What is the Fourier Transform of 1/t?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the Fourier Transform of the function \( \frac{1}{t} \). Participants explore various mathematical approaches and concepts related to Fourier transforms, contour integration, and the properties of specific integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss splitting the integral and using Euler's formula, while questioning the validity of certain integrals, such as \( \int_0^\infty \frac{\sin x}{x} \) and \( \int_0^\infty \frac{\cos x}{x} \). There are mentions of contour integration and the need for careful handling of complex functions.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the integral properties and the implications of using contour integration. There is an ongoing exploration of different interpretations of the Fourier Transform results, with no clear consensus reached on the correct approach or outcome.

Contextual Notes

Participants note constraints such as homework guidelines against using tables for solutions and the complexity of contour integration, which some are unfamiliar with. There is also mention of the historical context of the thread, indicating a desire for clarity on unresolved issues.

DieCommie
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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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