Z-transforms:

Introduction
We are acquainted with Laplace transform and Fourier transforms whose basic
definitions are in the form of a definite integral in which the integrand is involved with two
parameters. The resulting integral whenever it exists will be a function of a single parameter.
Z-transform operates on the sequence of functions of a single variable defined for non negative
integral values of the variable.
Definition: if 𝑢 = 𝑓(𝑛) defined for all 𝑛 = 0, 1, 2, 3, … and 𝑢 = 0 for 𝑛 < 0 then the Z-
transform of 𝑢 denoted by 𝑍 (𝑢 ) is defined by 𝑍 (𝑢 ) = ∑ 𝑢 𝑧 = 𝑢(𝑧).
The inverse Z-transform is defined as 𝑍 [𝑢(𝑧)] = 𝑢 .
Z-transform of some standard functions:
1. 𝑍 (𝑛 ) = −𝑧 𝑍 (𝑛 )

2. 𝑍 (𝑘 ) =

3. 𝑍 (1) =

4. 𝑍 (𝑛) = ( )

5. 𝑍 (𝑛 ) = ( )

6. 𝑍 (𝑛 ) = ( )

Properties of Z-transform:
1. Linearity property: If 𝑢 and 𝑣 be any two discrete valued functions then
𝑍 (𝑐 𝑢 + 𝑐 𝑣 ) = 𝑐 𝑍 (𝑢 ) + 𝑐 𝑍 (𝑣 ) where 𝑐 , 𝑐 are constants.
2. Damping rule:

If 𝑍 (𝑢 ) = 𝑢(𝑧) then 𝑖) 𝑍 (𝑘 𝑢 ) = 𝑢 , 𝑖𝑖) 𝑍 (𝑘 𝑢 ) = 𝑢(𝑘𝑧).

Some applications of damping rule:

𝑖) 𝑍 (𝑘 𝑛) = ( )
.

𝑍 (𝑢 ) = 𝑍 (𝑛) = ( )
= 𝑢(𝑧)
/
𝑍 (𝑘 𝑛) = 𝑢 = = ( )
=( )
 𝑖𝑖) 𝑍 (𝑘 𝑛 ) = ( )
.

𝑍 (𝑢 ) = 𝑍 (𝑛 ) = ( )
= 𝑢(𝑧)

𝑍 (𝑘 𝑛 ) = 𝑢 = = ( )
= ( )
= ( )

𝑖𝑖) 𝑍 (𝑘 𝑛 ) = ( )
.

3. Shifting rule: If 𝑍 (𝑢 ) = 𝑢(𝑧) then

𝑖) 𝑍 (𝑢 )=𝑧 𝑢(𝑧) 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑘 > 0
( )
𝑖𝑖) 𝑍 (𝑢 ) = 𝑧 [ 𝑢(𝑧) − 𝑢 − 𝑢 𝑧 −𝑢 𝑧 − ⋯− 𝑢 𝑧
In particular,
𝑖) 𝑍 (𝑢 ) = 𝑧[𝑢(𝑧) − 𝑢 ]
𝑖𝑖) 𝑍 (𝑢 ) = 𝑧 [𝑢(𝑧) − 𝑢 − 𝑢 𝑧 ]
𝑖𝑖𝑖) 𝑍 (𝑢 ) = 𝑧 [𝑢(𝑧) − 𝑢 − 𝑢 𝑧 −𝑢 𝑧 ].
Worked examples:
1. Find the Z-transform of (𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝜽 + 𝒊 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽)𝒏 .
Solution: 𝑍 [(𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 + 𝑖 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃) ] =?
we know that cos 𝜃 + 𝑖 sin 𝜃 = 𝑒
∴ (𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 + 𝑖 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃) = 𝑒 = 𝑘 (say) where 𝑘 = 𝑒 .
W.K.T 𝑍 (𝑘 ) =

𝑍 [ 𝑒 ]=

𝑍 [(cos 𝜃 + 𝑖 sin 𝜃) ] = .

