Integral computation over Fourier/Convolution

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The discussion revolves around solving the integral of a product involving a sinc function and a rational function using Fourier transforms. The initial approach incorrectly applied Parseval's theorem, which is valid only for magnitude squared integrals, not for direct integration. The correct method involves evaluating the Fourier transform of the product at f = 0, rather than attempting to interchange integration in time and frequency domains. Participants clarified the misunderstanding and provided guidance on how to properly calculate the integral using Fourier transform theorems. The conversation concludes with the original poster expressing gratitude for the clarification.
divB
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Hi,

I just tried to solve the following integral:

<br /> \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \frac{2}{1+(2\pi t)^2} \mathrm{sinc}(2t) dt<br />

My approach is: Convert both to Fourier domain and the multiplication becomes a convolution. Because of Parsevals theorem, I can either integrate in time or frequency domain. Because of linearity, I can then put the outer integral inside:

<br /> \int_{f=-\infty}^{\infty} \int_{\nu=-\infty}^{\infty} e^{-|\nu|} \frac{1}{2} \Pi\left(\frac{f-\nu}{2}\right) d\nu df \\<br /> = \int_{\nu=-\infty}^{\infty} e^{-|\nu|} \frac{1}{2} \underbrace{\int_{f=-\infty}^{\infty}\Pi\left(\frac{f-\nu}{2}\right) df}_{2} d\nu<br />

It can be clearly seen, that only the double-sided exponential stays whose integral is 2.
So my total solution is 2.

However, Wolfram alpha gives me (e-1)/e:

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=integral+2%2F%281%2B%282*pi*t%29^2%29+*+sin%28pi*2*t%29%2F%28pi*2*t%29%2Ct%2C-infinity%2Cinfinity

Can anyone explain where I did wrong?

Thanks,
div

PS: The sinc is defined as normalized, i.e. \mathrm{sinc}(t)=\sin(\pi t)/\pi t ...
 
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divB said:
Because of Parsevals theorem, I can either integrate in time or frequency domain.
This is your fundamental problem. Parseval's theorem would apply if you were integrating the magnitude squared of your function, but you are not doing that.

In general, if your original function is x(t), then
$$\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} x(t) dt = \left. \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} x(t) e^{-ift} dt \right|_{f = 0} = \hat{x}(0)$$
where I have assumed the following definition for the Fourier transform:
$$\hat{x}(f) = \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} x(t) e^{-ift} dt$$
Thus, integration in the time domain does not correspond to integration in the frequency domain, but rather to evaluation of the Fourier transform at f = 0.
 
Oh, of course, thanks!

Do you have a pointer on how to calculate this integral with Fourier transform theorems?

Thanks!
divB
 
As jbunniii implied, you want to evaluate
$$ F\left[\frac{2}{1+(2\pi t)^2} \text{sinc }2t\right]_{f = 0}$$ where F[ ] denotes the Fourier transform. What's the Fourier transform of that product?
 
Oh, right, didn't realize that!
Thanks a lot, got it!
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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