What is the Fourier Transform of 1/t?

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SUMMARY

The Fourier Transform of the function 1/t is determined to be -iπsgn(w), as established in the discussion. Participants highlighted the necessity of using contour integration techniques due to the non-existence of the integral of cos(x)/x from 0 to infinity. The integral of sin(wt)/t from -∞ to ∞ equals πsgn(w), which is crucial for deriving the Fourier Transform. Additionally, the discussion emphasized the importance of Euler's formula and the properties of odd functions in solving Fourier Transform problems.

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  • Understanding of Fourier Transforms and their properties
  • Familiarity with contour integration techniques in complex analysis
  • Knowledge of Euler's formula and its applications
  • Basic understanding of integrals involving sine and cosine functions
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  • Learn about the properties of the Fourier Transform of odd and even functions
  • Explore the implications of the duality property in Fourier Transforms
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Homework Statement


Find the Fourier Transform of \frac {1}{t}



Homework Equations


Euler's equations I think...


The Attempt at a Solution


I tried splitting up the integral into two. One from -\inf to 0 and the other from 0 to \inf. Not much help there. I tried using e^{ix} = cos(x) + isin(x). I am pretty sure that is the way to go, but I can't seem to make it work. I think the answer is plus or minus i (from google searches), but I can't make the steps to get there. Could someone give me some tips, or out line the steps? Thank you
 
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It would help to know that the integral from 0 to infinity of sinx/x is pi/2 !
 
Thank you, that does help. My teach. said don't use a table though... But this is better than nothing.

What is the integral from 0 to inf for cosx/x ?
 
cos(x) = sin(x+pi/2)
 
quasar987 said:
cos(x) = sin(x+pi/2)

The integral of cos(x)/x from 0 to infinity just plain does not exist. As far as I know you can't do things like the Fourier transform of 1/t by changing them into real integrals. You have to express them as contour integrals in the complex plane and pick a convergent contour or pull a residue theorem argument. Or do you know some trick I don't??
 
No, I suppose you'Re right!
 
bah, that's not what I want to hear!

We did some complex integration with poles in a different class. I didnt get it at all. I don't think that is required for this class. I am going to stick with the sinx/x = pi/2 unless somebody has a better idea.
 
If you've looked up the results then you should know that the integral of (1/t)*exp(i*t*x) depends on a discrete function of the value of x. That's a pretty sure sign that a contour choice is involved. Neglect this at your own risk.
 
Hello. I am new to Fourier transforms. Also I have not studied contour integration. In entry 309 in the table on wikipedia the answer to the Fourier transform of 1/t = − i*pi*sgn(w).

The answer I get is i*pi*sgn(t). I'm not sure where the (-) comes from. I get, skipping a few steps: the integral with limits from -inf to inf of isin(wt)/t dt.

From my notes the integral from -inf to inf of sin(wt)/t would be = pi*sgn(w). I would assume when an imaginary number is in there you just treat it as a constant?

What am I missing here? Is my assumption wrong?

Thanks.
 
  • #10
Hey,
Using Euler's formula, I'v found the FT of 1/(Pi*t) as -j. integration of cos(x)/x from -inf to inf is zero, as odd function. And using integration of sin(x)/x from -inf to inf = Pi. Using these two we easily can get FT of 1/(Pi.t) is equal to -j.
Using a known FT of rectangular(t/Tau) and X(0) or x(0) formulas of FT and IFT we can get the integration of sin(x)/x.
 
Last edited:
  • #11
fourier sine transform of 1/sqrt x

can u please help me out with Fourier sine transform of 1/ sqrt x
 
  • #12
i need the solution asap...
 
  • #13
are u here?quasar987
 
  • #14
ok, 1/t is like 1/w, if you times the numerator and denominator by j its like the Duality property (j* 1/(jt) ), so its like j2*pi*x(-w) = 2j*pi(-0.5+u(-w))
as you can see from the 1/jw transformation on the table.
 
  • #15
This thread is like 4 years old. Why did you grave dig it?
 
  • #16
Because I wanted to know the answer and I didn't think it had been adoquately addressed, because It hadn't, so I solved it for the next person to find it on google.
 

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