Integrating exponent to get delta function

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The discussion revolves around the integration of the exponential function involving the delta function. The initial equation presented is the integral of e^{-ikx} over delta(x), leading to the conclusion that the integral of e^{+ikx} equals delta(x). The user attempts to compute the integral of e^{-ikx} using two methods, with the first method correctly yielding delta(x) and the second method initially resulting in -delta(x) due to an oversight in changing the integration limits. Upon reevaluation, the user acknowledges the mistake in the second method, confirming that adjusting the limits resolves the issue. The thread highlights the importance of careful consideration of integration limits when changing variables in integrals.
tamiry
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Something i ran into while doing hw

Homework Statement


starting with
\int{dx} e^{-ikx}\delta(x) = 1
we conclude by Fourier theory that
\int{dk} e^{+ikx} = \delta(x)
Now, i try to compute
\int{dk} e^{-ikx}

(I've dropped the normalization factors of 2\pi. I believe no harm is done by that)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Method 1: change x to -x
\int{dk} e^{-ikx} = \int{dk} e^{+ik(-x)} = \delta(-x) = \delta(x)

Method 2: change the integration parameter k to -k
\int{dk} e^{-ikx} = -\int{dk} e^{+ikx} = -\delta(x)

So what did I do wrong here?


thanks a lot
T
 
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I looked at it again. At my second method. I had to change the integral limits as well, and that fixes 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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