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Fourier Transforms
1 Introduction
We have seen previously that a periodic, piecewise, continuous function can be represented by
an infinite series (Fourier Series). In this section we build on the complex form of the Fourier
series to develop the Fourier Transform of a function f (t).

2 Complex form of the Fourier series

Recall that a periodic function f (t) with period T , which satisfies the Dirichlet conditions can
be represented by the Fourier series where, for ω = 2πT
,

∞
a0 X
f (t) = + {an cos nωt + bn sin nωt} ··· (i)
2 n=1

where

Z a+T
2
a0 = T
f (t) dt
a

Z a+T
2 ··· (ii)
an = T
f (t) cos nωt dt
a

Z a+T
2
bn = T
f (t) sin nωt dt
a

The complex form of the Fourier Series is found by substituting the following identities into
the above formulae;
1 ejnωt − e−jnωt
sin(nωt) = sinh(j nωt) =
j j2
and
ejnωt + e−jnωt
cos(nωt) = cosh(j nωt) =
2

© 2019 Durban University of Technology: D Day Page 1

as follows;
∞
a0 X
f (t) = + {an cos nωt + bn sin nωt}
2 n=1

∞ 
ejnωt + e−jnωt ejnωt − e−jnωt

a0 X
= + an + bn
2 n=1
2 j2
∞ 
ejnωt + e−jnωt ejnωt − e−jnωt

a0 X
= + an − jbn
2 n=1
2 2
∞
a0 X  1
= + (a − jbn )ejnωt + 12 (an + jbn )e−jnωt
2 n
2 n=1

∞ ∞
X X c0 = a20 , cn = 12 (an − jbn )
= c0 + cn e jnωt
+ c−n e−jnωt
c−n = 12 (an + jbn )
n=1 n=1

∞
X −∞
X
jnωt
= c0 + cn e + cn ejnωt
n=1 n=−1

∞
X
= cn ejnωt
n=−∞

The complex form of the Fourier series is then expressed as

∞
X
f (t) = cn ejnωt
n=−∞

where
Z a+T
1
cn = f (t) e−jnωt dt, n∈Z
T a

since,
Z a+T
a0 1
c0 = 2
= f (t) dt
T a

a+T
1 a+T
Z Z
1 1
cn = (a
2 n
− jbn ) = f (t) cos(nωt) dt − j f (t) sin(nωt) dt
Ta T a

1 a+T 1 a+T
Z Z
= f (t)[cos(nωt) − j sin(nωt)] dt = f (t) e−jnωt
T a T a

1 a+T
Z
1
c−n = 2 (an + jbn ) = f (t)ejnωt
T a

© 2019 Durban University of Technology: D Day Page 2

Example
Find the complex form form of the Fourier series of
(
3 0≤t<π
f (t) = f (t + 2π) = f (t)
−3 π ≤ t < 2π

Z a+T
1
cn = f (t)e−jnωt dt
T a
Z π Z 2π 
1 −jnt −jnt
= 3e dt + (−3)e dt
2π 0 π
 π  2π
3 −jnt 3 −jnt
=− e + e n ̸= 0
jn2π 0 jn2π π
   
3 −jnπ 3 −jn2π −jnπ
=− e −1 + e −e n ̸= 0
jn2π jn2π
 
3 −jnπ −jn2π
= 1 − 2e +e n ̸= 0
jn2π
 
j3 n
=− 2 − 2(−1) n ̸= 0 (see note below)
n2π
 
j3 n
= (−1) − 1 n ̸= 0
nπ
(
0 if n is even
= j6 n ̸= 0
− nπ if n is odd
Z π Z 2π 
1 0 0
c0 = 3e dt + −3e dt
2π 0 π
 
3  π  2π
= t 0− t π
2π

=0
∞   ∞  
X j3 n jnt
X j3
Thus f (t) = 0 + (−1) − 1 e = (−1) − 1 ejnt
n

n=−∞
nπ n=−∞
nπ
n̸=0

Note:
e−jnπ = cos(nπ) − j sin(nπ) = cos(nπ) = (−1)n , and
e−jn2π = cos(n2π) − j sin(n2π) = 1 for all n

