SHORT QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS

1. Define a signal.
Ans. A signal is defined as a single-valued function of one or more independemJ
variables which contain some information.
2. What is one dimensional signal?
· Ans. A signal which depends on only one independent variable is called a ont
. dimensional signal.

J.
-
3. What is signal modelling?
Signals 99

Ans. The representation of a signal by mathematical expression is known as signal

modelling.
4. What are the different types of representing discrete-time signals?
Ans. There are four different types of representation ~f discrete-time signals. They are:
(a) Graphical representation (b) Functional representation
(c) Tabular representation (d) Sequence representation
5. Define unit step function.
Ans. The continuous-time unit step function u(t) is defined as:
1 for t ~o
u(t) =
{0 for t<O
The discrete-time unit step sequence u(n) is defined as:
1 for n~O
u(n) =
{0 for n<O
6. Define unit ramp function.
Ans. The continuous-time unit ramp function r(t) is defined as:

t for t~O
r(t) ={
0 fort<O

or r(t) = tu (t)

The discrete-time unit ramp sequence r(n) is defined as:

n for n ~o
r(n) =
{0 for n <0

or r(n) = nu(n)
7. Define unit parabolic function. .
Ans. The continuous-time unit parabolic function p(t) is defined as:

t 2 /2 for t 0
p(t) =
10 for t<O

or p(t) = t2 u (t)
2
The discrete-time unit parabolic sequence p(n) is defined as:
n2 /2 for n~O
p(n) ={ 0
for n < 0
 100 Signals and Systems

n2
or p(n)=-u(n)
2

8. Define unit impulse function

Ans. The continuous-time unit impulse function 8(t) is defined as:
1 fort =0
<>(t)=
{0 fort ¢0

The discrete-time unit impulse sequence 8(n) is defined as:

1 for n =0
t5(n)=
{ 0 for n=;!0

9. Write the properties of unit impulse function. ,

Ans. The properties of continuous-time unit impulse function are:
00

(a) Jx(t) t5(t) di= x(0) (b) x(t) t5(t-t0 ) = x(t0 ) o(t -t0 ) = x(to)

(c)
00

Jx(-r) t5(t- -r) d-r = x.(t) (d) I o(at) = r;;r1 t5(t)

(e) o(-t)=o(t)
The properties of discrete-time unit sample sequence are:
l, n=k
(a) o(n) = u(n)- u(n - l) (b) t5(n-k)=
{ 0, n¢k
00

(c) x(n)= L x(k)t5(n-k)

fc=-oo

10. Define a sinusoidal signal.

Ans. The continuous-time sinusoidal signal is given by
x(t) = A sin (OJt + ,1,)
' , 'f' If
where A is the amplitude, OJ is the frequency in radians/sec and </J is the phase angle in
radians.
The discrete-time sinusoidal signal is given by
x(n) = A cos (@0 n + rj))
where OJ 0 is the frequency (in radians/sample), and </J is the phase (in radians).
11. Define a real exponential signal.
Ans. The continuous-time real exponential signal is defined as:
x(t) = Ae01
where both A and a are real.
 Signals 101

The discrete-time real exponential sequence is given by

x(n) = anu(n)
where a is a constant.
12. Define complex exponential signal.
Ans. The continuous-time complex exponential signal is given by
x(t) = est
where s is a complex variable, defined as:
s =CT+ jW
The discrete-time complex exponential signal is given by
x(n) = anei(OJon+;)

13. Define unit rectangular pulse function.

Ans. The unit rectangular pulse function Il(t) is defined as:

· 1 for ltl s: -1
Il(t) = O 2
{ otherwise
14. Define unit triangular pulse function.
Ans. The unit triangular pulse function L\a(t) is defined as:

L\a(t) =
C 11-m a
for ltl s: 2
0 for ltl >~·
2
...,.
15. Define unit signum function.
1 ,
Ans. The unit signum function sgn (t) is defined as:
1 fort~O
sgn (t) ={
-1 for t<O
'
It can be expressed in terms of unit step function as:
sgn (t) = -1 + 2u(t)
16. Define sine function.
Ans. The sine function is defined by expression
sin t
sine (t) =- - for -oo < t < oo
t
The sine function oscillates with period 2,r and decays with increasing t. Its value is
zero at ntr, n = ±1, ±2, ..... It is an even function· oft.
 """""1111111

102 LSignals and Systems

l 7 · Define Gaussian function.

