# Math Help - Fourier Transform - not sure if I totally understand?

1. ## Fourier Transform - not sure if I totally understand?

So the question states:
Find the fourier transform of the function f defined by:
f(x) = -e^(ax) x<0
= e^(-ax) x>0

I think I know what I'm doing, but this is totally new to me, and confirmation that I know what I'm doing would be awesome!!!!

the transform of e^(-ax) is:
f hat k = integral(0 to infinity) e^(-ax) e^(-ikx) dx
= integral(0 to infinity) e^-(a+ik)x dx
= 1/(a+ik)

the transform of -e^(ax) is:
f hat k = - integral(0 to infinity) e^(ax) e^(-ikx) dx
= - integral(0 to infinity) e^(a-ik)x dx
= - 1/(a-ik)

so total answer is 1/(a+ik) - 1/(a-ik)
So cross multiplying with congugates, gives:

2ik/(a^2+k^2)

Is this correct?
Any help would be hugely appreciated! Thanks!

2. Originally Posted by MeganKnox
So the question states:
Find the fourier transform of the function f defined by:
f(x) = -e^(ax) x<0
= e^(-ax) x>0

!
$\mathfrak{F}f(\omega)=\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}f(x)e^{-i\omega x}\;dx$ $
= \int_{-\infty}^{0}-e^{ax}e^{-i\omega x}\;dx+ \int_{0}^{\infty}e^{-ax}e^{-i\omega x}\;dx
$

CB