This question was asked inGPSC AE (Electrical) Class-2 R&B Department Paper 2025 – Series MQuestion 72 of 179 published · Gujarat Public Service CommissionOpen paper
Q182HardLTI Systems & Convolution

A signal e^(−at) sin (ωt) is the input to a real linear time invariant system. Given K and ∅ are constants, the output of the system will be of the form Ke^(−bt) sin (vt + ∅). The correct statement among the following is __________

Answer & step-by-step solution
Correct answer: C. b must be equal to a and v must be equal to ω
Quick explanation

A damped sinusoid is the imaginary part of a complex exponential e^{(-a+jω)t}. For an LTI system, a complex exponential is an eigenfunction: the system changes only its complex gain, not the exponential's pole. Therefore the output retains the same decay rate a and angular frequency ω; only magnitude and phase change.

s₀ = −a + jω y(t) = H(s₀)e^{s₀t} ⇒ b = a, v = ω

Concept & Reasoning

Write the input as Im{e^{(-a+jω)t}}. If the system has transfer function H(s), the response to e^{st} is H(s)e^{st} whenever the eigenfunction condition applies. H(-a+jω) contributes a constant magnitude K and phase φ. Thus the output form is Ke^{-at}sin(ωt+φ), giving b=a and v=ω.

How to Solve It in the Exam

LTI system changes amplitude/phase of an exponential mode, not its exponent.

Important Exam Point

Recognize damped sinusoids as conjugate complex exponentials.

Editorial / Answer-Key Note

The official GPSC final answer key revised the provisional outcome for this question from A to C.

Quick Trick

LTI system changes amplitude/phase of an exponential mode, not its exponent.

Common Mistake

Assuming the system can arbitrarily change frequency while remaining LTI under this eigenfunction setting.

Solution diagram – A signal e^(−at) sin (ωt) is the input to a real linear time invariant system.…
Exam tipRecognize damped sinusoids as conjugate complex exponentials.
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