A simple application of dirac delta shift theorem help

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the Dirac delta shift theorem, specifically in the context of proving the equation δ(a/b - c/d) = bdδ(ad - bc) for positive values of a, b, c, and d. Participants are exploring the properties of the delta function and its integration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various substitution methods to relate the variables in the delta function. There is uncertainty about how to apply the shift theorem correctly and how to manage the integration process. Some participants suggest starting with simpler forms of the delta function to build towards the original problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their thoughts on substitutions and transformations. Some guidance has been offered regarding integral properties of the delta function, but there is still a lack of clarity on how to proceed with the original problem. Multiple interpretations and approaches are being explored without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants express concern over the absence of certain variables in the original equation, which complicates their attempts to apply the shift theorem. There is a sense of frustration regarding the integration process and the substitutions needed to relate the components of the problem.

Seda
Messages
70
Reaction score
0
A "simple" application of dirac delta "shift theorem"...help

Homework Statement



show that for a, b, c, d positive:

δ(a/b-c/d) = bdδ(ad-bc)

Homework Equations



∫f(x)δ(x-a)dx = f(a)

The Attempt at a Solution



Ok so I start with

∫δ(a/b-c/d)f(x)dx

But I am not sure how to apply the shift theorem. It seems I need to somehow relate a/b and x so that I can get it in the form of the shift theorem. But trying integration by substitution I always get tangled up. If I let u=a/b, then I can't relate dx to du to intergrate.

If I just say let's call a/b as "x". then dx = what?

ugh, this is a simple problem too. Seems like its an easy canditate for one of the first proofs shown after learning about the shift theorem so I feel pretty dumb that I'm not sure even where to start...
 
Physics news on Phys.org


thats not quite the shift theorem but a integral prepty of the delta function, though maybe it is...

I'm thinking you may want to consider a substitution, now first can you solve
[tex]\int f(x)\delta(mx-c)dx[/tex]
 
Last edited:


then how about associating x with a, and then the something around the substitution ybd = xd-cd. I haven't totally nailed it but it feels close
 


lanedance said:
thats not quite the shift theorem but a integral prepty of the delta function,

I'm thinking you may want to consider a substitution, now first can you solve
[tex]\int f(x)\delta(mx-c)dx[/tex]

Let u= mx ; du = mdx

(1/m)∫f(u/m)δ(u-c)du

Zero everywhere except where u=c therefore ..

sorry, I'm stuck
 


[tex]\int f(x)\delta(mx-c)dx[/tex]

you pretty much has it, but I'd do as follows, let u = mx-c, then x=(u+c)/m, dx=du/m
[tex]\int f(\frac{u+c}{m})\delta(u)\frac{1}{m}du[/tex]

which gives
[tex]\int f(x)\delta(mx-c)dx =\frac{1}{m} \int f(\frac{x+c}{m})\delta(u) du= \frac{1}{m} f(\frac{c}{m})[/tex]

so you can see there are a few similarities in transformation to the original problem, it just working up the substitution correctly
 


But my equation doesn't even have an x. So that's where I get tangled up.

I'm missing something obvious.

What I mean is, no matter what I substitute, I'm not doing to be able to determine what to replace for dx.
 
Last edited:


or how about letting x(a) = a/b-c/d, then y(a) = bdx(a) = ad-bc, and dy = bd.dx

then yo uhave sometihing like
[tex]\int \delta(bdy) dy= \int \delta(x)bd.dx[/tex]
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
5K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K