2. Find the z-transform of (𝒏 + 𝟏)𝟐

Solution: 𝑍 [(𝑛 + 1) ] = 𝑍 (𝑛 + 2𝑛 + 1)
= 𝑍 (𝑛 ) + 2𝑍 (𝑛) + 𝑍 (1)

=( )
+ 2( )
+
( ) ( )
= ( )

𝑍 [(𝑛 + 1) ] = ( )
.
 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒏 𝟐
3. Find the Z-transform of the following 𝒊) 𝒆 𝒊𝒊) 𝒆 𝒏, 𝒊𝒊𝒊) 𝒆 𝒏 .
Solution:
𝑖) 𝑍 [𝑒 ] =?
𝑒 = (𝑒 ) = 𝑘 (𝑠𝑎𝑦)𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑘 = 𝑒
We have, 𝑍 (𝑘 ) =

Thus, 𝑍 (𝑒 )= .

𝑖𝑖)𝑍 [𝑒 𝑛] =?

If 𝑍 (𝑢 ) = 𝑢(𝑧) then 𝑍 [𝑘 𝑢 ] = 𝑢

Here 𝑢 = 𝑛; 𝑘 = 𝑒 = (𝑒 ) 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑘 = 𝑒
𝑤𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑍 (𝑢 ) = 𝑍 [𝑛] = ( )
= 𝑢(𝑧)
/
𝑍 (𝐾 𝑢 ) = 𝑍 [(𝑒 ) 𝑛] =
( )
=
→( / )

𝑍 (𝐾 𝑛) = ( )
=( )

Taking 𝑘 = 𝑒 we obtain,

𝑍 (𝑒 𝑛) = ( )

𝑖𝑖𝑖)𝑍 [𝑒 𝑛 ] =?

If 𝑍 (𝑢 ) = 𝑢(𝑧) then 𝑍 [𝑘 𝑢 ] = 𝑢

Here 𝑢 = 𝑛 ; 𝑘 = 𝑒 = (𝑒 ) 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑘 = 𝑒 ;

𝑤𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑍 (𝑢 ) = 𝑍 [𝑛 ] = ( )
= 𝑢(𝑧)

𝑍 (𝑘 𝑛 ) = 𝑍 [(𝑒 ) 𝑛 ]=
( )
=
→( / )

( )
𝑍 (𝑘 𝑛 ) = ( )
= ( )

Taking 𝑘 = 𝑒 , we obtain
( )
𝑍(𝑒 𝑛 )= ( )
.
4. Obtain the z-transform of 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐡 𝒏𝜽 and 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐡 𝒏𝜽.
Solution: 𝑐𝑜𝑠ℎ(𝑛𝜃) = 𝑒 +𝑒 = 𝑒 + 𝑒

i.e., 𝑐𝑜𝑠ℎ 𝑛𝜃 = {𝑝 + 𝑞 } where 𝑝 = 𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑞 = 𝑒 .

Now 𝑍 (cosh 𝑛𝜃) = {𝑍 (𝑝 ) + 𝑍 (𝑞 )}

= +

= +

=
( )

( )
= 𝑤𝑘𝑡 cosh(𝜃) =

=
( )
Thus, 𝑧 (cos ℎ𝑛𝜃) =

Next, 𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ(𝑛𝜃) = 𝑒 −𝑒 = 𝑒 − 𝑒

i.e., 𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ 𝑛𝜃 = {𝑝 − 𝑞 } where 𝑝 = 𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑞 = 𝑒 .

Now 𝑍 (sinh 𝑛𝜃) = {𝑍 (𝑝 ) − 𝑍 (𝑞 )}

= −

= − .

=
( )

( )
= w.k.t sinh(𝜃) =

𝑍 (sinh 𝑛𝜃) = .

5. Obtain the Z-transform of 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝒏𝜽 and 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒏𝜽 . Hence deduce z-transform of the
following
𝒊) 𝒌𝒏 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝒏𝜽 𝒊𝒊) 𝒌𝒏 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒏𝜽 , 𝒊𝒊𝒊) 𝒆 𝒂𝒏
𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝒏𝜽 , 𝒊𝒗) 𝒆 𝒂𝒏
𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒏𝜽.
Solution: we know that 𝑒 = cos 𝑛𝜃 + 𝑖 sin 𝑛𝜃.
We can write 𝑒 = 𝑒 =𝑘 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑘 = 𝑒 .
 We have 𝑍 (𝑘 ) = , 𝑘 𝑏𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑒
( )
∴ 𝑍 𝑒 = 𝑍 (cos 𝑛𝜃 + 𝑖 sin 𝑛𝜃) = =
( )( )
[ ( )]
=
[( ) ]
=
[( ) ]
𝑍 (cos 𝑛𝜃 + 𝑖 sin 𝑛𝜃) =
[( )
𝑍 (cos 𝑛𝜃) + 𝑖 𝑍 (sin 𝑛𝜃) = +𝑖

Equating real and imaginary parts we get

[( )
𝑍 (cos 𝑛𝜃) = = 𝑢(𝑧) and 𝑍 (sin 𝑛𝜃) = = 𝑣̅ (𝑧).

