Dirac Delta Integrals: How to Solve for the Argument of the Delta Function?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving integrals involving the Dirac delta function, specifically using the example of ∫σ(sinx) with limits from 1 to 10. The key takeaway is that to evaluate such integrals, one must find the value of x that makes the argument of the delta function zero, which, for sin(x), occurs at x = 0. However, since 0 is outside the integration limits, the integral evaluates to 0. Additionally, it is confirmed that radians should always be used for calculations involving trigonometric functions, as using degrees would require conversion.

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leroyjenkens
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Homework Statement


This is just an example, not a specific problem.

So if I have ∫σ(sinx), for example, and my limits of integration are, for example, 1 to 10, what I need to do to solve that is to find a value of x that would make the argument of the delta function 0. So for sinx, 0 makes the argument 0. But since it's outside of the limits of integration, the integral would be 0, correct? What if my limits of integration are 1 to 10, and I input pi as the argument for sine? I'm unsure of what to input in for the x, because I have 1 to 10 in the limits of integration, so does that mean I use degrees instead of radians?

Or for that one do I use the formula which is σf(x) = Ʃ σ(x-xi)/|f'(xi)|?
If f(xi) = 0 and f'(xi) does not = 0.

Using that formula, I still have to decide whether to use radians as my x (pi) or degrees (180).

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
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leroyjenkens said:
But since it's outside of the limits of integration, the integral would be 0, correct?

Correct! And for your next question: you should always use radians; otherwise it is the angle*pi/180.
 

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