Math Problem Statement

what is x(t) = 0.5tu(t) when x(0) knowing that t>=0 x(t)=0.5*t and when t<0 x(t)=0?

Solution

Given the piecewise function definition of x(t)x(t), let's break it down step-by-step to clarify it:

  1. For t0t \geq 0: The function x(t)=0.5tu(t)x(t) = 0.5 \cdot t \cdot u(t). Here, u(t)u(t) represents the unit step function. The unit step function u(t)u(t) is defined as:

    \begin{cases} 1, & \text{if } t \geq 0 \\ 0, & \text{if } t < 0 \end{cases}$$ Therefore, for $$t \geq 0$$, we have: $$x(t) = 0.5 \cdot t \cdot 1 = 0.5 \cdot t$$
  2. For t<0t < 0: Since u(t)=0u(t) = 0 for t<0t < 0, this implies:

    x(t)=0.5t0=0x(t) = 0.5 \cdot t \cdot 0 = 0

Thus, the piecewise function for x(t)x(t) is:

\begin{cases} 0.5 \cdot t, & \text{if } t \geq 0 \\ 0, & \text{if } t < 0 \end{cases}$$ ### Finding $$x(0)$$: At $$t = 0$$: $$x(0) = 0.5 \cdot 0 = 0$$ Thus, $$x(0) = 0$$. ### Summary: The function $$x(t)$$ is defined as: $$x(t) = \begin{cases} 0.5 \cdot t, & \text{if } t \geq 0 \\ 0, & \text{if } t < 0 \end{cases}$$ And $$x(0) = 0$$. Would you like further details or explanations? ### Related questions: 1. How does the unit step function influence $$x(t)$$ in this case? 2. What is the graphical representation of $$x(t)$$ for this function? 3. How can $$x(t)$$ be used in signal processing? 4. What happens to $$x(t)$$ if we modify the scaling factor from 0.5 to another constant? 5. How would the function change if the unit step function $$u(t)$$ had a delay, like $$u(t - T)$$? **Tip**: The unit step function is commonly used to define signals that "turn on" at specific times, especially in control systems and signal processing.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Piecewise Functions
Unit Step Function
Signal Processing

Formulas

x(t) = 0.5 * t * u(t)
Unit Step Function u(t) = 1 if t >= 0, 0 if t < 0

Theorems

Unit Step Function Properties
Definition of Piecewise Functions

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate - Electrical Engineering/Mathematics