How to Prove the Dirac Delta Function as a Limit?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the Dirac Delta function as a limit of a sequence of functions defined through a transformation involving a scaling parameter. The context is mathematical, specifically within the realm of functional analysis and distribution theory.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a proof that the limit of the transformed function \( u_{\lambda}(x) = \lambda^3 u(\lambda x) \) approaches the Dirac Delta function \( \delta(x) \) as \( \lambda \) approaches infinity, in the sense of distributions.
  • Another participant provides feedback on the formatting of LaTeX in the forum, suggesting the correct usage of tags for displaying mathematical expressions.
  • A different participant suggests that to prove the limit is the delta function, one should consider the limit of the integral of the functions multiplied by a test function.
  • One participant acknowledges the help received regarding the LaTeX formatting.
  • A participant mentions the need to define the scalar product of a distribution and a test function, as well as an appropriate norm for the proof.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the proof itself, and multiple approaches and suggestions are presented without resolution of the main question.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the assumptions necessary for the proof, particularly concerning the definitions and properties of distributions and test functions.

gvenkov
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Dear all,

I need a simple proof of the following:

Let u \in C(\mathbb{R}^3)[\tex] and \|u\|_{L^1(\mathbb{R}^3)} = 1[\tex]. For \lambda \geq 1[\tex], let us define the<br /> transformation u\mapsto u_{\lambda}[\tex], where u_{\lambda}(x)={\lambda}^3 u(\lambda x)[\tex]. It is clear that<br /> \|u_{\lambda}\|_{L^1(\mathbb{R}^3)} = \|u\|_{L^1(\mathbb{R}^3)} =1[\tex]. \\<br /> How can I prove that<br /> \lim_{\lambda\rightarrow\infty} u_{\lambda}(x)=\delta(x),[\tex] where \delta(x)[\tex] is the Dirac Delta function and<br /> the limit is taken in the sense of distributions.<br /> <br /> Thank you in advance.
 
Last edited:
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gvenkov said:
Dear all,

I need a simple proof of the following:

Let u \in C(\mathbb{R}^3) and \|u\|_{L^1(\mathbb{R}^3)} = 1. For \lambda \geq 1, let us define the transformation u\rightarrow u_{\lambda}, where u_{\lambda}(x)={\lambda}^3 u(\lambda x). It is clear that \|u_{\lambda}\|_{L^1(\mathbb{R}^3)} = \|u\|_{L^1(\mathbb{R}^3)} =1. How can I prove that \lim_{\lambda\rightarrow\infty} u_{\lambda}(x)=\delta(x), where \delta(x) is the Dirac Delta function and the limit is taken in the sense of distributions.

Thank you in advance.

I've just tidied up your LaTex before I try and read it. Note that on the forum to get tex to show either use [ /itex] tags for inline tex or [ /tex] for equations (both without the spaces in the square brackets) instead of $ signs.
 
Last edited:
Also, you have to use /tex, not \tex, to end LaTex.


To prove that the limit is the delta function, look at the limit of the integral of each of your functions times some test function f(x) dx.
 
Thak you very much for the help with the text.

George
 
Dirac limit

To do this I have to define the scalar product of a distribution and an arbitrary test function, and an appropriate norm.
 

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