Final answer:
To solve the given initial-value problem using Laplace transforms, take the Laplace transform of the differential equation, decompose Y(s) into partial fractions, and then take the inverse Laplace transform to find the solution y(t).
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve the given initial value problem using Laplace transforms, we will first take the Laplace transform of the given differential equation. Applying the Laplace transform to the equation y'' - 4y' + 4y = t, we get (s^2 - 4s + 4)Y(s) = 1/s^2. Simplifying this equation, we find Y(s) = 1/(s^2)(s-2)(s-2).
We can now use partial fraction decomposition to express Y(s) in terms of simpler fractions. Decomposing Y(s) into partial fractions, we get Y(s) = A/s^2 + B/(s-2) + C/(s-2)^2. By equating the numerators and finding the values of A, B, and C, we obtain A = -1/4, B = 1/2, and C = -1/4.
Taking the inverse Laplace transform of Y(s), we find the solution y(t) = -1/4 + 1/2e^(2t) - 1/4te^(2t).