Ans. The Gaussian function is defined by the expression
-----
2
ga(t) = e01 for -oo < f < 00
18. What is the relation between impulse, step, ramp and parabolic signals?
Ans. The relation between impulse, step, ramp and parabolic functions is given
.
follows: as
Step function is the integration of impulse functior,i, ramp function is the inte .
·
of step funcaon and parabo1·1c fu ncuon
· 1s
· the mtegrat1on
· · of ramp function. gration
Ramp function is the derivative of parabolic function, step function is the deriv .
of ramp function and impulse function is the derivative of step function. ative
19. What are the basic operations on signals?
Ans. The basic set of operations on signals are:
(a) Time shifting (b) Time reversal
(c) Time scaling {d) Amplitude scaling
(e) Signal addition (f) Signal multiplication

20. How are signals classified?

Ans. Signals are classified according to their characteristics. Some of them are:
(a) Continuous-time and discrete-time signals
(b) Deterministic and random signals
(c) Peri~ic and aperiodic signals
(d) Energy and power signals
(e) Even and odd signals
(f) Causal and non-causal signals
21. Distinguish between continuous-time and discrete-time signals.
Ans. Continuous-time signals are signals which are defined at all instants of time, where
as discrete-time signals are signals which are defined only at discrete instants of time. In
continuous-time signals, both amplitude and time are ci ntinuous, but discrete-time
signals are continuous in amplitude and discrete in time.
22. What is an analog signal?
Ans. Continuous-time signals are also called analog signals.
23. What are digital signals?
Ans. The signals that are discrete in time and quantized in amplitude are called digital
signals.
24. Distinguish between deterministic and random signals.
Ans. A deterministic signal is a signal exhibiting no uncertainty of its magnitude and
phase at any given instant of time. It can be represented by a mathematical equation,
whereas a random signal is a signal characterised by uncertainty about its occurrence.
It cannot be represented by a mathematical equation.

_____,,,,.....
 Signals 103

25. Distinguish between periodic and aperiodic signals.

Ans. A continuous-time signal x(t) is said to be periodic if it satisfies the condition

x(t) = x(t + T) for all t

whereas a continuous-time signal x(t) is said to be aperiodic, if the above condition is
not satisfied even for one value of t.
A discrete-time sequence x(n) is said to be periodic, if it satisfies the condition
x(n) = x(n + N) for all n
whereas a discrete-time signal x(n) is said to be aperiodic, if the above condition is not
satisfied even for one value of n.
26. What do you mean by fundamental period of a signal?
Ans. The smallest value of r that satisfies the condition x(t + T) = x(t) for all values of
t for continuous-time signals is called the fundamental period of the signal x(t). The
smallest value of N that satisfies the condition x(n + N) = x(n) for all values of n for
discrete-time signals is called the fundamental period of the signal x(n).
27. Are all sinusoidal signals periodic?
Ans. In the case of continuous-time signals, all sinusoidal signals are periodic. But in
the case of discrete-time signals, not all sinusoidal sequences 'are periodic.
28. Is the sum of two periodic signals always periodic?
Ans. No. The sum of two continuous-time periodic signals x 1(t) and x 2(t) with periods
T1 and T2 may or may not be periodic depending on the relation between T1 and T2 • For
the sum to be periodic, the ratio of periods T1/T2 must be a rational number or ratio of
two integers.
29. What is the condition to be satisfied for a discrete-time sinusoidal sequence to be
periodic?
Ans. For the discrete-time sinusoidal sequence to be periodic, the condition to be
satisfied is, the fundamental frequency m0 must be a ratio9al multiple of 2n. Otherwise,
the discrete-time signal is aperiodic.
30. What is the fundamental period of a discrete-time sinusoidal sequence? l

Ans. The smallest value of positive integer N, for some integer m, which satisfies the
equation N = 2n (m/m 0) for a sinusoidal periodic signal is called the fundamental period
of that signal.
31. Distinguish between energy and power signals.
Ans. An energy signal is one whose total energy E = finite value and whose average
power p = O, whereas a power signal is the one whose average power P = finite value
and total energy E = 00 •
32. Write the expressions for total energy E and average power P of a signal.
Ans. The expressions for total energy E and average power P of a signal are:
T
E = Lt f lx(t)l 2
dt
-T
114 '-' s~----
]
(f o r ~
,_

1
p IJ _ l:,, J1.
J.t(nJI (f o r ~ _

. weidleC~~«power~~
33. Do all sigoals t,eJaOg _.
-=-k aJJY ._ ...::-...leto eilbcl' energy Signal,- .
. . - v ·nn... J.,, •.,l""'Clti..
Ans- No. p,rttS nor __.,,J SJE>"-. · ·~

34.
type.

