Continuous Time Signals (Part - II) - Fourier Transform

1. The Fourier transform of a real valued time signal has

(a) odd symmetry (c) conjugate symmetry
(b) even symmetry (d) no symmetry
[GATE 1996: 1 Mark]
Soln. For real valued time signal, Fourier Transform has conjugate symmetry.
If 𝑥(𝑡) 𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙 → 𝐹𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑟 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚 𝑖𝑠 𝑋(𝑓)
Then there exists conjugate even symmetry (Also called Hermitian
Symmetry)
i.e. 𝑋(𝑓) = 𝑋 ∗ (−𝑓)
or 𝑋 ∗ (𝑓) = 𝑋(−𝑓)
From above condition it can be shown that
|𝑋(𝑓)| 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑅𝑒 {𝑋(𝑓)} have even symmetry
i.e. |𝑋(𝑓)| = |𝑋(−𝑓)|
∠ 𝑋(𝑓)𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼𝑚 {𝑋(𝑓)} have odd symmetry
∠ 𝑋(𝑓) = −∠ 𝑋(−𝑓)
Option (c)

2. A signal x(t) has a Fourier transform X(ω). If x(t) is a real and odd
function of t, them X(ω) is
(a) a real and even function of ω
(b) an imaginary and odd function of ω
(c) an imaginary and even function of ω
(d) a real and odd function of ω
[GATE 1999: 1 Mark]
Soln. If 𝑓(𝑡) is real and even then 𝐹(𝜔) is real
Even → 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑓(−𝑡)
𝐹(𝜔) = 𝐹(−𝜔)
Real → 𝑓(−𝜔) = 𝑓 ∗ (𝜔)
Or 𝐹(𝜔) = 𝐹 ∗ (𝜔)
 If 𝑓(𝑡) is real and odd
𝐹(𝜔) is pure imaginary
odd → 𝑓(𝑡) = −𝑓(−𝑡)
𝐹(𝜔) = −𝐹(−𝜔)
Option (b)

3. The Fourier transform of a conjugate symmetric function is always

(a) imaginary (c) real
(b) conjugate anti-symmetric (d) conjugate symmetric
[GATE 2004: 1 Mark]
Soln. Given that the time function 𝑥(𝑡) is conjugate symmetric i.e.
If 𝑥(𝑡) = 𝑥 ∗ (−𝑡)
Use the property of conjugate symmetry of FT
If 𝑥(𝑡) → 𝑋(𝑓)
Then 𝑥 ∗ (−𝑡) = 𝑋 ∗ (𝑓)

Given 𝑥(𝑡) = 𝑥 ∗ (−𝑡)

Then 𝑋(𝑓) = 𝑋 ∗ (𝑓)

So, 𝑋(𝑓) is real
Option (c)

4. If 𝐺(𝑓) represents the Fourier Transform of a signal 𝑔(𝑡)which is real

and odd symmetric in time, then
(a) G(f) is complex (c) G(f) is real
(b) G(f) is imaginary (d) G(f) is real
[GATE 1992: 2 Marks]
Soln. 𝑔(𝑡) → 𝐺(𝑓)
Note, If 𝑔(𝑡) is real and even,
𝐺(𝑓) is also real and even
But if 𝑔(𝑡) is real and odd
 𝐺(𝑓) is imaginary and odd
Option (b)
5. The amplitude spectrum of a Gaussian pulse is
(a) uniform (c) Gaussian
(b) a sine function (d) An impulse function
[GATE 1998: 1 Mark]
Soln. Gaussian pulse is defined by
2
𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑒 −𝜋𝑡
Fourier Transform of this pulse can be evaluated

∞
2 2
ℱ[𝑒 −𝜋𝑡 ] = ∫ 𝑒 −𝜋𝑡 𝑒 −𝑗𝜔𝑡 𝑑𝑡
−∞
After evaluation of integral one gets
2 2
ℱ[𝑒 −𝜋𝑡 ] = 𝑒 −𝜋𝑓
When area under Gaussian pulse and central ordinate of the pulse is
unity, it is said to be normalized Gaussian pulse. Such pulse is its own
Fourier Transform

Option (c)

2
6. The Fourier Transform of the signal 𝑥 (𝑡) = 𝑒 −3𝑡 is of the following
from where A and B are constants:
(a) 𝐴 𝑒 −𝐵|𝑓| (c) 𝐴 + 𝐵 |𝑓 |2
2
(b) 𝐴 𝑒 −𝐵𝑓 (d) 𝐴 𝑒 −𝐵𝑓
[GATE 2000: 1 Mark]
Soln. The Fourier Transform of a normalized Gaussian pulse is also normalized
Gaussian pulse
2
For 𝑔(𝑡) = 𝑒 −𝑎𝑡
 𝜋 2 ⁄4𝑎
𝐺 (𝜔) = √ 𝑒 −𝜔
𝑎

