Integrals and Convolution: How to Group Multiple Functions Together?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical concepts of convolution and cross-correlation, specifically focusing on how to group multiple functions together within integrals. Participants are exploring the relationships between these operations and the implications of their definitions in the context of integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to manipulate integrals involving convolution and cross-correlation but encounters difficulties in combining functions with different variables. Some participants question the correctness of the arguments used in the integrals, while others suggest clarifying the definitions and limits of integration.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaged in identifying errors in the original poster's setup and discussing the necessary adjustments to the integral expressions. There is acknowledgment of mistakes, and some guidance has been provided regarding the correct formulation of the integrals, though a complete resolution has not been reached.

Contextual Notes

There are complexities due to the distinct variables involved in the functions, which are causing confusion in the integration process. The discussion reflects the challenges of working with multiple functions and their interactions in the context of convolution and cross-correlation.

divB
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Hi,

I shall show the following:

[tex] (f*g) \star (f*g) = (f\star f)*(g\star g)[/tex]

where [itex]*[/itex] denotes convolution and [itex]\star[/itex] cross-correlation. Writing this in terms of integral & regrouping:

[tex] \int_{\phi} \left(\int_{\tau_1} f(t - \tau_1) g(\tau_1) d\tau_1\right) \cdot \left(\int_{\tau_2} f(\tau_2) g(t+\phi-\tau_2) d\tau_2\right) d\phi \\<br /> = \int_{\tau_2} \int_{\tau_1} f(t - \tau_1) g(\tau_1) d\tau_1 \int_{\phi} f(\tau_2) g(t+\phi-\tau_2) d\tau_2 d\phi[/tex]

But now I am stuck. How should I bring both f into one integral? Both are functions of a differerent variable and [itex]\int f(x)dx \cdot \int f(x)dx \neq \int f(x)\cdot f(x) dx[/itex]...

Thanks for any pointer...
 
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divB said:
[tex]\left(\int_{\tau_2} f(\tau_2) g(t+\phi-\tau_2) d\tau_2\right) d\phi[/tex]
I don't think the argument to g is right.
 
Hi, through you very much. But why? t-tau2 is from the convolution and (t+phi) because it is the 2nd operand for the x-correlation...
 
Actually, the left hand integral in the same line was also wrong. Both must mention phi:
##h(t) = (f*g)(t) = \int_{\tau=0}^t f(\tau)g(t-\tau).d\tau##
##(h*h)(t) = \int_\phi h(\phi)h(t-\phi).d\phi = \int_{\phi=0}^t \left(\int_{\tau=0}^t f(\tau)g(\phi-\tau).d\tau\right)\left(\int_{\tau=0}^{t-\phi} f(\tau)g(t-\phi-\tau).d\tau\right).d\phi ##
 
haruspex said:
Actually, the left hand integral in the same line was also wrong. Both must mention phi:
##h(t) = (f*g)(t) = \int_{\tau=0}^t f(\tau)g(t-\tau).d\tau##
##(h*h)(t) = \int_\phi h(\phi)h(t-\phi).d\phi = \int_{\phi=0}^t \left(\int_{\tau=0}^t f(\tau)g(\phi-\tau).d\tau\right)\left(\int_{\tau=0}^{t-\phi} f(\tau)g(t-\phi-\tau).d\tau\right).d\phi ##

Your second line should be ##(h \star h)(t)##, as it's a cross-correlation, so it's a plus ##\phi## in the integral arguments rather than a minus ##\phi##, and the limits are the real line:

$$(h \star h)(t) = \int_{-\infty}^\infty d\phi~ h(\phi)h(t+\phi) = \int_{\phi=-\infty}^\infty d\phi~ \left(\int_{\tau_1=0}^t d\tau_1~f(\tau_1)g(\phi-\tau_1)\right)\left(\int_{\tau_2=0}^{t+\phi} d\tau_2 f(\tau_2)g(t+\phi-\tau_2)\right). $$
 
Mute said:
Your second line should be ##(h \star h)(t)##, as it's a cross-correlation, so it's a plus ##\phi## in the integral arguments rather than a minus ##\phi##,
OK, I missed the distinction in the signs, thanks. So the error in the OP is that ##f\left(t-\tau_1\right)## should have been ##f\left(\phi-\tau_1\right)##
 
Last edited:
Hi, thank you both of you! That's indeed a mistake.

However, I just don't see it, maybe I miss the forest for the trees (aehm, integrals ...)

In the end, I need to group both "g" and both "f" together into one integral.
However f has distinct variables (tau1 and tau2).
The g has even 4 (!) different variables: t, phi, tau1, tau2

I tried substitution, but I just can't get rid of them ...
 

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