Why Is My Fourier Transform of a Gaussian Incorrect?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a participant's difficulty in correctly performing the Fourier transform of a Gaussian function. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and problem-solving related to Fourier transforms.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • A participant describes their struggle with a Fourier transform problem and requests guidance, indicating that their result does not match the expected answer.
  • Multiple participants emphasize the importance of using the PF LaTeX feature for posting equations, suggesting that clarity in mathematical expressions is crucial for effective discussion.
  • One participant suggests completing the square under the integral and changing coordinates to arrive at the standard Gaussian integral, referencing online resources for further assistance.
  • Another participant reiterates the suggestion to complete the square and provides links to external resources for solving the Fourier transform of a Gaussian.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the specific error in the participant's work, and multiple suggestions for resolving the issue are presented without agreement on a single approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided specific details about the equations or the steps taken in the Fourier transform, which may limit the ability to diagnose the problem accurately.

jaurandt
Messages
24
Reaction score
0
Attached is a personal problem that I spent last night working on for about 2 hours and something is going wrong, I just can not figure it out what. The answer by the big X is what I wound up with but it's obviously not correct. Could someone please guide me through solving this? The starting problem is on the top left, the correct answer is boxed on the top right.
IMG_20190508_120613086~2.jpg
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Please use the PF LaTeX feature to post your equations directly in the thread. Per PF rules, equations should not be posted as images, as that makes it impossible to quote them in replies.

Help on the LaTeX feature can be found here:

https://www.physicsforums.com/help/latexhelp/
 
PeterDonis said:
Please use the PF LaTeX feature to post your equations directly in the thread. Per PF rules, equations should not be posted as images, as that makes it impossible to quote them in replies.

Help on the LaTeX feature can be found here:

https://www.physicsforums.com/help/latexhelp/

Sorry, I will do so from now on. But what's most important to me is the problem for the sake of my sanity...
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 47 ·
2
Replies
47
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K