How Do You Simplify the Given Signal Expression?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the simplification of a signal expression involving an integral of an exponential function multiplied by a delta function. Participants explore various techniques for evaluating the integral, discussing properties of the delta function and its implications on the limits of integration.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the integral expression and expresses uncertainty about how to simplify it, seeking hints.
  • Another participant suggests rewriting the expression for clarity, proposing to visualize t as the independent variable.
  • Some participants discuss the properties of the delta function, noting that it is non-zero only at specific points and that its integration yields certain results based on the limits of integration.
  • There is a discussion about whether changing variables (from t to T) affects the outcome, with some participants agreeing that it does not change the essence of the problem.
  • Participants explore the implications of the delta function's sampling property and how it relates to the limits of integration.
  • There is confusion among some participants regarding the integration limits and the behavior of the exponential function when integrated alongside the delta function.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the necessity of taking derivatives and the overall integration process, questioning if there are additional properties to consider.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the simplification process, with multiple competing views on how to approach the integral and the implications of the delta function. There is ongoing uncertainty about the correct interpretation of the limits of integration and the behavior of the exponential function.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the properties of the delta function and integration techniques, indicating potential gaps in foundational knowledge that may affect their understanding of the problem.

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Homework Statement



Evaluate (simplify) the following expression:


y(t) = ∫0 e2(t + 2τ)δ(t + τ)dτ =

Homework Equations



Shortcut signal expression techniques, integration of an exponential signal and impulse signal, other techniques that are probably unknown to me

The Attempt at a Solution



(t + τ) = a;

τ = -t + a; dτ = 0;

=1

but this can't be right at all. I know you're supposed to integrate something but don't really know what (or how it works in this case). Any hints would be greatly appreciated, thank you!
 
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How about we rewrite this as

y(T) = ∫0 exp{2(T + 2t)}δ(t + T) dt

that has to be the same thing except the answer is of course y(T), not y(t).
So at which point in t is δ(t+T) non-zero? Then, look at the limits of integration.

(I rewrote the xpression solely because it's easier, for me at least, to visualize t as the independent variable). Comments/refutations welcome!
 
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Sorry for sounding dumb, but t was given that way, as y(t), but by changing it, you mean it does mean the same thing anyway, correct? (τ is Tau and I couldn't find a more proper text symbol to write it down here).Anyway, I didn't even know you could rewrite e^(anything) that way, but I guess that does make it easier.

I do not know how to see which point where δ(t+T) is not zero. I have it down though that, since you are integrating the δ function it "cancels out," so would it still make a difference?
 
Color_of_Cyan said:
Sorry for sounding dumb, but t was given that way, as y(t), but by changing it, you mean it does mean the same thing anyway, correct? (τ is Tau and I couldn't find a more proper text symbol to write it down here).
Sure. I only did it because I and most people think of t as the independent variable and T as the delay time.

Anyway, I didn't even know you could rewrite e^(anything) that way, but I guess that does make it easier.
You mean write exp(x) instead of ex? Sure, that way you don't need awkward exponents and everything is aligned up. Very common I hope, at least it was in my day! :-)

I do not know how to see which point where δ(t+T) is not zero. I have it down though that, since you are integrating the δ function it "cancels out," so would it still make a difference?

Look at the definition of δ(x). It's
δ(x) = 0, x ≠ 0
δ(x) = ∞, x = 0.

BUT with the proviso that ∫δ(x)dx = 1 if the limits of integration include the point x = 0. Note that the dimension of δ(x) is always x-1. So actually the δ function is defined only in terms of an integral expression:

∫δ(x)dx = 0, integration limits outside of x=0
= 1, integration limits surrounding x=0.

The most interesting thing about the δ function is its sampling property:
f(T) = ∫f(t)δ(t-T)dt if the limits of integration include t=T

So with the definition I have given you for δ(x) and looking hard at your given limits of integration it should be apparent what f(T) is.
 
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Are you saying, T = -t? Seems there is a shortcut you used, where you can say like if δ(x - anything), then x - anything = 0. I take it I would be changing the exp part from T = -t as well.

Something else bad to tell you; I have never seen those definitions either, but those are way better than what I was given before (though I'm sure they actually mean the same thing), thank you.
 