Now suppose 𝑍 (cos 𝑛𝜃) = 𝑢(𝑧) & 𝑍 (sin 𝑛𝜃) = 𝑣̅ (𝑧) then by damping rule,

𝑍 (𝐾 cos 𝑛𝜃) = 𝑢 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑍 (𝐾 sin 𝑛𝜃) = 𝑣̅

( / ) ( )
∴ 𝑍 (𝐾 cos 𝑛𝜃) = =

( )
Thus, 𝑍 (𝐾 cos 𝑛𝜃) = (1)
( / )
Also 𝑍 (𝐾 sin 𝑛𝜃) = =

𝑍 (𝐾 sin 𝑛𝜃) = (2)

By taking 𝑘 = 𝑒 in (1) and (2) we obtain the required results (3) and (4) as follows
( )
𝑍 (𝑒 cos 𝑛𝜃) = (3)

𝑍 (𝑒 sin 𝑛𝜃) = (4)

𝒏𝝅
6. Find the z-transform of 𝟐𝒏 + 𝐬𝐢𝐧 + 𝟏.
𝟒

Solution: let 𝑢 = 2𝑛 + sin +1

𝑍 (𝑢 ) = 2𝑍 (𝑛) + 𝑍 sin + 𝑍 (1)

𝑍 (𝑢 ) = ( )
+𝑍 sin + (1)

Now we need to find 𝑍 sin .

 We have 𝑒 = 𝑒 = cos + 𝑖 sin ; where 𝑘 = 𝑒 .

We know that 𝑍 (𝑘 ) =

𝑍 𝑒 =

𝑍 cos + 𝑖 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = = =
√ √

√ √ √ √
𝑍 cos +𝑖𝑧 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = =
√ √ √ √ √

√ √
𝑍 cos +𝑖𝑧 𝑠𝑖𝑛 =
√

Equating the imaginary parts on both sides we get,

𝒏𝝅 /√
𝑍 sin = =
𝟒 √ √ ( √ )

We substitute this result in (1).

Thus, 𝑍 (𝑢 ) = ( )
+ + .
√ ( √ )

𝒛𝟐 𝒛 𝒛𝟑 𝒛𝟐
7. Using 𝒁𝑻 (𝒏𝟐 ) = (𝒛 show that 𝒁𝑻 [(𝒏 + 𝟏)𝟐 ] = (𝒛
𝟏)𝟑 𝟏)𝟑

𝒛𝟐 𝒛
Solution: let 𝑢 = 𝑛 and we have 𝑍 (𝑢 ) = 𝑍 (𝑛 ) = (𝒛 = 𝑢(𝑧)
𝟏)𝟑

Consider the property 𝑧 [𝑢 ] = 𝑧[𝑢(𝑧) − 𝑢 ] (1)

Since 𝑢 = 𝑛 , 𝑢 = (𝑛 + 1) and 𝑢 = 0. Hence (1) becomes

𝑍 (𝑢 ) = 𝑍 [(𝑛 + 1) ] = 𝑧
( )
−0

𝑍 (𝑢 ) = 𝑍 [(𝑛 + 1) ] =
( )
.

