Behind the Laplace transform
Article Abstract:
Electrical engineers have long relied on the Laplace transform for finding the transient and steady-state outputs of circuits with periodic and aperiodic inputs quickly and reliably. The Laplace transform changes some of the most differential equations of physics into algebraic equations, which are usually easier to solve. The Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler wrote integrals in 1744 that looked much like the modern version; these were adapted by the Italian-French mathematical physicist Joseph Louis Lagrange to the needs of probability theory, and Lagrange's work influenced Frenchman Pierre Simon Laplace, who was writing the almost-modern Laplace transform by 1785. This is still used as the Mellin transform to solve differential equations with variable coefficients. The contributions of Joseph Fourier to the development of the Laplace transform and its current use are described.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1991
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Out of the wilderness
Article Abstract:
The People's Bank of China is presently facing grave challenges posed by changes in the financial and credit aspect of the country. The State Council's moves towards reforms are simultaneous to actions for the removal of political interference that has stifled its past operation. The creation, licensing and supervision of new banks and nonbank financial institutions have also added upon the present dilemna of the central bank. However, it is recognized that the political will of its leader will determine the bank's future.
Publication Name: Far Eastern Economic Review
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0014-7591
Year: 1993
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A feast of lights
Article Abstract:
The Jewish Museum San Francisco, in celebration of Hanukah, presented an exhibition of the ritual lamp of the holiday from Nov. 12 to Dec. 25, 1995. The exhibition featured 121 menorahs created by 126 artists having different backgrounds.
Publication Name: American Craft
Subject: Home and garden
ISSN: 0194-8008
Year: 1996
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