Math Problem Statement

Draw this graph using common engineering function

Solution

The given function is f(t)=[u(t2)u(t5)](32t)f(t) = \left[ u(t-2) - u(t-5) \right](3 - 2t), where u(t)u(t) is the unit step function. To draw the graph of this function, we can analyze it step by step.

Step 1: Understand the Unit Step Function

  • u(t2)u(t-2) is 0 for t<2t < 2 and 1 for t2t \geq 2.
  • u(t5)u(t-5) is 0 for t<5t < 5 and 1 for t5t \geq 5.

Step 2: Analyze the Difference u(t2)u(t5)u(t-2) - u(t-5)

  • For t<2t < 2: Both u(t2)u(t-2) and u(t5)u(t-5) are 0, so u(t2)u(t5)=0u(t-2) - u(t-5) = 0.
  • For 2t<52 \leq t < 5: u(t2)=1u(t-2) = 1 and u(t5)=0u(t-5) = 0, so u(t2)u(t5)=1u(t-2) - u(t-5) = 1.
  • For t5t \geq 5: Both u(t2)u(t-2) and u(t5)u(t-5) are 1, so u(t2)u(t5)=0u(t-2) - u(t-5) = 0.

Thus, the expression u(t2)u(t5)u(t-2) - u(t-5) equals 1 only in the interval 2t<52 \leq t < 5 and is 0 elsewhere.

Step 3: Multiply by 32t3 - 2t

  • For 2t<52 \leq t < 5, the function becomes f(t)=(32t)f(t) = (3 - 2t).
  • Outside this interval, f(t)=0f(t) = 0.

Step 4: Graph the Function

  • Interval 1 (t<2t < 2): f(t)=0f(t) = 0.
  • Interval 2 (2t<52 \leq t < 5): f(t)=32tf(t) = 3 - 2t, which is a linear function starting at t=2t = 2 with a value f(2)=1f(2) = -1 and ending at t=5t = 5 with a value f(5)=7f(5) = -7.
  • Interval 3 (t5t \geq 5): f(t)=0f(t) = 0.

Final Graph Description

The graph is zero before t=2t = 2 and after t=5t = 5. Between t=2t = 2 and t=5t = 5, it is a straight line decreasing from 1-1 to 7-7.

Would you like a detailed explanation on how to draw this graph, or do you have any questions?

Related Questions:

  1. What is the significance of the unit step function in engineering applications?
  2. How does shifting the argument of a unit step function affect the graph?
  3. What other piecewise functions can be expressed using the unit step function?
  4. How would the graph change if the slope of 32t3 - 2t were altered?
  5. Can you extend this method to graph other functions involving unit step functions?

Tip:

When working with unit step functions, always break the problem into intervals based on the step points to simplify the analysis and graphing.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Unit step function
Piecewise functions
Linear functions

Formulas

f(t) = [u(t-2) - u(t-5)](3 - 2t)

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Advanced High School