8. Find the Z-transform of 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟑𝒏 + 𝟓).

Solution: let 𝑢 = sin(3𝑛 + 5) = sin 3𝑛 cos 5 + cos 3𝑛 sin 5
𝑍 (𝑢 ) = 𝑍 [sin 3𝑛 cos 5 + cos 3𝑛 sin 5]
𝑍 (𝑢 ) = cos 5 𝑍 (sin 3𝑛) + sin 5 𝑍 (cos 3𝑛) (1)
( )
Consider 𝑒 = 𝑒 = cos 3𝑛 + 𝑖 sin 3𝑛 = 𝑘 where 𝑘 = 𝑒
We know that 𝑍 (𝑘 ) =

𝑍 𝑒 = 𝑍 [cos 3𝑛 + 𝑖 sin 3𝑛] = =( )

 [( ) ]
𝑍 [cos 3𝑛] + 𝑖 𝑍 [sin 3𝑛] = ( )

[( )]
𝑍 [cos 3𝑛] + 𝑖 𝑍 [sin 3𝑛] = + 𝑖

Equating real and imaginary parts then we have

[( )]
𝑍 (cos 3𝑛) = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑍 (sin 3𝑛) =

Substituting these results in (1) we get,

( )
𝑍 (𝑢 ) = cos 5 + sin 5
( )
=
( )
=
( )
𝑍 (𝑢 ) = .
𝟏
9. Find 𝒁𝑻 .
𝒏 𝟏

Solution:𝑍 [𝑢 ] = ∑ 𝑢 𝑧

𝑍 =∑ 𝑧

=1+ 𝑧 + 𝑧 + 𝑧 +⋯

=1+ + + +⋯

𝑍 =𝑧 + + + +⋯ (1)

We know that log(1 + 𝑥) = 𝑥 − + − +⋯

log(1 − 𝑥) = −𝑥 − − − +⋯

−log(1 − 𝑥) = 𝑥 + + + +⋯

By taking 𝑥 = we have,

− 𝑙𝑜𝑔 1– = + + + +⋯

− 𝑙𝑜𝑔 = + + + +⋯

𝑙𝑜𝑔 = + + + +⋯ (2)

We use (2) in the R.H.S of (1)

Thus, 𝑍 = 𝑧 log .
 Initial Value Theorem:
Statement: If 𝑍 (𝑢 ) = 𝑢(𝑧) then lim 𝑢 (𝑧) = 𝑢 .
→

Note: similarly we can also obtain other initial values 𝑢 , 𝑢 , .. as follows.

𝑖) 𝑢 = lim 𝑧[𝑢 (𝑧) − 𝑢 ], 𝑖𝑖)𝑢 = lim 𝑧 𝑢(𝑧) − 𝑢 − ,

→ →

Worked Problems:
𝟐𝒛𝟐 𝟑𝒛 𝟏𝟐
1. If 𝒖(𝒛) = (𝒛 𝟏)𝟒
, find the value of 𝒊)𝒖𝟎 , 𝒊𝒊)𝒖𝟏 , 𝒊𝒊𝒊)𝒖𝟐 , 𝒊𝒗)𝒖𝟑

Solution: we have by definition of Z-transform,

𝑢(𝑧) = 𝑢 + 𝑢 𝑧 +𝑢 𝑧 +𝑢 𝑧 +𝑢 𝑧 +⋯
𝑢(𝑧) = 𝑢 + + + + +⋯

Now 𝑖) 𝑢 = lim 𝑢 (𝑧).

→

= lim ( )
→

= lim = lim = 0. = 0.
→ →

𝑢 = 0.
𝑖𝑖) 𝑢 = lim 𝑧[𝑢(𝑧) − 𝑢 ]
→

𝑢 = lim 𝑧. ( )
since 𝑢 = 0.
→

= lim 𝑧. = lim =0
→ →

𝑢 = 0.

𝑖𝑖𝑖) 𝑢 = lim 𝑧 𝑢(𝑧) − 𝑢 −

→

𝑢 = lim 𝑧 . ( )
since 𝑢 = 0 = 𝑢 .
→

= lim 𝑧 . = lim =( )
=2
→ →

𝑢 = 2.

𝑖𝑣) 𝑢 = lim 𝑧 𝑢(𝑧) − 𝑢 − −

→

𝑢 = lim 𝑧 ( )
−
→
 we need to simplify here
( )
𝑢 = lim 𝑧 ( )
→

= lim 𝑧 ( )
→

= lim 𝑧 = lim = 11
→ →

𝑢 = 11.
𝒛 𝒛
2. Given 𝒁𝑻 (𝒖𝒏 ) = + obtain the z-transform of 𝒖𝒏 𝟐.
𝒛 𝟏 𝒛𝟐 𝟏

Solution: we have 𝑍 (𝑢 )=𝑧 𝑢(𝑧) − 𝑢 − (1)

Given 𝑍 (𝑢 ) = + = 𝑢(𝑧)

We shall first compute 𝑢 and 𝑢 .