A,rs.
Such sigoab
-•--.!---ch t,etweell eVell

A
. . and odd Sli;--·
:wi,a-
. _..,.Jc

...:-I .t(t) is said to be even

( .
symmetnc)
I
signal, , .
I
die cooditiOO .J(-1) :: .J(t) (0£ all ,
wtJereaS a signal .J(t) is said to be odd ( ~)

satisfies the a,odjtion

.J(-1) = -.J(t) for all t
A sigJJa1 x(n) is said to be even (symmetric) signal. if it l1lli
cooditioo .x(-n) = .J(n) for all n
whereas a discrete--time signal .x(n) is said to be odd (antisymmetric) signal, ih1
the condition I
x(-n) :: -.x(n) for all n

35. Do alJ the signals correspond to either even or odd type?

Ans. .No. AU signals need not necessarily belong to either even or odd ~
are signals which are neither even nor odd.
36. Can every signal be ,4,.,.~
...._,,upv~ mto even and odd parts?
4 .., •

Ans. Yes, every signal can be . .

37. Write the . decomposed mto even and odd parts-
. expressions for even and odd .
Ans. The even and odd parts. of a signal.
Parts of a continuous-time signal are given by
I .
2
xe(t) = [x(t) +x(-f)]

1
xo(t) =2[x(t)-x(-t)]
 Signals 105

The even and odd parts of a discrete-time signal are given by

1
xe(n) =-[x(n) + x(-n)]
2 '

x0 (n) = .!._ [x(n) -x(-n)]

2
38. Distinguish between causal and non-causal signals.
Ans. A continuous-time signal x(t) is said to be causal, if x(t) = 0 for t < 0, otherwise
the signal is non-causal. A discrete-time signal x(n) is said to be causal, if x(n) = 0 for
n < 0, otherwise the signal is non-causal.
39. Define anti-causal signal.
Ans. A continuous-time signal x(t) is said to be anti-causal, if x(t) = 0 for t > 0 and
a discrete-time signal x(n) is said to be anti-causal, if x(n) = 0 for n > 0.

REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Define various elementary continuous-time signals. Indicate them graphically.
2. Define various elementary discrete-time signals. Indicate them graphically.
3. What are the types of representation of discrete-time signals? Represent a sequence in
all types.
-4. What are the basic operations on signals? illustrate with=an example.
5. How are signals classified? Differentiate between them.
l
6. Write short notes on: (i) Complex exponential signals (ii) Sinusoidal signals.
7. Write the properties of the Dirac delta function.
8. Derive the relation between complex expon~ntial and si~usoidal signals.
9. Write short notes on the following signals:
(a) Unit step (b) Unit impulse
(c) Unit ramp (d) Signum

FILL IN THE BLANKS

1. If a signal depends on only one independent variable, it is called a ____ signal.
2. The representation of a signal by mathematical expression is known as -----"
3. Continuous-time signals are defined for _ _ _ _.
4. Discrete-time signals are _ _ _ _ in time and _ _ _ _ in amplitude.

I
106 S i ~ and Systems

5. The signal• that are discrete in time and quantized in amplitude are c 1
- function can be obtained by - - - - the unit impul se funcij
6. Unit step alIC(l
7. Unit impulse function can be obtained b y - - - - the unit step fu nction
on.
8. Unit ramp function can be obtained by - - - - the unit step funct·ion. ·
9. Unit step function can be obtained b y - - - - the unit ramp function
10. Unit parabolic function can be obtained b y - - - - the. unit ramp 'fu nctton.
.
11. Unit ramp function can be obtained by _ ___.__ the unit parabolic fu . Dction
1
12. The _ _ _ _ of a signal can be obtained by folding the signal about = 0·
13. A signal which can be described by a mathematical equation is called a ·
, on is
14. A signal which cannot be represented by a mathematical equati~
a _ _ ___,
15. For the sum of two periodic signals to be periodic,
I t the ratio of their periods must ~

16. In the case of _ _ _ _ -time signals, all sinusoidal signals are periodic.
17. In the rase _ _ _ _ -time signals,, not all the sinusoidal signals are periodic.

