Integral computation over Fourier/Convolution

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the computation of a specific integral involving the sinc function and a rational function. The original poster attempts to utilize Fourier transforms and Parseval's theorem to evaluate the integral, but encounters a discrepancy between their result and that provided by an online tool.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Parseval's theorem and its relevance to the integral in question. There is an exploration of the relationship between time domain integration and frequency domain evaluation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications regarding the misapplication of Parseval's theorem. Guidance has been offered on how to approach the integral using Fourier transform theorems, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing examination of the assumptions made regarding the use of Fourier transforms and the definitions involved, particularly concerning the evaluation of integrals in different domains.

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!
 

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