Calculating the Fourier Transform of f(x) = 1 if -1<x<1, f(x) = 0 otherwise

In summary, the Fourier Transform of f(x) is a mathematical operation that decomposes a function into its constituent frequencies. It can be calculated using the formula F(k) = ∫f(x)e^(-2πikx)dx and is a continuous function. It has physical significance in various fields such as signal processing and quantum mechanics. The inverse Fourier Transform can be used to reconstruct the original function from its frequency components.
  • #1
leopard
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Homework Statement



Find the Fourier transform of the function f(x) = 1 if -1<x<1, f(x) = 0 otherwise

2. The attempt at a solution

[tex]\hat{f}(w) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2 \pi}} \int ^{1}_{-1}e^{-iwx}dx = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2 \pi}} [\frac{e^{-iwx}}{-iw}]^{1}_{-1} = \frac{1}{-iw \sqrt{2 \pi}}(e^{-iw} - e{iw}) = \sqrt{\frac{2}{\pi}} \frac{sinw}{w}[/tex]

According to my book, the correct answer is [tex]\sqrt{\frac{\pi}{2}} \frac{sinw}{w}[/tex]

Who is right?
 
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  • #2
I can't find any mistakes in your solution.
 

1. What is the Fourier Transform of f(x)?

The Fourier Transform of f(x) is a mathematical operation that decomposes a function into its constituent frequencies. In this case, the function f(x) is a square wave with amplitude 1 in the interval -1 to 1 and 0 everywhere else.

2. How is the Fourier Transform calculated for f(x)?

The Fourier Transform of f(x) can be calculated using the formula F(k) = ∫f(x)e^(-2πikx)dx, where k represents the frequency and e is the base of the natural logarithm. This formula involves an integral, which is a mathematical way of calculating the area under a curve.

3. Is the Fourier Transform of f(x) a continuous or discrete function?

The Fourier Transform of f(x) is a continuous function. It takes in a continuous function f(x) and outputs another continuous function F(k) that represents the frequency components of f(x).

4. What is the physical significance of the Fourier Transform of f(x)?

The Fourier Transform of f(x) has many physical applications, including signal processing, image processing, and quantum mechanics. It allows us to analyze the frequency components of a given function and understand its behavior in the frequency domain.

5. Can the Fourier Transform of f(x) be used to reconstruct the original function?

Yes, the inverse Fourier Transform can be used to reconstruct the original function f(x) from its frequency components. The inverse Fourier Transform is given by the formula f(x) = ∫F(k)e^(2πikx)dk, where F(k) is the Fourier Transform of f(x). This allows us to go back and forth between the time domain (represented by f(x)) and the frequency domain (represented by F(k)).

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