So, it is of the form

2
𝐴𝑒 −𝐵𝑓
The constants A and B can be found
2
For 𝑥 (𝑡) = 𝑒 −3𝑡
Here a = 3

𝜋 2 ⁄4×3
So, 𝑋(𝜔) = √ . 𝑒 −𝜔
3

𝜋 2 ⁄12
𝑋(𝜔) = √ . 𝑒 −𝜔
3

Option (d)

7. The function f(t) has Fourier Transform g(ω). The Fourier Transform of
∞

𝑔(𝑡) = ( ∫ 𝑔(𝑡)𝑒 −𝑗𝜔𝑡 𝑑𝑡) 𝑖𝑠

−∞

1 (c) 2𝜋𝑓(−𝜔)
(a) 𝑓(𝜔)
2𝜋
1 (d) 𝑛𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑣𝑒
(b) 𝑓(−𝜔)
2𝜋
[GATE 1997: 1 Mark]
Soln. Given

Then F [g(t)] ?
Inverse transform
∞
1
𝑓(𝑡) = ∫ 𝐹(𝜔) 𝑒 𝑗𝜔𝑡 𝑑𝜔
2
−∞
 ∞

𝑂𝑟, 2𝜋𝑓(−𝑡) = ∫ 𝐹 (𝜔) 𝑒 𝑗𝜔𝑡 𝑑𝜔

−∞
Here 𝜔 is dummy variable so can be exchanged

𝑖. 𝑒 2𝜋𝑓(−𝜔) = ∫ 𝐹 (𝑡)𝑒 −𝑗𝜔𝑡 𝑑𝑡 = ℱ [𝑓(𝑡)]

−∞
Above equation shows that Fourier transform of time function f(t) is
2𝜋𝑓(−𝜔)
In this problem also, 𝑔(𝜔) is Fourier Transform for 𝑓(𝑡)
So changing dummy variable (from t to 𝜔) then 𝐹{𝑔(𝑡)} = 2𝜋𝑓(−𝜔)
Option (c)
8. The Fourier transform of a function x(t) is X(f). The Fourier transform of
𝑑𝑥(𝑡)
will be
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑋(𝑓) (c) 𝑗𝑓 𝑋(𝑓)
(a)
𝑑𝑡 𝑋(𝑓)
(b) 𝑗2𝜋𝑓 𝑋 (𝑓 ) (d)
𝑗𝑓
[GATE 1998: 1 Mark]
Soln.

∞
1
𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝑥(𝑡) = ∫ 𝑋(𝜔)𝑒 𝑗𝜔𝑡 𝑑𝜔
2𝜋
−∞

Then
∞
𝑑𝑥(𝑡) 1 𝑑
= . [ ∫ 𝑋(𝜔)𝑒 𝑗𝜔𝑡 𝑑𝜔]
𝑑𝑡 2𝜋 𝑑𝑡
−∞
 ∞
1 𝑑
= ∫ {𝑋(𝜔)𝑒 𝑗𝜔𝑡 } 𝑑𝜔
2𝜋 𝑑𝑡
−∞

∞
1
= ∫ 𝑗𝜔 𝑋(𝜔) 𝑒 𝑗𝜔𝑡 𝑑𝜔
2𝜋
−∞

= ℱ −1 [𝑗𝜔 𝑋(𝜔)]

= ℱ −1 [𝑗2𝜋 𝑋(𝑓)]
This shows that differentiation in time domain is equivalent to
multiplication by 𝑗𝜔 = 𝑗2𝜋𝑓 in frequency domain
Option (b)
9. The Fourier transform of a voltage signal x(t) is X(f). The unit of |𝑋(𝑓)|is
(a) Volt (c) Volt / sec
(b) Volt – sec (d) Volt2
[GATE 1998: 1 Mark]

Soln. As per the definition of Fourier Transform

𝑋(𝑓) = ∫ 𝑥(𝑡) 𝑒 −𝑗2𝜋𝑓𝑡 . 𝑑𝑡

−∞

Looking at R.H.S expression, then unit of X(f) will be volt – sec

Option (b)

10. If a signal 𝑓(𝑡) has energy E, the energy of the signal 𝑓(2𝑡) is equal to
(a) E (c) 2E
(b) E/2 (d) 4E
[GATE 2001: 1 Mark]
Soln. Given,
Signal 𝑓(𝑡) has energy E.
 Find energy of the signal 𝑓(2𝑡).
Energy of signal
∞

