Integrating exponent to get delta function

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the integration of the exponential function to derive the delta function, specifically examining the integral \(\int{dk} e^{-ikx}\). The user initially concludes that \(\int{dk} e^{-ikx} = \delta(x)\) through two methods, but encounters a discrepancy in the second method due to not adjusting the integral limits when changing the variable \(k\) to \(-k\). The correct conclusion is that \(\int{dk} e^{-ikx} = \delta(x)\) after proper adjustments are made.

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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.
 

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