A question about Dirac Delta Function

In summary, the conversation discusses the proof of an equation involving the Dirac delta function. It involves decomposing an integral into a sum of integrals over small intervals containing the zeros of a function, and using the definition of the derivative to approximate the function. The use of the equation ##\delta(αx) = 1/α\ \delta(x)## is also mentioned.
  • #1
sinaphysics
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0
For proving this equation:

[tex]
\delta (g(x)) = \sum _{ a,\\ g(a)=0,\\ { g }^{ ' }(a)\neq 0 }^{ }{ \frac { \delta (x-a) }{ \left| { g }^{ ' }(a) \right| } }
[/tex]

We suppose that
[tex] g(x)\approx g(a) + (x-a)g^{'}(a) [/tex]

Why for Taylor Expansion we just keep two first case and neglect others? Are those expressions so small? if yes how we can explain it?
 
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  • #2
OK. Let me explain it to you. We start from decomposing the integral

##\int_{+\infty}^{-\infty} f(x)\ \delta(g(x))\,dx = \sum_{a} \int_{a + ε}^{a - ε} f(x)\ \delta((x - a) g^{'}(a)) ##

into a sum of integrals over small intervals containing the zeros of g(x). In these intervals, since x is supposed to be very near to the a we can approximate g(x) as g(a) + (x - a)##g^{'}(a)## (note also that it is just the definition of derivative of g(x) when x goes toward a). Now we have proved it if we employ the equation ##\delta(αx) = 1/α\ \delta(x)## on the right-hand side of the integral.
 
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1. What is the Dirac Delta Function?

The Dirac Delta Function, also known as the impulse function, is a mathematical concept used to model a point-like, infinitely tall and narrow pulse or spike at a specific location. It is often used in physics and engineering to represent a point source of energy or mass.

2. How is the Dirac Delta Function defined mathematically?

The Dirac Delta Function is defined as a function that is zero everywhere, except at the origin where it is infinite, and has an integral of one over the entire real line. It is often denoted as δ(x) or δ(x-a), where a is the location of the impulse.

3. What are the properties of the Dirac Delta Function?

Some of the key properties of the Dirac Delta Function include symmetry, scaling, and shifting. It is also an even function and its derivative is equal to zero everywhere except at the point of the impulse.

4. How is the Dirac Delta Function used in real-world applications?

The Dirac Delta Function has numerous applications in physics and engineering, such as in circuit analysis, signal processing, and quantum mechanics. It is also used in probability and statistics to model random variables and in image processing to represent point sources of light.

5. Can the Dirac Delta Function be graphed?

No, the Dirac Delta Function cannot be graphed in the traditional sense because it is a theoretical concept with an infinite magnitude. However, it can be represented as a spike or impulse at the point of origin on a graph, with a height of infinity and a width of zero.

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