𝑓(𝑡) = ∫ 𝑓 2 (𝑡)𝑑𝑡
−∞

So, energy of signal 𝑓(2𝑡) will be

= ∫ 𝑓 2 (2𝑡) 𝑑𝑡
−∞

∞
𝑑𝜏 𝐸
= ∫ 𝑓 2 (𝜏) =
2 2
−∞

Option (b)

11.The Fourier transform 𝐹{𝑒 −𝑡 𝑢(𝑡)} is equal to

1 1
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒, 𝐹{ } 𝑖𝑠
1 + 𝑗2𝜋𝑓 1 + 𝑗2𝜋𝑡

(a) 𝑒 𝑓 𝑢(𝑓) (c) 𝑒 𝑓 𝑢(−𝑓)

(b) 𝑒 −𝑓 𝑢(𝑓) (d) 𝑒 −𝑓 𝑢(−𝑓)
[GATE 2002: 1 Mark]
Soln. Given,
1
ℱ[𝑒 −𝑡 𝑢(𝑡)] = (1+𝑗2𝜋𝑓)

Using the duality property

If 𝑔(𝑡) → 𝐺(𝑓)
𝐺(𝑡) → 𝑔(−𝑓)
Therefore,
 1
→ 𝑒 𝑓 𝑢(−𝑓)
(1 + 𝑗2𝜋𝑡)
Option (c)

12.Let 𝑥(𝑡) ↔ 𝑋(𝑗𝜔) be Fourier Transform pair. The Fourier Transform

of the signal 𝑥(5𝑡 − 3) in terms of 𝑋(𝑗𝜔) is given as
1 −𝑗3𝜔 𝑗𝜔 1 −𝑗3𝜔 𝑗𝜔
(a) 𝑒 5 𝑋( ) (c) 𝑒 𝑋( )
5 5 5 5
1 𝑗3𝜔 𝑗𝜔
1 𝑗3𝜔 𝑗𝜔 (d) 𝑒 𝑋( )
(b) 𝑒 5 𝑋( ) 5 5
5 5
[GATE 2006: 1 Mark]
Soln. Given,

Find Fourier Transform of 𝑥(5𝑡 − 3)

Time shifting property

Scaling property

Using time shifting property

Using scaling property

1 3𝜔 𝑗𝜔
𝑥(5𝑡 − 3) = 𝑒 −𝑗 5 × ( )
5 5
Option (a)
 13. If the Fourier Transform of a deterministic signal g(t) is G(f), then
Items – 1
(1) The Fourier Transform of 𝑔(𝑡 − 2) is
(2) The Fourier Transform of 𝑔(𝑡/2) is
Items – 2
(A) 𝐺(𝑓)𝑒 −𝑗 (4𝜋𝑓)
(B) G(2f)
(C) 2G(2f)
(D) G(f - 2)
Match each of the items 1, 2 on the left with the most appropriate item A,
B, C, or D on the right.
[GATE 1997: 2 Marks]
Soln. 𝑔(𝑡) ↔ 𝐺(𝑓)

𝑔(𝑡 − 2) ↔ 𝑒 −𝑗2𝜋2𝑓 𝐺 (𝑓) = 𝐺(𝑓)𝑒 −𝑗(4𝜋𝑓)

𝑡 1 𝑓
𝑔 ( ) ↔ ( ⁄ ) 𝐺 ( ⁄ ) = 2𝐺(2𝑓)
2 1 2 1 2

Option 1 – A, 2 – C

14. Let x(t) and y(t) (with Fourier transform X(f) and Y(f) respectively) be
related as shown in Figure (1) & (2).
Then 𝑌(𝑓) is
1
(a) − 𝑋(𝑓 ⁄2)𝑒 −𝑗2𝜋𝑓 (c) −𝑋(𝑓 ⁄2)𝑒 𝑗2𝜋𝑓
2
1 (d) −𝑋(𝑓 ⁄2)𝑒 −𝑗2𝜋𝑓
(b) − 𝑋(𝑓 ⁄2)𝑒 𝑗2𝜋𝑓
2
y(t)
x(t)

t -2 -1 0 t
-2 0 2

-1

[GATE 2004: 2 Marks]

Soln. The figures of 𝑥(𝑡) and 𝑦(𝑡) are given, from these figures.
𝑦(𝑡) = −𝑥(2𝑡 + 2)
𝐼𝑓 𝑥(𝑡) ↔ 𝑋(𝑓)
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑥(𝑡 + 2) → 𝑒 𝑗2𝜋2𝑓 𝑋(𝑓)
Using time shifting property
1
𝑥(2𝑡 + 2) → ( ) 𝑋(𝑓 ⁄2)𝑒 𝑗2𝜋𝑓
2

