Integrating Fourier Transform of Exponential Function

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on integrating the Fourier transform of the exponential function, specifically the integral ∫f(x) * exp(-i§x) dx from -∞ to ∞, where f(x) = exp(-sgn(x)). The user attempted to break down the function into two segments for integration but encountered difficulties. Clarification was provided that if the function f is periodic, a Fourier Series approach using sin(nπ/L * t) and cos(nπ/L * t) is more appropriate, while for non-periodic functions, the Fourier transform should be applied as ∫_{-∞}^∞ f(x)e^{-ixt}dt.

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I am trying to solve this Fourier problem where I have to integrate
∫f(x) * exp(-i§x) dx from -∞ to ∞ , where f(x) = exp(-sgn(x))
I tried breaking the function into two pieces where x is from -∞ to 0 and from 0 to ∞ where f(x) would then be exp(x) and exp(-x) and integrating two functions, but that didn't seem to be working. The the other way I can think of is trying to integrate
exp(-i§x) * exp(-sgn(x)), but I'm not sure if that is possible. Could anyone please give me a hint?
 
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What is § ? a constant, an operator, or a function?
 
it is (n*PI)/L ,where 2L is one period which I just treat as a constant
 
L is one period of what? If your function, f, is periodic, then you need only integrate over one period. In that case, you are talking about a Fourier Series, not a Fourier transform and probably would find it easier to use sin(\frac{n\pi}{L}t) and cos(\frac{n\pi}{L}t)[/itex] rather than complex exponentials. <br /> <br /> If is not periodic, then you need the Fourier transform \int_{-infty}^\infty f(x)e^{-ixt}dt.
 

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