Related to fourier transfrom figuring out when a function is odd or even

In summary, the conversation is discussing the process of inverse transforming U(alpha,t) back to u(x,t) in the heat equation, with a specific focus on the integrals involved. The question at hand is how the individual terms in the integrals can be identified as even or odd functions, and how this knowledge can be used to evaluate the integrals.
  • #1
SUDOnym
90
1
I left a post up re. Fourier transforms and this query is on the same question:

having solved the heat equation in infinite domain in terms of U(alpha,t) we now want to inverse transform back to u(x,t):

[tex]U(\alpha,t)=\frac{2u_{0}}{\sqrt{2\pi}}\frac{sin\alpha}{\alpha}e^{-k^{2}\alpha^{2}t}[/tex]

[tex]\implies u(x,t)=\frac{1}{\sqrt{2\pi}}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}U(\alpha,t)e^{i\alpha x}d\alpha[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{u_{0}}{\pi}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}\frac{\sin\alpha}{\alpha}e^{-i\alpha x}e^{-k^{2}\alpha^{2}t}d\alpha=\frac{u_{0}}{\pi}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}\frac{\sin\alpha}{\alpha}\cos\alpha xe^{-k^{2}\alpha^{2}t}d\alpha-i\frac{u_{0}}{\pi}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}\frac{\sin\alpha}{\alpha}\sin\alpha xe^{-k^{2}\alpha^{2}t}d\alpha[/tex]

My question here is:

in my notes he immediately says that in the final equality I have above that the sin(alpha)/alphacos(alpha)x term inside the integral is an even function whereas the sin(alpha)/alphasinalphax term is odd...how is it that he can so easily see which terms are odd and even and so evaluate the odd integral as zero?
 
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  • #2
I may not have been clear in my last post, question is how does he know that:

[tex]\frac{u_{0}}{\pi}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}\frac{\sin\alpha}{\alpha}\cos\alpha xe^{-k^{2}\alpha^{2}t}d\alpha[/tex]

is even.

And how does he know that:

[tex]-i\frac{u_{0}}{\pi}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}\frac{\sin\alpha}{\alpha}\sin\alpha xe^{-k^{2}\alpha^{2}t}d\alpha[/tex]

is odd?
 

FAQ: Related to fourier transfrom figuring out when a function is odd or even

How do I determine if a function is odd or even using Fourier transform?

To determine if a function is odd or even using Fourier transform, you can use the symmetry property of Fourier transform. If a function is odd, its Fourier transform will be purely imaginary, while if a function is even, its Fourier transform will be purely real.

Can I use Fourier transform to find the symmetry of any function?

Yes, Fourier transform can be used to find the symmetry of any function. The symmetry property of Fourier transform states that if a function is odd or even, its Fourier transform will have specific characteristics.

What is the significance of knowing if a function is odd or even?

Knowing if a function is odd or even can help simplify calculations and make it easier to solve problems. It can also provide insights into the behavior and properties of a function.

Are there any special cases where Fourier transform cannot determine the symmetry of a function?

Yes, there are some special cases where Fourier transform cannot determine the symmetry of a function. For example, if a function is neither odd nor even, its Fourier transform will have both real and imaginary components.

Can I use Fourier transform to determine the symmetry of a periodic function?

Yes, Fourier transform can also be used to determine the symmetry of a periodic function. In this case, the symmetry property of Fourier transform can be applied to the individual frequency components of the periodic function.

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