Solving Dirac Delta Cosx: Find Range of n and a_n, x_n

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SUMMARY

The function \(\delta(\cos x)\) can be expressed as a sum of Dirac delta functions: \(\delta(\cos x) = \sum_{n} a_{n} \delta(x - x_{n})\). The values of \(x_{n}\) correspond to the points where \(\cos(x) = 0\), specifically at \(x = \frac{\pi}{2} + n\pi\) for integer \(n\). The coefficients \(a_{n}\) are determined by the formula \(a_{n} = \frac{1}{|\sin(x_{n})|}\), leading to the conclusion that \(n\) can take on infinite values.

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Homework Statement


The function [tex]\delta(cosx)[/tex] can be written as a sum of Dirac delta functions:
[tex]\delta(cosx)=\sum_{n} a_{n}\delta(x-x_{n})[/tex]
Find the range for n and the values for [tex]a_{n}[/tex] and [tex]x_{n}[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


Well, taking the integral of [tex]\delta(cosx)[/tex], we only get spikes when x is an even multiple of [tex]\frac{\pi}{2}[/tex]. So shouldn't n run to infinity? Thats all i have so far, any help would be appreciated. thanks.

-Adrian
 
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You get 'spikes' where cos(x)=0. I wouldn't describe those as 'even multiples of pi/2'. In general if x_i are the roots of f(x)=0, then delta(f(x)) is the sum of delta(x_i)/|f'(x_i)|.
 

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