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Color_of_Cyan said:
Are you saying, T = -t? Seems there is a shortcut you used, where you can say like if δ(x - anything), then x - anything = 0. I take it I would be changing the exp part from T = -t as well.

Something else bad to tell you; I have never seen those definitions either, but those are way better than what I was given before (though I'm sure they actually mean the same thing), thank you.

Instead of saying T = -t I prefer t = -T since as I said I consider t the independent variable.

What you said about δ(x-anythig) is correct. Whatever is inside the parentheses, the δ function is zero except when the parenthetical expression is zero.

Look at your limits of integration and you won't be worrying about the exponential expression. We can talk about that once you figured out the answer.
 
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rude man said:
What you said about δ(x-anythig) is correct. Whatever is inside the parentheses, the δ function is zero except when the parenthetical expression is zero.
I see, and then this is based on the definition you gave, right? ("δ(x) = 0, x ≠ 0"?)
∫δ(x)dx = 0, integration limits outside of x=0
= 1, integration limits surrounding x=0.
From what you gave then, the exp part would be

=exp{2[T + 2(-T)]}

=exp{2[T - 2T]}

=exp{2[-T]}

=exp(-2T)

What happens to the exp part of the expression now? Don't you still integrate this? I see from the limits of integration and the other definition you gave the δ(x) will just become 1.
 
Look at where δ(t+T) is non-zero and compare that to your limits of integration!
 
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Color_of_Cyan said:
I see, and then this is based on the definition you gave, right? ("δ(x) = 0, x ≠ 0"?)
Right.


From what you gave then, the exp part would be

=exp{2[T + 2(-T)]}

=exp{2[T - 2T]}

=exp{2[-T]}

=exp(-2T)

What happens to the exp part of the expression now? Don't you still integrate this? I see from the limits of integration and the other definition you gave the δ(x) will just become 1.[/QUOTE]

See my post # 8.
 
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  • #10
rude man said:
Look at where δ(t+T) is non-zero and compare that to your limits of integration!
Sorry, can't figure out what you mean by this. Isn't it already 1? I can't really see what is going on with the rest of the function.

δ(x) = 0 (when x is not 0), but the integral limits are from 0 to ∞ ?
 
  • #11
Color_of_Cyan said:
Sorry, can't figure out what you mean by this. Isn't it already 1? I can't really see what is going on with the rest of the function.

δ(x) = 0 (when x is not 0), but the integral limits are from 0 to ∞ ?

For what value of t is your delta function not zero? Does that value of t fall within your limits of integration?
 
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  • #12
Let's see

"δ(x) = 0, x ≠ 0
δ(x) = ∞, x = 0."

"What you said about δ(x-anythig) is correct. Whatever is inside the parentheses, the δ function is zero except when the parenthetical expression is zero."

(t+T = 0) => δ(x) ≠ 0.

Really bad at this, but I'm going to say (disregarding T), that t can be 0 which is on the limit of integration.
 
  • #13
Color_of_Cyan said:
Really bad at this, but I'm going to say (disregarding T), that t can be 0 which is on the limit of integration.

Why are you disregarding T?
For what value of t is δ(t+T) non-zero?
What are the limits of integration on t?
Those two answers give you your final answer.
 
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  • #14
ok then t = -T, and the limits of integration are from 0 to ∞. It is probably that I am rusty with integration, but you changed it to y(T), do the integration limits still apply?
 
  • #15
Color_of_Cyan said:
ok then t = -T, and the limits of integration are from 0 to ∞. It is probably that I am rusty with integration, but you changed it to y(T), do the integration limits still apply?


abf(t)dt = F(b) - F(a) where f(t) = dF(t)/dt. Fundamental theorem of calculus.

In your case a = 0 and b = ∞. The limits are on t. When you perform the definite integral, t disappears.

If f(t) = 0 for all a <= t <= b then that interal is zero.

You need to review basic calculus.
 
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  • #16
Then there's still more to know about this. You were supposed to take the derivative of f(t) (and basically the entire integral) all along?

The reason I kept asking is because, the integral would just go to ∞ if you plug it back in for t (assuming all you do is take the antiderivative of e-2t). Was/is there another property regarding this? It does make a lot of sense now though.


It's still just e-2t then, right?
 

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