© 2019 Durban University of Technology: D Day Page 3

The trigonometric form of the Fourier series can be found using the above results as follows:
a0 = 2c0 = 0,
   
j3 n j3 −n
an = cn + c−n = nπ
(−1) − 1 + −nπ
(−1) −1 =0

        0 if n is even
j3 j3
n
bn = j(cn −c−n ) = j nπ (−1) − 1 − −nπ
(−1)−n − 1 = − nπ
6
(−1)n −1 =
 12 if n is odd
nπ
∞  
0
X 6 n 12 4 12
Thus, f (t) = 2
+ − (−1) − 1 sin(nt) = π
sin(t) + π
sin(3t) + 5π
sin(5t) + · · ·
n=1
nπ

Exercises
Find the complex form of the Fourier series for each of the following periodic functions;
(
−1 −2 < t < 0
1) f (t) = f (t + 4) = f (t)
1 0<t<2
∞  
j X j
ans: c0 = 0, cn = (cos nπ − 1), f (t) = cos nπ − 1 ejnt
nπ n=−∞
nπ
2) f (t) = t, 0 < t < 1, f (t + 1) = f (t)
∞
1 j 1 X j jnt
ans: c0 = , cn = , n ̸= 0, f (t) = + e
2 2nπ 2 n=−∞ 2nπ
n̸=0
( ∞  
4 0<t<2 X 8 −jn 2π n2π 2π
3) f (t) = f (t + 3) = f (t) ans: f (t) = e 3 sinc ejn 3 t
0 2<t<3 n=−∞
3 3

3 The Fourier Integral Theorem

In the Fourier series of a periodic function f (t) of period T , the harmonics have frequency
components ωn = 2πn T
= nω0 , where ω0 = 2π
T
is the fundamental frequency.
The difference in frequency between successive terms of the series is
δω = (n + 1) 2π
T
− n 2π
T
= 2π
T
= ω0

Theorem (Fourier Integral Theorem)

If
Z ∞a function f (t) is piecewise continuous in any finite interval and is absolutely integrable i.e
|f (t)| dt < ∞ (i.e the integral is finite), then
−∞
Z ∞ Z ∞ 
1 −jωτ
f (t) = f (τ )e dτ ejωt dω
2π −∞ −∞

© 2019 Durban University of Technology: D Day Page 4

Proof
Let g(t) = f (t), − T2 < t < T2 , g(t + T ) = g(t).
The Fourier series of g(t) is
∞
X
g(t) = cn ejnω0 t
n=−∞

∞
" Z T
#
X 1 2
−jnω0 τ
= g(τ ) e dτ ejnω0 t
n=−∞
T − T2

∞
" Z T
#
X 1 2π 2
= · g(τ ) e−jnω0 τ dτ ejnω0 t
n=−∞
2π T − T2

∞
" Z T
#
X 1 2
= g(τ ) e−jωn τ dτ ejωn t δω (δω = 2π
T
and ωn = nω0 )
n=−∞
2π − T2

Now, let T → ∞, (i.e the period extends to infinity), then δω → 0 and g(t) = f (t), for t ∈ R.
Then,
" ∞ " Z T # #
X 1 2
−jωn τ jωn t
f (t) = g(t) = lim g(τ ) e dτ e δω
δω→0
n=−∞
2π − T2
Z ∞ Z ∞ 
1 −jωτ
= f (τ )e dτ ejωt dω
2π −∞ −∞
Z ∞ Z ∞ 
1 −jωt
= f (t)e dt ejωt dω
2π −∞ −∞

4 The Fourier transform Pair

In the Fourier integral representation of f (t) in the above theorem, let
Z ∞ Z ∞
−jωτ
F (jω) = f (τ )e dτ = f (t)e−jωt dt
−∞ −∞

then Z ∞
1
f (t) = F (jω) ejωt dω
2π −∞

These two integrals define the Fourier Transform Pair, and we can express the Fourier
Transform F {f (t)} = F (jω) of f (t), together with its inverse transform F −1 {F (jω)} = f (t)

© 2019 Durban University of Technology: D Day Page 5

as follows;

Z ∞
F {f (t)} = F (jω) = f (t)e−jωt dt
−∞
Z ∞
1
F −1
{F (jω)} = f (t) = F (jω) ejωt dω
2π −∞

Before considering the following examples, we introduce the function sinc(x), which is defined
as (
sin(x)
x
if x ̸= 0
sinc(x) =
1 if x = 0

y = sinc(x)

X
−5 5

 
sin(x)
Note that lim {sinc(x)} = lim =1 (L’hospitals rule)
x→0 x→0 x
We also recall the identity, sinh(jx) = j sin(x)
Example (
4 if 0 < t < 3
Find the Fourier transform of the function f (t) =
0 for t < 0 and t > 3
Z ∞
F {f (t)} = F (jω) = f (t)e−jωt dt
−∞
Z 3
= 4e−jωt dt
0
 3
1 −jωt
=4 e
−jω 0