𝑢 = lim 𝑢(𝑧)
→

= lim + = lim +
→ →

𝑢 = lim + =1+0=1
→

𝑢 = lim 𝑧[𝑢(𝑧) − 𝑢 ]
→

= lim 𝑧 + −1
→
( )
= lim 𝑧 ( )(
→ )

= lim 𝑧 ( )(
→ )

𝑢 = lim = =2
→

Now from (1) we have,

𝑍 (𝑢 )=𝑧 + −1−

=𝑧 ( )(
−
)

( )
=( )(
, on simplification
)

( )
𝑍 (𝑢 )=
( )(
.
)
 Inverse Z-transforms:
We have already stated that, if 𝑍 (𝑢 ) = 𝑢(𝑧) then 𝑍 [𝑢(𝑧)] = 𝑢 is called the inverse
Z-transform of 𝑢(𝑧).
List of standard inverse Z-transform:
𝒛
1. 𝒁𝑻 𝟏 = 𝟏.
𝒛 𝟏
𝒛
2. 𝒁𝑻 𝟏 (𝒛 𝟏)𝟐
=𝒏

𝒛𝟐 𝒛
3. 𝒁𝑻 𝟏 (𝒛 𝟏)𝟑
= 𝒏𝟐

𝒛𝟑 𝟒𝒛𝟐 𝒛
4. 𝒁𝑻 𝟏 (𝒛 𝟏)𝟒
= 𝒏𝟑
𝒛
5. 𝒁𝑻 𝟏 = 𝒌𝒏
𝒛 𝒌
𝒌𝒛
6. 𝒁𝑻 𝟏 (𝒛 𝒌)𝟐
= 𝒌𝒏 . 𝒏

𝒌𝒛𝟐 𝒌𝟐 𝒛
7. 𝒁𝑻 𝟏 (𝒛 𝒌)𝟑
= 𝒌𝒏 . 𝒏 𝟐

𝒌𝒛𝟑 𝟒𝒌𝟐 𝒛𝟐 𝒌𝟑 𝒛
8. 𝒁𝑻 𝟏 (𝒛 𝒌)𝟒
= 𝒌𝒏 . 𝒏 𝟑

𝒛𝟐 𝒏𝝅
9. 𝒁𝑻 𝟏 = 𝒄𝒐𝒔 .
𝒛𝟐 𝟏 𝟐

Type-01: Inverse Z-transform of rational algebraic functions by partial fractions method:

Working procedure:
( )
 Given 𝑢(𝑧) = we need to express 𝑔(𝑧) in terms of non repeated linear factors only.
( )
( )
 We consider in the form of a proper fraction and resolve into partial fractions.

 We multiply by z to have 𝑢(𝑧) involving various terms of the form 𝑐. , c being a

constant.
 Finally we compute the inverse Z-transform of these terms resulting in the required
𝑍 [𝑢(𝑧)]
Important Note: If 𝑔(𝑧) involves repeated linear factors of the form: (𝑧 − 𝑘), (𝑧 − 𝑘) ,
(𝑧 − 𝑘) , (𝑧 − 𝑘) … we need to take it into account the corresponding terms in the numerator:
𝑧, 𝑘𝑧, (𝑘𝑧 + 𝑘 𝑧), (𝑘𝑧 + 4𝑘 𝑧 + 𝑘 𝑧), …(by referring into inverse Z-transform) respectively
and express 𝑢(𝑧) suitably with terms multiplied by A, B, C, D..
We compute A, B, C... and find 𝑍 [𝑢(𝑧)].
 Worked Examples:
𝒛
1. Find the inverse z-transform of (𝒛 .
𝟏)(𝒛 𝟐)

Solution: let 𝑢(𝑧) = (𝒛

𝟏)(𝒛 𝟐)
( )
= (𝒛
𝟏)(𝒛 𝟐)

Let (𝒛 = +
𝟏)(𝒛 𝟐) ( ) ( )
( ) ( )
(𝒛 𝟏)(𝒛 𝟐)
= (𝒛 𝟏)(𝒛 𝟐)

