The Laplace Transform: Motivating the Definition

Authors

Howard Dwyer

Publication Date

2-7-2011

Keywords

Laplace transform

Abstract

Most undergraduate texts in ordinary differential equations (ODE) contain a chapter covering the Laplace transform which begins with the definition of the transform, followed by a sequence of theorems which establish the properties of the transform, followed by a number of examples. Many students accept the transform as a Gift From The Gods, but the better students will wonder how anyone could possibly have discovered/developed it. This article outlines a presentation, which offers a plausible (hopefully) progression of thoughts, which leads to integral transforms in general, and the Laplace transform in particular.

Recommended Citation

Dwyer, Howard (2011) "The Laplace Transform: Motivating the Definition," CODEE Journal: Vol. 8, Article 5.
Available at: https://scholarship.claremont.edu/codee/vol8/iss1/5