© 2019 Durban University of Technology: D Day Page 6

  −j3ω
−1

e
=4
−jω
3 3
e−j 2 ω − ej 2 ω
 
−j 32 ω
= 4e
−jw
3 3
ej 2 ω − e−j 2 ω
 
−j 32 ω
= 8e
j2w

sinh(j 32 ω)
 
−j 32 ω
= 8e
jω

sin( 32 ω)
 
−j 23 ω
= 8e
ω

sin( 23 ω)
 
−j 32 ω
= 12e 3
2
ω
3
= 12 e−j 2 ω sinc 3


2
ω

Example
Find the Fourier Transform of the function f (t) = |t|, −1 < t < 1 where
(
−t if t < −1
f (t) = |t| =
t if t > 1
Z ∞
F {f (t)} = f (t)e−jωt dt
−∞
Z 0 Z 1
−jωt
= (−t)e dt + te−jωt dt
−1 0
 0  1
t −jωt 1 −jωt t −jωt 1 −jωt
=− − e + 2e + − e + 2e
jω ω −1 jω ω 0
       
1 1 jω 1 jω 1 −jω 1 −jω 1
=− 0+ 2 − e + 2e + − e + 2e − 0+ 2
ω jω ω jω ω ω
   
2 1 jω −jω 1 jω −jω
=− 2 + e −e + 2 e +e
ω jω ω
2 e − e−jω 2 ejω + e−jω
 jω   
2
=− 2 + + 2
ω ω j2 ω 2
 
2 2
= sin(ω) + 2 cos(ω) − 1
ω ω

© 2019 Durban University of Technology: D Day Page 7

Exercises
Find the Fourier Transform for each of the following functions;
1. f (t) = e−3t u(t), where u(t) is the unit step function ans: 1
3+jω

t + 1
 if − 1 < t < 0
ans: sinc2 ω


2. f (t) = 1 − t if 0 < t < 1 2

0 if |t| > 1


0
 if t < −1
1
3. f (t) = 2 if − 1 < t < 1 ans: sinc(ω)

0 if 1 < t

(
5 if |t| ≤ 4
4. f (t) = ans: 40 sinc(4ω)
0 if |t| > 4

5 Properties of Fourier Transforms

5.1 Linearity
If f (t) and g(t) have fourier transforms F (jω) and G(jω) respectively, then

F {a f (t) + b g(t)} = a F {f (t)} + b F {g(t)} = a F (jω) + b G(jω)

where, a and b are constants.

Z ∞
F {a f (t) + b g(t)} = [a f (t) + b g(t)] e−jωt dt
−∞
Z ∞ Z ∞
−jωt
=a f (t) e dt + b g(t) e−jωt dt
−∞ −∞

= a F (jω) + b G(jω)

5.2 Symmetry
If F {f (t)} = F (jω), then F {F (jt)} = 2πf (−ω)
Note, that this property is referred to as symmetry since, just as f (t) and F (jω) form a Fourier
transform pair, it is also true that F (jt) and 2πf (−ω) also form a Fourier transform pair.

Z ∞
1
f (t) = F (jω) ejωt dω
2π −∞
Z ∞
2πf (t) = F (jω) ejωt dω
−∞

© 2019 Durban University of Technology: D Day Page 8

 Z ∞
2πf (t) = F (ju) ejut du (u a dummy variable)
−∞
Z ∞
2πf (−ω) = F (ju) e−juω du (let t = −ω)
−∞
Z ∞
2πf (−ω) = F (jt) e−jωt dt = F {F (jt)}
−∞

5.3 Time Shifting

F {f (t − c)} = e−jωc F (jω), (c a constant)

Z ∞
F {f (t − c)} = f (t − c)e−jωt dt Let u = t − c, du = dt
−∞
Z ∞
= f (u)e−jω(u+c) du
−∞
Z ∞
= f (u)e−jωu e−jωc du
−∞
Z ∞
−jωc
=e f (u)e−jωu du
−∞

= e−jωc F (jω)

5.4 Time Scaling

1
If F {f (t)} = F (jω), then F {f (kt)} = F j ωk ,


k ̸= 0
|k|

i) If k > 0,

Z ∞ Let u = kt, du = k dt
F {f (kt)} = f (kt) e−jωt dt t → −∞ ⇒ u = kt → −∞, and
−∞
t → ∞ ⇒ u = kt → ∞
Z ∞
ω
= f (u) e−j k u · 1
k
du
−∞
Z ∞
1 ω
= f (u) e−j k u du
k −∞