1 = 𝐴(𝑧 − 2) + 𝐵(𝑧 − 1)
Put 𝑧 = 1: 1 = 𝐴(−1) ⇒ 𝐴 = −1.
𝑧 = 2: 1 = 𝐵(1) ⇒ 𝐵 = 1.
( )
Hence = (𝒛 = +
𝟏)(𝒛 𝟐) ( ) ( )

𝑢(𝑧) = − +

𝑍 [𝑢(𝑧)] = 𝑍 −𝑍

We have 𝑍 =𝑘

𝑍 [𝑢(𝑧)] = 2 − 1 = 𝑢 .
𝟑𝒛𝟐 𝟐𝒛
2. Compute the inverse Z-transform of (𝟓𝒛 .
𝟏)(𝟓𝒛 𝟐)

𝟑𝒛𝟐 𝟐𝒛
Solution: Let 𝑢(𝑧) = (𝟓𝒛
𝟏)(𝟓𝒛 𝟐)
( )
=( )( )

Let ( )(
= +
)

3𝑧 + 2 = 𝐴(5𝑧 + 2) + 𝐵(5𝑧 − 1)
Put 𝑧 = ; = 𝐴(3) ⟹ 𝐴 =

Put 𝑧 = ; = 𝐵(−3) ⟹ 𝐵 = .
( )
Hence =( )( )
= −

𝑢(𝑧) = −
( ) ( )

𝑢(𝑧) = −
 𝑍 [𝑢(𝑧)] = 𝑍 − 𝑍

We have 𝑍 =𝑘

Thus, 𝑍 [𝑢(𝑧)] = − − =𝑢 .
𝒛𝟑 𝟐𝟎𝒛
3. Find the inverse Z-transform of (𝒛 .
𝟐)𝟑 (𝒛 𝟒)

Solution: Let 𝑢(𝑧) = ( ) ( )

We resolve 𝑢(𝑧) as follows:

𝑢(𝑧) = ( ) (
=𝐴 +𝐵( )
+𝐶 ( )
+𝐷 (1)
)

( ) ( ) ( )( ) ( ) ( )
( ) (
= ( ) (
) )

𝑧 − 20 = 𝐴(𝑧 − 2) (𝑧 − 4) + 2𝐵(𝑧 − 2)(𝑧 − 4) + 𝐶(2𝑧 + 4)(𝑧 − 4) + 𝐷(𝑧 − 2)

Put 𝑧 = 2; −16 = −16𝐶 ⇒ 𝐶 = 1

Put 𝑧 = 4; −4 = 8𝐷 ⇒ 𝐷 = −

Equating the coefficient of 𝑧 on both sides we have,

𝐴 + 𝐷 = 0 ⇒ 𝐴 = −𝐷 =

Put 𝑧 = 0; −20 = 𝐴(4)(−4) + 2𝐵(8) + 𝐶(−16) + 𝐷(−8)

−20 = −8 + 16𝐵 − 16 + 4; ⇒ 𝐵 = 0.
Substituting these values of A, B, C, D in (1) and taking inverse we have,

𝑢(𝑧) = ( ) (
= + 1. ( )
−
)

𝑍 [𝑢(𝑧)] = 𝑍 +𝑍 − 𝑍
( )

