Heaviside function and Unit impulse (delta) help

In summary, when multiplying the Heaviside function with the unit impulse, the resulting value is defined at only one point and is evaluated at the root of the argument rather than simply making a substitution. The Dirac delta function is not a function, but a distribution, and can only be evaluated as part of an inner-product on a functional space.
  • #1
metiscus
3
0
Can someone give me quick refresher on what happens when you multiply the heaviside function with the unit impulse?

Typically, the unit step function multiplied by anything simply delays it by the offset in the unit step function. The unit impulse function makes the value defined at only one point. At least I believe this is so... for example:
(n+1)U(n)*d(n-2) = (n-1)u(n-2) right?
 
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  • #2
This may be somewhat late, but your final equation does not technically make sense, though I believe you are on the correct track. The Dirac delta function is not a function at all, but rather a distribution, and thus only makes sense as an operator on a functional space. Consequently, you can only evaluate it when you have it as part of an inner-product.

Furthermore, it does not simply make the substitution [itex] n \to n-2 [/itex]. It evaluates the function at the root of the argument, so that
[tex] \begin{align*} \int_{-\infty}^\infty (x+1)U(x)\delta(x-2) dx &= \left. (x+1)U(x) \right|_{x=2}\\
&= 3 \end{align*}[/tex]
 

FAQ: Heaviside function and Unit impulse (delta) help

1. What is the Heaviside function?

The Heaviside function, also known as the unit step function, is a mathematical function that has a value of 0 for negative inputs and 1 for positive inputs. It is often denoted as H(x) or u(x).

2. What is the purpose of the Heaviside function?

The Heaviside function is commonly used in mathematical analysis and engineering, particularly in the field of control systems. It is used to model abrupt changes or discontinuities in systems.

3. What is the difference between the Heaviside function and the unit impulse (delta) function?

The Heaviside function is a continuous function, while the unit impulse function is a discontinuous function. The unit impulse function has a value of 0 for all inputs except at x=0, where it has a value of infinity. The Heaviside function can be thought of as the integral of the unit impulse function.

4. How is the Heaviside function used in Laplace transforms?

The Heaviside function is often used in Laplace transforms as it simplifies the integration process. For example, the Laplace transform of H(x-a) is e^(-as)/s, which is much simpler to solve compared to other functions.

5. Are there any real-world applications of the Heaviside function and unit impulse (delta) function?

Yes, there are many real-world applications of these functions. The Heaviside function is commonly used in electrical engineering to model the behavior of circuits, while the unit impulse function is used in signal processing to represent sudden changes in a signal. They are also used in various fields such as physics, economics, and biology.

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