© 2019 Durban University of Technology: D Day Page 9

ii) If k < 0, then
Z ∞ Let u = kt, du = k dt
F {f (kt)} = f (kt) e−jωt dt t → −∞ ⇒ u = kt → ∞, and
−∞
t → ∞ ⇒ u = kt → −∞
Z −∞
1 ω
= f (u) e−j k u du
k ∞
Z ∞
1 ω
= f (u) e−j k u du
−k −∞
Z ∞
1 ω 1
Combining i) and ii) yields, F {f (kt)} = f (u) e−j k u du = F j ωk


|k| −∞ |k|

5.5 Frequency Shifting

F {ejω0 t f (t)} = F (j(ω − ω0 )
Z ∞
F {e jω0 t
f (t)} = ejω0 t f (t) e−jωt dt
−∞
Z ∞
= f (t) e−j(ω0 −ω)t dt
−∞

= F (j(ω − ω0 ))

5.6 Time-Differentiation
dn f (t)
 
F = (jω)n F (jω)
dtn
Z ∞
1
Differentiating both sides of the definition of the Transform f (t) = F (jω)ejωt dω with
2π −∞
respect to t yields;
Z ∞
df (t) 1 ∂
= [F (jω) ejωt ] dω
dt 2π −∞ ∂t
Z ∞
1
= (jω)F (jω) ejωt dω = F −1 [(jω)F (jω)]
2π −∞

Repeating this process n times yields,

Z ∞
dn f (t) 1
= (jω)n F (jω) ejωt dω = F −1 [(jω)n F (jω)]
dtn 2π −∞

© 2019 Durban University of Technology: D Day Page 10

Therefore,
dn f (t)
 
F = (jω)n F (jω)
dtn

6 Fourier Cosine and Sine Transforms

Fourier cosine and sine transforms come about when considering Fourier Transformns of even
and odd functions respectively.
Z a Z a
Recall: if g(−t) = g(t), then g(t) is an even function, and g(t) dt = 2 g(t) dt
−a 0
Z a
Also, if g(−t) = −g(t), then g(t) is an odd function, and g(t) dt = 0.
−a

Consider two cases:

1. A function f (t) is even, then;
(a) g(t) = f (t) cos atZis even (product
Z a of two even function, since cos at is an even
a Z a
function) and so, g(t) dt = f (t) cos at dt = 2 f (t) cos at dt.
−a −a 0
(b) g(t) = f (t) sin at is odd
Z (product of Zan even and an odd function, since sin at is an
a a
odd function) and so, g(t) dt = f (t) sin at dt = 0.
−a −a

2. A function f (t) is odd, then;

(a) g(t) = f (t) cos at is oddZ (product of Zan even and an odd function, since cos at is an
a a
even function) and so, g(t) dt = f (t) cos at dt = 0.
−a −a
(b) g(t) = f (t) sin atZis even (product
Z a of two odd functions, since sin at is an odd
a Z a
function) and so, g(t) dt = f (t) sin at dt = 2 f (t) sin at dt.
−a −a 0

Now consider the Fourier Transform

Z ∞
F {f (t)} = f (t) e−jωt dt
−∞
Z ∞
= f (t)[cos(ωt) − j sin(ωt)] dt
−∞
Z ∞ Z ∞
= f (t) cos(ωt) dt − j f (t) sin(ωt) dt
−∞ −∞

There are now two cases to consider;

© 2019 Durban University of Technology: D Day Page 11

 1. If f (t) is even, then
Z ∞ Z ∞
F {f (t)} = f (t) cos(ωt) dt − j f (t) sin(ωt) dt
−∞ −∞
Z ∞
=2 f (t) cos(ωt) dt + j(0)
0
Z ∞
=2 f (t) cos(ωt) dt
0

2. If f (t) is odd, then

Z ∞ Z ∞
F {f (t)} = f (t) cos(ωt) dt − j f (t) sin(ωt) dt
−∞ −∞
Z ∞
= 0 − j2 f (t) sin(ωt) dt
0
Z ∞
= −j2 f (t) sin(ωt) dt
0

The Fourier Transform can also be stated in terms of the Fourier Sine and the Fourier Cosine
Transforms as follows;

