Problem on integrating dirac delta function

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the Dirac delta function, particularly in relation to its properties and applications in mathematical contexts such as the Radon transform. Participants explore the nature of the Dirac delta function and its relationship with the Heaviside step function.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks assistance with an integral involving the Dirac delta function and suggests a connection to the Heaviside step function.
  • Another participant notes that the Dirac delta function is not a conventional function, but rather a generalized function or distribution, which affects how it can be integrated.
  • A participant reiterates the definition of the Dirac delta function's integral, emphasizing its behavior under certain conditions.
  • There is a mention of using the Dirac delta function in the context of proving properties related to the Radon transform, specifically regarding backprojection and convolution.
  • One participant introduces a property of the Dirac delta function, stating that the integral of the delta function scaled by a constant has a specific form, which may be relevant to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the nature of the Dirac delta function as a generalized function, but there is no consensus on the specific integration problem or its relation to the Heaviside step function. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the initial integral query.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific mathematical properties and definitions related to the Dirac delta function, but the discussion does not resolve the assumptions or conditions under which these properties apply. The initial integral problem remains open without a clear resolution.

tan90ds
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Hi there,
I am trying to integrate this: http://imm.io/oqKi
I should get the second line from the integral, but I can't show it.
This should somehow relate to the Heaviside step function, or I am completely wrong.
Any ideas?

Sorry about the url, I fixed it.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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What is "imm.io/oqKi "?
 
Anyhow, whatever "imm.io/oqKi " is:

The Dirac delta "function" isn't a function in the usual sense, so can't integrate it in the usual sense, either.
 
The "Dirac delta funtion" is not really a function, as arildno says. It is a "generalized function" or "distribution"- a linear operator on functions.

By definition
[tex]\int_a^b f(x)\delta(x)dx= f(0)[/tex]
if a< 0< b, 0 otherwise.

That means that
[tex]\int_a^b \delta(g(x))f(x) dx= f(c)[/tex]
if g(c)= 0 for some c between a and b.
 
HallsofIvy said:
The "Dirac delta funtion" is not really a function, as arildno says. It is a "generalized function" or "distribution"- a linear operator on functions.

By definition
[tex]\int_a^b f(x)\delta(x)dx= f(0)[/tex]
if a< 0< b, 0 otherwise.

That means that
[tex]\int_a^b \delta(g(x))f(x) dx= f(c)<br /> if g(c)= 0 for some c between a and b.[/tex]
[tex] <br /> This makes sense for why they put [tex](x-x_0)\cos(\theta)+(y-y_0)\sin(\theta)=0[/tex] after the second line.<br /> <br /> Actually I am in the middle of proving the simple backprojection of the Radon transform of a dot can be viewed as a two dimensional convolution of [tex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{x^2+y^2}}[/tex] and the original function. I used the Dirac Delta to formulate the dot, so this is just for the convenience of prove.<br /> <br /> The Dirac Delta also has this property:[tex]\int\delta(\alpha x)dx = \frac{1}{|\alpha|}[/tex], I think this might help.[/tex]
 
Last edited:

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