Help please: Fourier Transform of a Gaussian function showing integral equals 1

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the Fourier transform G(K) of a function g(x) and using it to solve for an integral involving the function. The question at hand involves using the results from previous parts to show that the integral of the function is equal to 1. The conversation also mentions a previous part that involved showing the Fourier transform for another function. The person is stuck and looking for help.
  • #1
tjphop
1
0

Homework Statement



Hi, the question is from a piece of coursework and before hand we were asked to find the Fourier transform G(K) of the function g(x)= e^(-∏(x^2)) (where g(x)= ∫ G(K)e^2∏ikx dx (integral from -∞ to ∞)). We were told to find G(K) by forming a differential equation in H(K), where H(K) is the Fourier transform for h(x)=g'(x), and using the fact that H(K)=2∏iK*G(K).
We had to show that G(K) = e^(-∏(k^2)) ∫ e^(-∏(x^2)) dx (integral from -∞ to ∞).

The question I am stuck on is the following:

Use the above results to show that ∫ e^(-∏(x^2) dx = 1 (integral from -∞ to ∞)

( i.e ∫ g(x) dx =1 (integral from -∞ to ∞) )

Homework Equations



Another previous part involved showing that the Fourier transform for l(x)=xg(x) was given by L(K) = (i/2∏) * d/dk ( G(K) ) , so this may be relevant too.


The Attempt at a Solution



I don't know how to proceed at all and have tried manipulating all the different expressions but to no avail. Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks
 
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  • #2
Try integrating your expression for G(k) from k = -infinity to infinity. What does this give you?
 
Last edited:

1. What is a Gaussian function?

A Gaussian function, also known as a normal distribution, is a type of probability distribution that is commonly used in statistics and mathematics. It is characterized by a bell-shaped curve and is often used to model natural phenomena.

2. What is a Fourier Transform?

A Fourier Transform is a mathematical operation that decomposes a function into its constituent frequencies. It allows us to analyze the frequency components of a signal or function and is commonly used in signal processing and image analysis.

3. Why is the integral of a Gaussian function equal to 1?

The integral of a Gaussian function is equal to 1 because it represents the total probability of all possible outcomes in a normal distribution. This is known as the normalization property and is an important characteristic of Gaussian functions.

4. How is a Fourier Transform applied to a Gaussian function?

A Fourier Transform is applied to a Gaussian function by taking the function as the input and using a specific mathematical formula to calculate its frequency components. The resulting function is known as the Fourier Transform of the original Gaussian function.

5. What is the significance of a Gaussian function's Fourier Transform being equal to 1?

The Fourier Transform of a Gaussian function being equal to 1 is significant because it means that the frequency components of the function are evenly distributed. This is known as the Parseval's Theorem and is a fundamental property of Fourier Transforms.

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