According to time scaling property

1
𝑦(𝑓) = − 𝑋(𝑓 ⁄2)𝑒 𝑗2𝜋𝑓
2

Option (b)

15.For a signal x(t) the Fourier transform is X(f). Then the inverse Fourier
transform of X(3f + 2) is given by
1 𝑡
(a) 𝑥 ( ) 𝑒 𝑗3𝜋𝑡 (c) 3𝑥 (3𝑡)𝑒 −𝑗 4𝜋𝑡
2 2
1 𝑡 (d) 𝑥 (3𝑡 + 2)
−𝑗4𝜋/3
(b) 𝑥 ( ) 𝑒
3 3
[GATE 2005: 2 Marks]
Soln. In this problem we use the following two properties of Fourier Transform
If 𝑥(𝑡) → 𝑋(𝑓)

Frequency shifting property

Time scaling property

Using frequency shift property

Using time scaling property

 Option (b)

16. Two of the angular frequencies at which its Fourier transform becomes
zero are
(a) 𝜋, 2𝜋 (c) 0, 𝜋
(b) 0.5 𝜋, 1.5 𝜋 (d) 2 𝜋, 2.5 𝜋
[GATE 2008: 2 Marks]
Soln. The given time function 𝑥(𝑡) is shown is figure

-1 0 1
Its Fourier Transform 𝑋(𝑓) is given by
𝑋(𝑓) = 2 sin 𝑐(2𝑓)
= 2 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑓 = 0
= 0 𝑓𝑜𝑟 2𝑓 = ±1, ±2, − − − −
Or 𝜔 = 2𝜋𝑓 = ±𝜋, ±2𝜋, ±3𝜋, − − − − −
Option (a)

17.The Fourier transform of a signal h(t) is 𝐻(𝑗𝜔) = (2 cos 𝜔)(sin 2𝜔)/𝜔.

The value of h(0) is
(a) 1/4 (c) 1
(b) 1/2 (d) 2
[GATE 2012: 2 Marks]
Soln.
(2 cos 𝜔)(sin 2𝜔)
𝐻(𝑗𝜔) =
𝜔

2 sin 2𝜔 . cos 𝜔
=
𝜔

sin 3𝜔 + sin 𝜔
=
𝜔

sin 3𝜔 sin 𝜔
= +
𝜔 𝜔

3 0 3

-1 0 1
So, inverse Fourier Transform of 𝐻(𝑗𝜔)
ℎ(𝑡) = ℎ1 (𝑡) + ℎ2 (𝑡)

1 1
ℎ(0) = ℎ1 (0) + ℎ2 (0) = + =1
2 2
Option (c)
 2
18. Let 𝑔(𝑡) = 𝑒 −𝜋𝑡 , and ℎ(𝑡) is filter marched to 𝑔(𝑡). If 𝑔(𝑡) is applied
as input to ℎ(𝑡), then the Fourier transform of the output is
2
(a) 𝑒 −𝜋𝑡 (c) 𝑒 −𝜋|𝑓|
2 2
(b) 𝑒 −𝜋𝑓 ⁄2 (d) 𝑒 −2𝜋𝑓
[GATE 2013: 1 Mark]
2
Soln. Given, 𝑔(𝑡) = 𝑒 −𝜋𝑡
ℎ(𝑡) 𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑔(𝑡)

2
𝑔(𝑡) = 𝑒 −𝜋𝑡 (𝐺𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑎𝑛 𝑃𝑢𝑙𝑠𝑒)
2
𝐺(𝑓) = 𝑒 −𝜋𝑓 (𝐹𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑟 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑎𝑛 𝑃𝑢𝑙𝑠𝑒)
2
ℎ(𝑓) = 𝑒 −𝜋𝑓 (𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑑)
2 2
𝑦(𝑓) = 𝐺(𝑓) . ℎ(𝑓) = 𝑒 −𝜋𝑓 . 𝑒 −𝜋𝑓
2
𝑦(𝑓) = 𝑒 −2𝜋𝑓
Option (d)
 19. The value of the integral
∞

∫ sin 𝑐 2 (𝑑𝑡) 𝑖𝑠 __________.

−∞
[GATE 2014: 1 Mark]

Soln. The given integral gives the energy of the signal sin 𝑐 (5𝑡)

Using Perceval’s theorem

∞ ∞
1
𝐸𝑓 = ∫ |𝑓(𝑡)|2 𝑑𝑡 = ∫ |𝐹(𝜔)|2 𝑑𝜔
2𝜋
−∞ −∞

5𝜋
1
𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 = ∫ (1⁄5)2 𝑑𝜔
2𝜋
−5𝜋

1 1
= (10𝜋) = = 0.2
50𝜋 5
Answer 0.2