Integral of x*delta((x/y)-t) dx from 0 to infinity

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral of the product of a variable and the Dirac delta function, specifically ∫x*delta((x/y)-t) dx from 0 to infinity. The subject area involves integral calculus and properties of the Dirac delta function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the transformation of variables and the properties of the Dirac delta function to derive the integral's result. There is a focus on understanding how the absolute value of y appears in the solution and the implications of the sign of y on the limits of integration.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on using substitutions to clarify the argument of the delta function. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of y being positive or negative, with one participant expressing confidence in their derivation after applying the substitution method.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the assumption that y is positive for the specific problem at hand, while also acknowledging the need to consider cases where y might be negative, which affects the limits of integration.

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Homework Statement



∫x*delta((x/y)-t) dx from 0 to infinity

Homework Equations


∫x*delta((x/y)-t) dx from 0 to infinity = ty*|y|*θ(ty)

The Attempt at a Solution



Okay, so using the transformation of variables technique via the Jacobian, I see where the |y| comes from. However, using the dirac delta method I have NO clue how that |y| is derived logically. I know that the property of the dirac delta is that, for ex, ∫f(x)*delta(x-a) dx from x = -infinity to infinity = f(a). In other words, we solve the equation x-a = 0 for x. Likewise, we have ((x/y)-t) = 0, solved for x = ty.

So I can see where ty*θ(ty) comes from...but how is the |y| derived?


Thank you very much.
 
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Try using the substitution u=x/y to get the argument of the delta function to look like it appears in the property you cited.
 
vela said:
Try using the substitution u=x/y to get the argument of the delta function to look like it appears in the property you cited.

Don't forget that if y is negative you need to adjust the limits in the u integral. That's where the absolute value will come from.
 
Ok assuming y is positive( it actually is for the question I was really working on)...
okay so u = x/y implies x = y*u. So we have (y*u*Delta(u-t))
we need to convert dx to du
x = y* u
Dx = y du
int(y*u*Delta(u-t)*ydu)
So u = t and we get
y*t*y*Heaviside(yt)




I can see how the y is derived now. Hopefully my logic is perfect in my derivation. Thank you!
 

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