Fourier Cosine Transform

Z ∞
Fc {f (t)} = Fc (jω) = 2 f (t) cos(ωt) dt, (for f (t) even)
0

Fourier Sine Transform

Z ∞
Fs {f (t)} = Fs (jω) = −j2 f (t) sin(ωt) dt, (for f (t) odd)
0

Example

1. Find the Fourier Cosine transform of the even function f (t) = 9 if −3 < t < 3 and
f (t) = 0 if |t| > 3
Z ∞
Fc {f (t)} = 2 f (t) cos(ωt) dt
0
Z 3
=2 9 cos(ωt) dt
0

© 2019 Durban University of Technology: D Day Page 12

  3
1
= 18 sin(ωt)
ω 0

18(sin 3ω − 0)
=
ω
18 sin(3ω)
=
ω

2. Find the fourier sine transform of the odd function f (t) = −t for −1 < t < 1 and f (t) = 0
for |t| > 1
Z ∞
F {f (t)} = −j2 f (t) sin(ωt) dt
0
Z 1
= −j2 −t sin(ωt) dt
0
 1
t 1
= −j2 cos(ωt) − 2 sin ωt
ω ω 0
  
1 1
= −j2 ω
cos ω − 2 sin ω − (0)
ω

j2(sin ω − ω cos ω)
=
ω2

6.1 Functions defined on the interval 0 < t < a where a ∈ R+

Both the Fourier Cosine transform and the Fourier Sine Transform can be applied to a function
f (t), defined on an interval 0 < t < a where a ∈ R+ as follows;
Given f (t) defined on an interval 0 < t < a.
(
f (−t) −a<t<0
1. Consider the even function g(t) =
f (t) 0<t<a
Then, Z ∞ Z ∞
F {g(t)} = 2 g(t) cos(ωt) dt = 2 f (t) cos(ωt) dt = Fc (jω)
0 0

i.e the Fourier Cosine transform of f (t) is

Z ∞ Z a
Fc {f (t)} = Fc (jω) = 2 f (t) cos(ωt) dt = 2 f (t) cos(ωt) dt
0 0

(
−f (−t) −a<t<0
2. Consider the odd function g(t) =
f (t) 0<t<a

© 2019 Durban University of Technology: D Day Page 13

 Then,
Z ∞ Z ∞
F {g(t)} = −j2 g(t) sin(ωt) dt = −j2 f (t) sin(ωt) dt = Fc (jω)
0 0
i.e the Fourier Sine transform of f (t) is
Z ∞ Z a
Fs {f (t)} = Fs (jω) = −j2 f (t) sin(ωt) dt = −j2 f (t) sin(ωt) dt
0 0

Example
Find the both the Cosine and the Sine Fourier Transforms of;
f (t) = t, 0<t<5
Z ∞
Fc {f (t)} = 2 f (t) cos ωt dt
0
Z 5
=2 t cos ωt dt
0
 5
t 1
=2 sin ωt + 2 cos ωt
ω ω 0
   
5 1 1
=2 sin 5ω + 2 cos 5ω − 0 + 2
ω ω ω
 
5 1
=2 sin 5ω + 2 (cos 5ω − 1)
ω ω

2(5ω sin 5ω + cos 5ω − 1)

=
ω2
Z ∞
Fs {f (t)} = −j2 f (t) sin ωt dt
0
Z 5
= −j2 t sin ωt dt
0
 5
t 1
= −j2 − cos ωt + 2 sin ωt
ω ω 0
  
5 1
= −j2 − cos 5ω + 2 sin 5ω − (0)
ω ω
 
5 1
= −j2 − cos 5ω + 2 sin 5ω
ω ω

j2(5ω cos 5ω − sin 5ω)

=
ω2

© 2019 Durban University of Technology: D Day Page 14

Exercises
Find the Fourier sine and cosine transforms for the following;
(
7 if 0 < t < 4
1. f (t) = ans: 14j(cosω4ω−1) and 14 sin 4ω
ω
0 if t > 4
(
sin(t) if 0 < t < 2
2. Find the Fourier Cosine Transform of f (t) =
0 if t > 2
2−(1−ω) cos(2(1+ω))−(1+ω) cos(2(1−ω))
ans: 1−ω 2

7 Convolution
The Convolution Product of two functions f (t) and g(t) is defined as
Z ∞
f (t) ∗ g(t) = f (τ )g(t − τ )dτ
−∞

If F {f (t)} = F (jω) and F {f (t)}F {g(t)} = G(jω), then

F {f (t) ∗ g(t)} = F {f (t)} F {g(t)} = F (jω) G(jω) = G(jω) F (jω) = F {g(t) ∗ f (t)}

