Calculate the Fourier Transform

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the Fourier Transform of the function x(t) = e-|t| cos(2t). Participants explore the integration process, particularly focusing on the challenges posed by the boundaries of the integrals involved.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the Fourier Transform calculation attempt, noting the first integral is straightforward but expresses confusion about the second integral.
  • Another participant questions why the second integral is perceived as harder and suggests that sketching the graph of x(t) might reveal helpful insights.
  • A participant expresses confusion regarding the limits of the second integral and how the exponential part approaches zero as t approaches infinity.
  • There is a discussion about the nature of the function, with one participant suggesting it is asymmetric and another clarifying it is better described as an even function, while agreeing that the two integrals are equal.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the difficulty of the second integral, as one expresses confusion while others provide insights. There is agreement on the equality of the two integrals, though terminology regarding the function's symmetry is debated.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the behavior of the exponential function at the boundaries of integration, highlighting potential assumptions about limits that are not fully resolved.

rht1369
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Homework Statement



calculate the Fourier Transform of the following function:

Homework Equations



x(t) = e-|t| cos(2t)

The Attempt at a Solution



0-∞ et ((e2jt + e-2jt) / 2) e-jωt + ∫0 e-t ((e2jt + e-2jt) / 2) e-jωt

The first integral is easy to calculate and equals: (1/2) * (1/(1+(2-ω)j) + 1/(1+(-2-ω)j))
But how about the second integral?
 
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You did the first integral OK. Why do you think the second integral is harder than the first one?

But if you sketch a graph of x(t), you might notice something interesting that saves you some work...
 
AlephZero said:
You did the first integral OK. Why do you think the second integral is harder than the first one?

But if you sketch a graph of x(t), you might notice something interesting that saves you some work...

My problem is with the infinite boundaries. The first integral is simple since is done from -∞ to 0 and it makes the limit of exponential part will be zero But I am confused about the second one since its boundaries are from 0 to ∞ and I can get it how the limit of exponential part of this function will be zero too!

I sketched the graph. Do you mean that the function is asymmetric? so the doing the integration for one side will be equal to the another?
 
rht1369 said:
But I am confused about the second one since its boundaries are from 0 to ∞ and I can get it how the limit of exponential part of this function will be zero too!

The real part of the second integral is [itex]e^{-t}[/itex] which goes to 0 as t goes to [itex]+\infty[/itex]. That is similar to the first integral, where [itex]e^{+t}[/itex] goes to 0 as t goes to [itex]-\infty[/itex].

Do you mean that the function is asymmetric? so the doing the integration for one side will be equal to the another?

It would be better to call it "an even function" not "asymmetric", but you got the point that the two integrals are equal.
 

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