zero and the main fraction will be undefined. So we “cover” this mistake, ignore the factor (s + 2) for the
time being while we let s = −2 everywhere else in the main fraction
s − 19 −2 − 19
= =3
(s + 2)(s − 5) s=−2 −2 − 5

Hence the numerator for s + 2 is 3.

To find the numerator for s − 5, let s = 5. In the main fraction above, again we observe that when s = 5, the factor
s − 5 results in zero and the main fraction will be undefined. So again, we “cover” this mistake, ignore the factor
(s − 5) and let s = 5 everywhere else in the main fraction
s − 19 5 − 19
= = −2
(s + 2)(s − 5) s=5 5+2

Hence the numerator for s − 5 is -2.

Thus
(
s − 19
)  ... ... 
L −1
= L−1 +
(s + 2)(s − 5) s+2 s−5
( )
3 2
=L −1
−
s+2 s−5
= 3 e−2t − 2 e5t rule 7

We recommend this method as it is much easier and faster. Remember to only use the “cover-up” rule when the
factors of the denominator are linear and distinct.

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 ( )
−1 1
Example 6: Determine L 2
s −s
Solution: Factorize denominator
( ) ( )
1 1
L−1 = L −1
s2 − s s(s − 1)
. . . ... 
= L−1 +
s s−1
We can use the “cover-up” rule.

For the numerator of s, let s = 0, while covering our mistake in the main fraction
1 1
= = −1
s(s − 1) s=0 −1

For the numerator of s − 1, let s = 1, while covering our mistake in the main fraction
1 1
= =1
s(s − 1) s=1 1
Hence
( ) ( )
1 −1 1
L−1 = L−1 +
s(s − 1) s s−1
= −1 + et
( )
−1 1
Example 7: Determine L 2
s −s−2
Solution: Factorize the denominator
( ) ( )
1 1
L−1 = L −1
s2 − s − 2 (s − 2)(s + 1)
 ... ... 
= L−1 +
s−2 s+1
Since the factors are linear and distinct, we can use the “cover-up” rule

Numerator for s − 2, let s = 2:

1 1 1
= =
(s − 2)(s + 1) s=2 3 3
Numerator for s + 1, let s = −1:
1 1 1
= =−
(s − 2)(s + 1) s=−1 −3 3
Hence
1 1 
 
−
( 
) 
1
 
−1  3 3
 
L−1 =L  +
 

(s − 2)(s + 1) s − 2 s + 1

 




 


1  2t 
= e − e−t
3

8
 ( )
−1 2
Example 8: Determine L
s − s2
3

Solution: Factorize the denominator

( ) ( )
2 2
L−1 = L−1
s3 − s2 s2 (s − 1)
A B C 
= L−1 + 2+
s s s−1
Note the repeated factor s2 and so we may not use the “cover-up” rule here.

2 A B C
= + 2+
s2 (s − 1) s s s−1
2 = A s (s − 1) + B (s − 1) + C s2

Let s = 0 : 2 = B(−1) ∴ B = −2
Let s = 1 : 2=C ∴ C=2
Coefficients of s2 : 0 = A+C ∴ A = −2

Therefore
( ) ( )
2 2 2 2
L−1 = L −1
− − +
s2 (s − 1) s s2 s − 1
( )
1 1 1
= 2L−1 − − 2 +
s s s−1
= 2(1 − t + et )

s2 − 15s + 41
( )
Example 9: Determine L−1
(s + 2)(s − 3)2
Solution: Resolve to partial fractions

s2 − 15s + 41 A B C
= + +
(s + 2)(s − 3)2 s + 2 s − 3 (s − 3)2
s2 − 15s + 41 = A (s − 3)2 + B (s + 2)(s − 3) + C (s + 2)

Let s = −2 : 4 + 30 + 41 = A(25) ∴ A=3

Let s = 3 : 9 − 45 + 41 = C(5) ∴ C=1
Coefficients of s : 2
1= A+B ∴ B = −2

Therefore
s2 − 15s + 41
( ) ( )
3 2 1
L −1
=L −1
− +
(s + 2)(s − 3)2 s + 2 s − 3 (s − 3)2
= 3e−2t − 2e3t + t e3t

9
 ( )
−1 1
Example 10: Determine L
(s + 4)(s2 + 9)
2

Solution: Resolve to partial fractions

1 As + B Cs + D
= 2 + 2
(s2 + 4)(s + 9)
2 s +4 s +9
1 = (As + B)(s2 + 9) + (Cs + D)(s2 + 4)

Coefficients of s3 : 0 = A+C ... (1)

2
Coefficients of s : 0 = B+D ... (2)
Coefficients of s : 0 = 9A + 4C ... (3)
Constants : 1 = 9B + 4D ... (4)
From (1) : A = −C substitute in (3)
0 = −9C + 4C ∴ C = 0 and A = 0
From (2) : B = −D substitute in (4)
1 1
1 = −9D + 4D ∴ D = − and B =
5 5
Therefore
1 1 
 
( ) 
 
1

 5 
5
 
L−1 = −1 

L −

(s + 4)(s + 9)
2 2 s 2 + 4 s 2 + 9


 




 


1 1
= sin 2t − sin 3t
10 15

Exercises

Determine the following inverse Laplace transforms

( )
−1 s−1
1. L
s2 − 4
( )
5
2. L−1
(s − 4)3
( )
−1 7
3. L
(s2 + 3)(s − 2)
s+3
( )
−1
4. L
6s2 + s − 1
2s − 2s2 − 2s + 1
( 3 )
5. L−1
s2 (s − 1)2
( )
−1 2
6. L
s4 − 1
( 2 )
5s − 4s − 7
7. L−1
(s − 3)(s2 + 4)

10
 s2 − 11s + 6
( )
8. L−1
(s + 1)(s − 2)2
5 − 12s + 4s2
( )
−1
9. L
1 − 3s + 4s2 − 12s3
10. Please see exercises in the prescribed textbook

© Compiled by JH Malele

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