= 2 +2 𝑛 − 4 =2 2 +2 𝑛 −2 2

𝑍 [𝑢(𝑧)] = 𝑢 = 2 +2 𝑛 −2 .
Solution of Difference equations using Z-transforms:
Difference equations based on the concept of finite differences, whose general/complete solution
can be obtained in a manner analogous to the method of solving linear differential equations with
constant coefficients.
A difference equation is a relationship between the differences of an unknown function
(dependent variable y) at several values of the independent variable. (argument x).
Examples for the difference equation:
Recalling the basic definition of finite (forward) difference of 𝑓(𝑥),
∆𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥), we have in general
∆𝑦 = 𝑦 −𝑦
∆ 𝑦 = ∆(∆𝑦 ) = 𝑦 − 2𝑦 +𝑦
Suppose that ∆𝑦 = 1(𝑠𝑎𝑦), ∆ 𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = 0(𝑠𝑎𝑦)
We obtain equations of the form
𝑦 − 𝑦 = 1, 𝑦 −𝑦 =0
In fact, these types of equations are referred to as difference equations.
An equation of the form,
𝑎 𝑦 +𝑎 𝑦 +𝑎 𝑦 + ⋯+ 𝑎 𝑦 +𝑎 𝑦 + 𝑎 𝑦 = 𝜙(𝑛) Where 𝑛 takes
the values 0, 1, 2,3 and 𝑎 , 𝑎 , … 𝑎 are all constants is called a linear difference equation of
order r.
In other words we can say that a difference equation is a relationship in terms of the values
𝑦 ,𝑦 ,…,𝑦 ,𝑦 .
Finding the sequence 𝑦 constitutes a solution of the difference equation. Here Z-transforms
serve as a tool to solve difference equations.
Working procedure for problems:
 We take Z-transform on both sides of the given difference equation.
 We use the known expression for the Z-transform for terms like 𝑢 ,𝑢 .
 We obtain 𝑢(𝑧) = 𝑍 (𝑢 ) as a function of z.
 The required solution 𝑢 = 𝑍 [𝑢(𝑧)].
Note:
1. If the initial values 𝑢 , 𝑢 , … are not given we get the general solution of the given
difference equation. If the values 𝑢 , 𝑢 , … are specifically given, we use them in the
 expression of z-transforms of 𝑢 ,𝑢 and obtain 𝑢(𝑧) = 𝑍 (𝑢 ). Further, the solution
𝑢 =𝑍 [𝑢(𝑧)] so obtained will be particular solution of the given difference equation.
2. Remember the results in both ways:
𝑍 (1) = 𝑍 (𝑛) = ( )

𝑍 (𝑛 ) = ( )
𝑍 (𝑛 ) = ( )

𝑍 sin = 𝑍 (𝑘 ) =

𝑍 (𝑘 𝑛) = ( )
. 𝑍 (𝑘 𝑛 ) = ( )
.

𝑍 (𝑘 𝑛 ) = ( )
. 𝑍 cos =

3. 𝑍 (𝑢 ) = 𝑧[𝑢(𝑧) − 𝑢 ]
𝑍 (𝑢 ) = 𝑧 [𝑢(𝑧) − 𝑢 − 𝑢 𝑧 ]
Worked Examples:
1. Solve the difference equation 𝒖𝒏 𝟐 + 𝒖𝒏 = 𝟎 by using Z-transforms.
Solution: Taking Z-transform on both sides of the given equation we have,
𝑍 (𝑢 ) + 𝑍 (𝑢 ) = 𝑍 (0)
𝑧 [𝑢(𝑧) − 𝑢 − 𝑢 𝑧 ] + 𝑢(𝑧) = 0
𝑧 𝑢(𝑧) − 𝑢 𝑧 − 𝑢 𝑧 𝑧 + 𝑢(𝑧) = 0
[𝑧 + 1] 𝑢(𝑧) = 𝑢 𝑧 + 𝑢 𝑧

𝑢(𝑧) = 𝑢 +𝑢

Take inverse z-transform on both sides

𝑍 [𝑢(𝑧)] = 𝑢 𝑍 +𝑢 𝑍

Thus, 𝑢 = 𝑢 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 𝑢 sin

Where 𝑢 and 𝑢 are arbitrary constant is the required general solution of the given
difference equation.
2. Solve by using Z-transform: 𝒚𝒏 𝟐 − 𝟒𝒚𝒏 = 𝟎, given that 𝒚𝟎 = 𝟎 and 𝒚𝟏 = 𝟐.
Solution: Taking Z-transform on both sides of the given equation we have,
𝑍 (𝑦 ) − 4𝑍 (𝑦 ) = 𝑍 (0)
𝑧 [𝑦(𝑧) − 𝑦 − 𝑦 𝑧 ] − 4 𝑦(𝑧) = 0
 [𝑧 − 4] 𝑦(𝑧) − 2𝑧 = 0, by using the given values.

𝑦(𝑧) = =( )( )
( )
=( )(
= +
)

2 = 𝐴(𝑧 + 2) + 𝐵(𝑧 − 2)
Put 𝑧 = 2; 2 = 𝐴(4) ⟹ 𝐴 =

Put 𝑧 = −2; 2 = 𝐵(−4) ⟹ 𝐵 = −

( ) / /
=( )(
= +
)

Hence 𝑦(𝑧) = −
( ) ( )

𝑍 [𝑦(𝑧)] = 𝑍 −𝑍
( ) ( )
( )
𝑦 = {2 − (−2) } = +

𝑦 =2 + (−2) is the required particular solution.

