Why distributions can not be multiplied ?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mathematical properties of distributions, specifically the inability to multiply distributions such as the Dirac delta function, denoted as δ(x). It is established that expressions like δ(x)δ^m(x) or H(x)δ(x) do not yield meaningful results within the framework of distribution theory. The Fourier transform of certain integrals involving these distributions, such as ∫_{−∞}^{∞} (x−t)^{m}t^{n} dt, is also explored, highlighting the necessity of test functions for defining distributions.

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Why distributions can not be multiplied ??

why in general can not give a meaningful expression for

[tex]\delta (x) \delta ^{m} (x)[/tex] or [tex]H(x) \delta (x)[/tex]

for example the Fourier transform (with respect to 'x') of the expression (theoretically)

[tex]\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}dt (x-t)^{m}t^{n} =g(x)[/tex]
 
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Remember that distributions are defined by integrating them with test functions, for example, [itex]\delta[/itex] is defined by
[tex]\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \delta(x - a) f(x) \, \mathrm dx := f(a)[/tex]
for test functions f.

So what do you propose that
[tex]\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \delta(x) \delta(x - 1) f(x) \, \mathrm dx[/tex]
evaluates to?
Zero? f(1/2)? f(0)f(1) ?
 
Last edited:

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