Calculate indefinite integral using Fourier transform

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the indefinite integral of a specific rational function using the Fourier transform. The integral in question is \(\int_{-\infty}^\infty \frac{(x^2+2)^2}{(x^4+4)^2}dx\), which falls under the subject area of Fourier analysis and integral calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the use of Plancherel's theorem and the Fourier transform to compute the integral. The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to begin, particularly regarding the Fourier transform of the function involved. Some participants suggest alternative methods, such as factoring the denominator and using partial fractions, while others emphasize the necessity of using the Fourier transform as specified in the exercise. There is also mention of potential confusion regarding the exercise's complexity.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various approaches being considered. Some participants have provided insights into alternative methods, while the original poster remains focused on finding a solution using the Fourier transform. There is recognition of the challenges presented by the problem, and participants are actively engaging with each other's suggestions.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the exercise being part of a series of questions, with the original poster noting that the other questions are simpler and solvable using Plancherel's theorem. The original poster also references a conversation with their professor, indicating that the problem may not be straightforward.

Incand
Messages
334
Reaction score
47

Homework Statement


Use the Fourier transform to compute
\int_{-\infty}^\infty \frac{(x^2+2)^2}{(x^4+4)^2}dx

Homework Equations


The Plancherel Theorem
##||f||^2=\frac{1}{2\pi}||\hat f ||^2##
for all ##f \in L^2##.

We also have a table with the Fourier transform of some function, the ones of possible use may be
##(x^2+a^2)^{-1} \to (\pi/a)a^{-\xi^2/(2a)}##
and
##f(x)g(x) \to \frac{1}{2\pi} (\hat f * \hat g)(\xi )##

The Attempt at a Solution


Not really sure where to start here, every other similar exercise use Plancherel's theorem so I assume I should use that one here. The problem is then that I would need to computer the Fourier transform of
##\frac{x^2+2}{x^4+4}## which doesn't seem to easy at all. I tried writing this as
##\frac{x^2+2}{(x^2+2i)(x^2-i2)}## and somehow do partial fractions but doesn't seem to get me anywhere. Another similar approach that perhaps could work suggested by our professor was
##\int_{-\infty}^\infty \frac{(x^2+2)^2}{(x^4+4)^2} = \int_{-\infty}^\infty \left| \frac{(x^2+2)}{(x^2+2i)^2} \right|^2## but this doesn't seem to work either.
Any ideas on how to procede?

Edit: I should mention that it's possible to find the Fourier transform in some tables, although not the one in our book. If I use that one however I would need to proove it first.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You can do the integral without Fourier transform. Factorize the denominator: it is the product of (x-x1)(x-x2)(x-x3)(x-x4) where xk-s are the complex roots of x^4 = -4, xk=√2 e i(π/4+kπ/2). The products (x-x0)(x-x3) and (x-x12)(x-x2) are real so you write x^4+1 with two real factors. You can proceed with partial fractions then. It is lengthy, but solvable :)
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Incand
ehild said:
You can do the integral without Fourier transform. Factorize the denominator: it is the product of (x-x1)(x-x2)(x-x3)(x-x4) where xk-s are the complex roots of x^4 = -4, xk=√2 e i(π/4+kπ/2). The products (x-x0)(x-x3) and (x-x12)(x-x2) are real so you write x^4+1 with two real factors. You can proceed with partial fractions then. It is lengthy, but solvable :)
Yes I know I could use solve it that way, the problem is the exercise state I should use the Fourier transform in a course on Fourier analysis so I should make use of that somehow. But thanks for trying to help!
It's grouped together with 4 other question originally where the other 4 are really easy to solve with plancherel's theorem. I thought perhaps I should use partial fractions halfway and then the Fourier transform but doesn't seem to give me anything of use. Perhaps there is some mistake in the exercise not being easier with the Fourier transform. When I asked our professor about the question he couldn't come up with the solution either at the time.
 
##\frac{x^2+2}{x^4+4}=\frac{0.5}{(x+1)^2+1}+\frac{0.5}{(x-1)^2+1} ## You can find the Fourier transform of that form?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Geofleur and Incand
ehild said:
##\frac{x^2+2}{x^4+4}=\frac{0.5}{(x+1)^2+1}+\frac{0.5}{(x-1)^2+1} ## You can find the Fourier transform of that form?
Thanks! This must be what I was supposed to be doing!

Posting the rest of the solution:
Using the formula above with the shift ##-1## and ##1## we get
F.T. ##0.5\left( \frac{1}{(x+1)^2+1}+\frac{1}{(x-1)^2+1}\right) \to 0.5\left(e^{i\xi }e^{-|\xi|}+e^{-i\xi}e^{-|xi|}\right)= e^{-|\xi|}\cos \xi##
Using Plancherel's theorem (and realising that both part of the functions is symmetric around zero)
##\frac{1}{2\pi} \int_{-\infty}^\infty e^{-2|\xi|}\cos^2 \xi d\xi = \frac{1}{4\pi} \int_0^\infty e^{-2\xi}\left(e^{-2i\xi}+e^{2i\xi} +2\right)d\xi =\\
\frac{1}{4\pi} \int_0^\infty \left(e^{(-2-2i)\xi}+e^{(-2+2i)\xi} +2e^{-2\xi}\right) = \frac{1}{4\pi} \left( \frac{1}{2(1+i)}+\frac{1}{2(1-i)}+1\right) = \frac{3}{8\pi}##.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Geofleur

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K