3. Solve by using Z-transforms: 𝒚𝒏 𝟐 + 𝟐 𝒚𝒏 𝟏 + 𝒚𝒏 = 𝒏 with 𝒚𝟎 = 𝟎 = 𝒚𝟏 .
Solution: Taking Z-transform on both sides of the given equation we have,
𝑍 (𝑦 ) + 2𝑍 (𝑦 ) + 𝑍 (𝑦 ) = 𝑍 (𝑛)
𝑧 [𝑦(𝑧) − 𝑦 − 𝑦 𝑧 ] + 2𝑧[𝑦(𝑧) − 𝑦 ] + 𝑦(𝑧) =
( )

[𝑧 + 2𝑧 + 1] 𝑦(𝑧) =
( )
,

𝑦(𝑧) = ( ) ( )

Now ( ) ( )
=𝐴 +𝐵( )
+𝐶 +𝐷( ...(1)
( ) ( ))

1 = 𝐴(𝑧 − 1)(𝑧 + 1) + 𝐵(𝑧 + 1) + 𝐶(𝑧 − 1) (𝑧 + 1) − 𝐷(𝑧 − 1)

Put 𝑧 = 1; 1 = 𝐵(4) ⟹ 𝐵 =

Put 𝑧 = −1; 1 = −𝐷(4) ⟹ 𝐷 = −

Equating the coefficient of 𝑧 on both sides we get,

𝐴 + 𝐶 = 0 ⇒ 𝑐 = −𝐴
Put 𝑧 = 0: 1 = −𝐴 + 𝐵 + 𝐶 + 𝐷

1 = 𝐶 + + 𝐶 + ⇒ = 2𝑐 ⇒ 𝑐 = .
 Substituting 𝐴 = − , 𝐵 = 𝐶 = , 𝐷 = − in (1)

𝑦(𝑧) = ( ) ( )
=− + ( )
+ − (
( ( )) ( ))

Taking the inverse Z-transform we have

𝑍 [𝑦(𝑧)] = − 𝑍 + 𝑍 + 𝑍 − 𝑍
( ) ( )

𝑦 = − .1 + 𝑛+ (−1) − (−1) 𝑛

𝑦 = {(𝑛 − 1) − (−1) (𝑛 − 1)}

( )
𝑦 = [1 − (−1) ] is the required solution.

4. Solve the difference equation: 𝒚𝒏 𝟐 + 𝟔𝒚𝒏 𝟏 + 𝟗𝒚𝒏 = 𝟐𝒏 with 𝒚𝟎 = 𝒚𝟏 = 𝟎 using Z-

transform.
Solution: Taking Z-transform on both sides of the given equation we have,
𝑍 (𝑦 ) + 6𝑍 (𝑦 ) + 9𝑍 (𝑦 ) = 𝑍 (2 )
𝑧 [𝑦(𝑧) − 𝑦 − 𝑦 𝑧 ] + 6𝑧[𝑦(𝑧) − 𝑦 ] + 9𝑦(𝑧) =

[𝑧 + 6𝑧 + 9] 𝑦(𝑧) = , by using the initial values.

𝑦(𝑧) = ( )( )

Now ( )( )
=𝐴 +𝐵 +𝐶(
( ( )) ( ))

1 = 𝐴(𝑧 + 3) + 𝐵(𝑧 − 2)(𝑧 + 3) − 3𝐶(𝑧 − 2).

Put 𝑧 = 2; 1 = 𝐴(25) ⟹ 𝐴 =

Put 𝑧 = −3; 1 = 𝐶(15) ⟹ 𝐶 =

Equating the coefficient of 𝑧 on both sides we get, 0 = 𝐴 + 𝐵 ⇒ 𝐵 = − .

Hence 𝑦(𝑧) = − + ( )

𝑦(𝑧) = − + ( )
( )
𝑍 [𝑦(𝑧)] = 𝑍 − 𝑍 + 𝑍
( ) ( ( ))

𝑦 = (2) − (−3) + (−3) 𝑛

𝑦 = (2) − (−3) + (−3) 𝑛 is the required solution.