An improper integral (Related to the Fourier transform)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the improper integral \(\int_{-\infty}^{+\infty}e^{-i2\pi xs}ds=\delta(x)\), which relates to the Fourier transform. Participants explore the validity of this expression and its implications, engaging in mathematical reasoning and evaluation of related integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the truth of the integral \(\int_{-\infty}^{+\infty}e^{-i2\pi xs}ds=\delta(x)\) and seeks clarification.
  • Another participant suggests showing that \(\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} dx~\delta(x)f(x) = f(0)\) using the properties of the delta function.
  • A participant evaluates the integral \(\int_{-B}^{B}{e^{-i \, 2 \pi \, x \, s} \, ds}\) and derives that it equals \(\frac{\sin{(\pi \, B \, x)}}{\pi \, x}\), proposing to consider the limit as \(B \rightarrow \infty\).
  • There is a discussion about the sinc function and its integral, with a participant noting that \(\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}{B\mathrm{sinc}(Bx) \, dx} = 1\) as \(B\) approaches infinity, while also pointing out that \(B\mathrm{sinc}(Bx)\) does not equal zero for \(x \neq 0\.
  • Another participant reiterates the evaluation of the sinc function and its implications for the original integral.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of the integral and its relationship to the delta function. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing perspectives on the evaluation and implications of the integral.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on properties of the delta function and the sinc function, but there are unresolved assumptions regarding the limits of integration and the behavior of the functions involved.

asmani
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How to show this?
[tex]\int_{-\infty}^{+\infty}e^{-i2\pi xs}ds=\delta(x)[/tex]
This is a part of a problem of "Bracewell, R. The Fourier Transform and Its Applications, 3rd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, pp. 100-101, 1999". This isn't a homework, I found it http://mathworld.wolfram.com/FourierTransform1.html" . But I'm not sure even if this is true.

Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Try showing that

[tex]\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} dx~\delta(x)f(x) = \int_{-\infty}^\infty dx \int_{-\infty}^\infty ds~e^-{2\pi i s x}f(x) = f(0).[/tex]
 
[tex] \int_{-B}^{B}{e^{-i \, 2 \pi \, x \, s} \, ds} =\left.\frac{e^{-i \, 2 \pi \, x \, s}}{-i \, 2 \pi \, x}\right|_{B}^{B} = \frac{\sin{(\pi \, B \, x)}}{\pi \, x}[/tex]

Next, consider the function:
[tex] \mathrm{sinc}(x) \equiv \frac{\sin{(\pi \, x)}}{\pi \, x}[/tex]
and evaluate the definite integral (by contour integration)
[tex] \int_{-\infty}^{\infty}{\mathrm{sinc}(x) \, dx} = ?[/tex]
Then, notice that the integral I evaluated is:
[tex] B \, \mathrm{sinc}(B \, x)[/tex]
What happens if you take the limit [itex]B \rightarrow \infty[/itex]?
 
Mute said:
Try showing that

[tex]\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} dx~\delta(x)f(x) = \int_{-\infty}^\infty dx \int_{-\infty}^\infty ds~e^-{2\pi i s x}f(x) = f(0).[/tex]
I can show that if f is continuous at 0, then:
[tex]\int_{-\infty}^{+\infty}f(x)\delta(x)dx=f(0)[/tex]
And if f has the Fourier transform, then:
[tex]\int_{-\infty}^{+\infty}\left [\int_{-\infty}^{+\infty}f(x)e^{-i2\pi xs}dx \right ]ds=f(0)[/tex]
Does it help?

Thanks
 
Last edited:
Dickfore said:
[tex] \int_{-B}^{B}{e^{-i \, 2 \pi \, x \, s} \, ds} =\left.\frac{e^{-i \, 2 \pi \, x \, s}}{-i \, 2 \pi \, x}\right|_{B}^{B} = \frac{\sin{(\pi \, B \, x)}}{\pi \, x}[/tex]

Next, consider the function:
[tex] \mathrm{sinc}(x) \equiv \frac{\sin{(\pi \, x)}}{\pi \, x}[/tex]
and evaluate the definite integral (by contour integration)
[tex] \int_{-\infty}^{\infty}{\mathrm{sinc}(x) \, dx} = ?[/tex]
Then, notice that the integral I evaluated is:
[tex] B \, \mathrm{sinc}(B \, x)[/tex]
What happens if you take the limit [itex]B \rightarrow \infty[/itex]?

I can see that if [itex]B \rightarrow \infty[/itex], then:
[tex] \int_{-\infty}^{\infty}{B\mathrm{sinc}(Bx) \, dx} = 1[/tex]
But [itex]B\mathrm{sinc}(Bx)[/itex] is not equal to 0 for every x≠0, while [itex]\delta (x)[/itex] is.

Thanks
 
Last edited:

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