Related to fourier transfrom figuring out when a function is odd or even

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the evaluation of Fourier transforms, specifically in determining the parity of functions derived from the inverse transform of the heat equation. The user queries how certain terms in the integral can be classified as even or odd functions. The terms in question are sin(α)/α cos(α)x, identified as even, and sin(α)/α sin(α)x, classified as odd. The ability to classify these terms allows for the simplification of integrals, with the odd integral evaluated to zero.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Fourier transforms and their applications in solving differential equations.
  • Familiarity with the properties of even and odd functions in mathematical analysis.
  • Knowledge of the heat equation and its representation in the context of Fourier analysis.
  • Proficiency in integral calculus, particularly with complex exponentials.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of even and odd functions in detail.
  • Learn about the applications of Fourier transforms in solving partial differential equations.
  • Explore the derivation and implications of the heat equation in infinite domains.
  • Investigate the use of complex analysis in evaluating integrals involving oscillatory functions.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physicists, and engineers working with Fourier transforms, as well as students studying differential equations and mathematical analysis.

SUDOnym
Messages
88
Reaction score
1
I left a post up re. Fourier transforms and this query is on the same question:

having solved the heat equation in infinite domain in terms of U(alpha,t) we now want to inverse transform back to u(x,t):

[tex]U(\alpha,t)=\frac{2u_{0}}{\sqrt{2\pi}}\frac{sin\alpha}{\alpha}e^{-k^{2}\alpha^{2}t}[/tex]

[tex]\implies u(x,t)=\frac{1}{\sqrt{2\pi}}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}U(\alpha,t)e^{i\alpha x}d\alpha[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{u_{0}}{\pi}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}\frac{\sin\alpha}{\alpha}e^{-i\alpha x}e^{-k^{2}\alpha^{2}t}d\alpha=\frac{u_{0}}{\pi}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}\frac{\sin\alpha}{\alpha}\cos\alpha xe^{-k^{2}\alpha^{2}t}d\alpha-i\frac{u_{0}}{\pi}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}\frac{\sin\alpha}{\alpha}\sin\alpha xe^{-k^{2}\alpha^{2}t}d\alpha[/tex]

My question here is:

in my notes he immediately says that in the final equality I have above that the sin(alpha)/alphacos(alpha)x term inside the integral is an even function whereas the sin(alpha)/alphasinalphax term is odd...how is it that he can so easily see which terms are odd and even and so evaluate the odd integral as zero?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I may not have been clear in my last post, question is how does he know that:

[tex]\frac{u_{0}}{\pi}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}\frac{\sin\alpha}{\alpha}\cos\alpha xe^{-k^{2}\alpha^{2}t}d\alpha[/tex]

is even.

And how does he know that:

[tex]-i\frac{u_{0}}{\pi}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}\frac{\sin\alpha}{\alpha}\sin\alpha xe^{-k^{2}\alpha^{2}t}d\alpha[/tex]

is odd?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K