How to integrate a sinc function?

In summary, a sinc function is a mathematical function defined as sin(x)/x, with a domain of all real numbers except x=0 and a range between -1 and 1. It can be integrated using the substitution method and has applications in signal processing, physics, and engineering. The sinc function is an even function with infinitely many zeros spaced at multiples of pi, and its integral from -infinity to infinity is equal to pi.
  • #1
yungman
5,718
241
Can anyone show me how to do this:

[tex]\int_a^b \left[\frac {\sin x}{x}\right]^2 dx [/tex]
 
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  • #2
It depends on you purpose, but in general the best bet may be power series methods.

The Taylor series for sin2 is

[itex]\sin^2 x = -\sum^\infty_{k=1} \frac{(-1)^{k} 2^{2k-1}x^{2k}}{(2k)!}[/itex]

So we have

[itex]\frac{\sin^2 x}{x^2} = -\sum^\infty_{k=1} \frac{(-1)^{k} 2^{2k-1}x^{2k-2}}{(2k)!}[/itex]

Then you can try term-wise integration and the fundamental theorem of calculus to get a general form for the answer as a power series.
 

1. How do you define a sinc function?

A sinc function, denoted as sinc(x), is a mathematical function defined as sin(x)/x, where x is the independent variable.

2. What is the domain and range of a sinc function?

The domain of a sinc function is all real numbers except for x=0. The range of a sinc function is between -1 and 1.

3. How do you integrate a sinc function?

The integral of a sinc function can be evaluated using the substitution method. Let u = x and du = dx. Then, the integral of sinc(x) becomes the integral of sin(u)/u, which can be solved using integration by parts or by using a Taylor series expansion.

4. What are the applications of the sinc function?

The sinc function has applications in signal processing, specifically in Fourier analysis and digital signal processing. It is also used in physics and engineering to model various phenomena, such as diffraction patterns.

5. Are there any special properties of the sinc function?

Yes, the sinc function is an even function, meaning that sinc(-x) = sinc(x). It also has infinitely many zeros, spaced at multiples of pi. Additionally, the integral of sinc(x) from -infinity to infinity is equal to pi.

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