Z ∞ Z ∞ 
F {f (t) ∗ g(t)} = f (τ )g(t − τ )dτ e−jωt dt Let v = t − τ, dv = dt
−∞ −∞
Z ∞ Z ∞ 
−jω(v+τ )
= f (τ )g(v) e dτ dv
−∞ −∞
Z ∞ Z ∞ 
−jωv −jωτ
= f (τ )g(v) e e dτ dv
−∞ −∞
Z ∞ Z ∞ 
−jωv −jωτ
= g(v) e f (τ ) e dτ dv
−∞ −∞
Z ∞ Z ∞
−jωτ
= f (τ ) e dτ g(v) e−jωv dv
−∞ −∞

= F (jω)G(jω)

Example
3 ω
If F {f (t)} = F (jω) = 12 e−j 2 ω sinc and F {g(t)} = G(jω) = −j ω2 e−j 2 sinc
3 ω



2
ω 2
, then

F {f (t) ∗ g(t)} = F (jω)G(jω) = −j 24 e−j2ω sinc 32 ω sinc ω2

ω

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8 Inverse Fourier Transforms
Z ∞
1
f (t) = F −1
F (jω) = F (jω) ejωt dω
2π −∞

The inverse Fourier transform can be found by using the definition above. However, the
integration in most cases turns out to be complex. In this section we will consider two methods
(partial fractions and convolution) for finding Inverse Transforms using some simple standard
forms. We will make use of the standard forms;

1
F {e−at u(t)} = F (jω) =
a + jω

and
n!
F {tn e−at u(t)} = F (jω) =
(a + jω)n+1
where a is a constant.
Prove the above two standard forms as an exercise.

8.1 Partial Fractions

Example 
(4 + ω) + j(2ω − 3)

Find F −1
6 + j5ω − ω 2

(4 + ω) + j(2ω − 3) (4 + ω) + j(2ω − 3)
   
F −1
=F −1
6 + j5ω − ω 2 (3 + jω)(2 + jω)
 
2 j
=F −1
− (partial Fractions)
3 + jω 2 + jω

= 2e−3t u(t) − je−2t u(t)

= [2e−3t − je−2t ] u(t)

Example 
j3ω − 4

Find F −1
(jω − 2)2

j3ω − 4
   
3 2
F −1
=F −1
+ (Partial fractions)
(jω − 2)2 jω − 2 (jω − 2)2

= 3e2t u(t) + 2te2t u(t)

= (3 + 2t) e2t u(t)

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8.2 Convolution
Recall that; If F {f (t)} = F (jω) and F {g(t)} = G(jω), then

F {f (t) ∗ g(t)} = F {f (t)}F {g(t)} = F (jω) G(jω)

Thus,
F −1 {F (jω) G(jω)} = F −1 {f (t)} ∗ F −1 {g(t)} = f (t) ∗ g(t)
Example  
3
Find F −1
using the convolution theorem
8 + j6ω − ω 2
   
3 1
F −1
=3F −1
8 + j6ω − ω 2 (4 + jω)(2 + jω)
 
1 1
=3F −1
·
4 + jω 2 + jω
    
1 1
=3 F −1
∗F −1
4 + jω 2 + jω
 
−4t −2t
= 3 (e u(t)) ∗ (e u(t))

Z ∞
=3 e−4τ u(τ ) e−2(t−τ ) u(t − τ ) dτ
−∞
Z t
=3 e−2t−2τ dτ (see note below)
0
 t
3 −2t−2τ
=− e
2 0

3
= − (e−4t − e−2t ) u(t)
2
Verify this answer by repeating the problem using partial fractions.
( (
0 if τ < 0 0 if t − τ < 0 i.e if τ >t
Note: u(τ ) = and u(t − τ ) =
1 if τ > 0 1 if t − τ > 0 i.e if τ <t

0
 if τ < 0
Therefore, u(τ ) u(t − τ ) = 1 if 0 < τ < t

0 if τ > t


Exercises

© 2019 Durban University of Technology: D Day Page 17

 1. Use the convolution theorem to find;
 
8
(a) F −1
ans: 4[e−3t − e−5t ] u(t)
15 + j8ω − ω 2
 
4
(b) F −1
ans: 4[e−2t − (t + 1)e−3t ] u(t)
(2 + jω)(3 + jω)2
2. Verify each of these results by repeating the problems using partial fractions.

© 2019 Durban University of Technology: D Day Page 18