18. For an even signal x(-t) = ___....,for ajl t.

19. For an odd signal x(-t) = ____ for all t. (

20. For an energy signal, E =____ and P =_____

I ,

21. For a power signal, P =____ and E =-----

I I llf r

22. For an anti-causal signal, x(t) = 0 for, _ _ __,

23. Double integration of a unit impulse. function results in a unit ____ function.

24. Double differentiation of a unit parabolic function reslflts ,in a unit fuDdl
25. Double integration of a unit step function results in a unit _ _ _ _ function.
26. Double differentiation of a unit ramp function results in a unit _ - funcDOD

OBJECTIVE if"YPE QUESTIONS

1. Graphical representation of a signal in time domain is called
(a) frequency spectrum (b) frequency
(c) waveform (d) none of the above
2. Graphical representation of a signal in frequency domain ;; caUed
(a) frequency spectrum (b) frequency , ,
none o ea ove
(c) waveform (d) f th b
 Signals I 107
3. A signal can be represented in
(a) time domain (b) frequency domain
(c) both (a) and (b) (d) none of the above
4. Analog signals can be converted into discrete-time signals by
(a) sampling (b) coding
(c) quantizing (d) none of the above
5. u(t - a) = 0, if
(a) t - a=0 (b) t - a < O (c) t - a>O (d) t > a
6. to(t) =
(a) t (b) 0 (c) 1 (d) u(t)
7. o(n) =
(a) u(n) + u(n - 1) (b) u(n) u(n - 1) (c) u(n) - u(n - 1) (d) u(n - 1) + u(n)
8. o(at) =
(a) o(t) (b) Ia I o(t)
I
(c) 111 a O(t) (d) none of the above

J
00

9. x(t) 8(t - t0 ) dt =
(a) O(t0) (b) x(to) (c) x(t - t0 ) ( d) All the above
00

10. f x(t) o(t) dt =

(a) x(t0) (b) x(t) (c) o(t) (d) x(O)

J
00

11. x(T) O(t -T) dT =

(a) x(t) (b) x(-r) (c) x(t) O(t) (d) x(t - -r)
00

12. f t o(t-3) =
2

(a) 9 (b) 3 (c) 0 (d) t 2

f <t - 2)2 o(t - 2) =

00

13.

(a) 4 (b) 2 (c) (t - 2) (d) 0

f o(t)
00

21
14. e-j dt =

(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) o(t) (d) e-j21

108 Signals and Systems

15. The relation between a signum function and a uni~ step function .
18
(a) 2u(t) _ 1 (b) u(t) - 1 (c) 2u(t) • sRli(,)
(d)
16. A detenninistic signal has "(~,
(a) no uncertainty (b) uncertainty
(c) partial uncertainty (d) none of the above
17. A random signal has
(a) no uncertainty (b) uncertainty
(c) partial uncertainty (d) none of the above
18. The sum of two periodic signals is periodic only if the ratio of their
TifT2 is resI>ectii·i,
(a) a rational number (b) an irrational number
(c) a complex number (d) a real number
19. The fundamental period of a continuous-time complex exponential signal .
1s 70:
2tt ·
(a) 2n (b) - (c) T (d) 21rw
% 0

20. The fundamental period of a discrete-time complex exponential sequence is N:

2tt 2tr 2tr
(a) - (b) -m0 (c) -m (d) 2mnru
m0 m % 1

21. The fundamental period of a sinusoidal signal is T =

(a) :~ (b) 2tr (c) m (d) 2nm
.., 2tr
22. The fundamental period of a sinusoidal sequence is N =

(a) · 2nm (b)

2,r
(c) mm0 (d) -m
2trm t1.\)
23. A signal is an energy signal if
(a) E = 0, P = 0
(b) E = oo, P = finite
(c) E = finite, P = O
(d) E = finite, P = oo
24. A signal is a power signal if
(a) P = finite, E = O
(b) P = finite, E = 00
(c) P = finite, E = finite
(d) P = oo, E oo =
25. The signal an u(n) is an energy signal if
(a) I aj < 1 (b) I al > 1 jal==
0
26. The signal an u(n) is a pow .
(c) I al =1 (d)
. er signal if
(a) I aj < 1 (b) I a/ > I (d) Ial:: o
(c) I al = I
 Signals 109

27. The signal x(t) = A sin ( ro 0t + q,) is

(a) a power signal (b) an energy signal
(c) periodi,c signal (d) both periodic and power signal
28. The rms value of x(t) = 10 cos 5t cos lOt is
(a) 5 (b) 25 (c) 10 (d) 50
29. Therms value of x(t) = Aei~t is
2
(a) A (b) (c) A (d) ..fi212
30. x(t) = e-St u(t) is a
(a) power signal (b) energy signal
(c) neither (a) or (b) (d) both (a) and (b)
31. x(t) = u(t) - u(t - 10) is a
(a) power signal (b) energy signal
(c) neither (a) or (b) (d) both (a) and (b)
32. x(t) = r(t) - r(t - 2) is a
(a) power signal (b) energy signal
(c) neither (a) or (b) (d) both (a) and (b)
33. x(t) = cos t is a
(a) power signal (b) energy signal
(c) neither (a) or (b) (d) both (a) and (b)
34. x(t) = t2 u(t) is a
(a) power signal (b) energy signal
(c) neither (a) or (b) (d) both (a) and (b)
35. x(t) = te 5t
(a) power signal (b) energy signal
(c) neither (a) or (b) (d) both (a) and (b)

PROBLEMS
L Evaluate the following
.. ..
(a) f e t5(t - 3) dt
-t
2
(b) ft3c5'(t - 2) dt
..
-oo

..
0

(c) f l>(t + 3) e-zt dt (d) f (t - 1)2 t5(t -1) dt

.. ..
-oo -oo

(e) I e211 l>(n - 2) (f) I n2t5(n-3)

..
n=-oo
..
n=-oo

(g) I l>(n) 511 (h) I t5(n) sin 2n

n=-oo n=-oo

l
110 Signals and Systems

· als·
2 Sketch the following sign . 4) (c) -2r(t - 2)
. (b) r(-t +
(a) u(-t + 4) ( + 2) - u(-n - 2)
(e) u(n· + 2) - u(n) (f) u -np· ure 74 find the signals
3 For the signal x(t) shown in 1g 1' '

· (a) x(2t + 2) (b) X (1

2t- 2) (c) x(-t - 2)

1 t

Figure 1.74 Figure for Problem 3.

4. Sketch the following signals

(a) n(' ~)+ 2

Il(t-s-2)
(b) r(t) - 2r(t - 2) +r(t-4)
{c) r(t) u(-t + 3)

5. Express the signals shown in Figure 1.75 as sum of singular functions.

x(t)
x(t)
2 x(t)
2

1
t
0 2 4 O 1
2:

(b) (c)
x(t)
1
1 x(t)

t
0
t
(d)

(e) (0
Figure 1.7s
FigQ.re for Problem 5.
 Signms I 111

6. Examine whether the following signals are periodic or not. If periodic, determine the
fundamental period.
(a) cos 6nt (b) ei81Ct
(c) 2 + sin 4m (d) 2u(t) + 3 cos 2nt
(e) 2cos 501Z't + 3 sin 25t (f) 3eil41r1+(,r/3)J + 4e-,1 21 +(1rfl)J
7. Determine whether the following signals are periodic or not. If periodic, determine the
fundamental period.

(a) cos (0.04nn) . 4,rn 2n

(b) sm- ---+cos-
3 3
(c) ej(,r/3)n

8. Determine the power and rms value of the following signals:

(a) 5 sin ( lOt +;) (b) ei 5' cos 2t

(c) 6 cos ( lOt + ; ) + 8 sin ( 12t + ; )

9. Determine whether the following signals are energy signals or power signals, and
calculate their energy or power:
(a) t3u(t) (b) 2u(t) (c) lOe-5' u(t) (d) (3 + e2') u(t)
(e) (2 + e- ') u(t)
2
(f) r(t - 2) - r(t - 3)
10. Find which of the following signals are energy signals, power signals, neither energy
nor power signals. Calculate the power and energy in each case.

(a) (½T u(n)

(b) ej((,rfl)n +~/2)
(c) u(n) - u(n - 4)

11. Find the energy of the signals shown in Figure 1. 76.

x(t) x(t) x(t)

2
2 2

-2 - 1 0 1 2 t 0 1 3 4 t 0 2 4 t

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 1.76 Figure for Problem 11.

 112 f Signals and Systems

12. Find which of -the following signals are causal or non-causal:

(a) e 31 u(t - 2) (b) sin ( 2t - ; ) (c) sin 3tu(t -1) (d) u(-2n)

· (e) u(n + 3) - u(n + 1) (f) e 3n

13. Find the even and odd components of the following signals:

(a) sin(2t+ ; ) (b) I - 2t + 3i' (c) sin 2t + cos 21 (d) {-2, 4, }' 3, 6}

(e) {3, -2, i' 5} (f) {?- 1, 4, 3, 5}

14. Find whether the following si~nals are even or odd:
41
(a) e (b) u(t + 2) - u(t - 2)
(c) e-1' I (d) u(-~ + ·i2) u(n + 2) 1

. ,