Quantum Mechanics
Robert C. Roleda
Physics Department
Odd and Even Functions
Odd and Even Functions
A function is odd if
− = −
It is even if
− = ()
Symmetric Integrals
A symmetric integral can be recast as follows:
= +
The integral over negative values of can be rewritten using = −
= − (− ) = −
Symmetric Integrals of an Odd Function
For an odd function,
= − = −
Thus,
= − +
Now, ≥ 0. So the first integral on the right is over the same range of
as the second integral. Hence, for an odd function,
= − + = 0
Symmetric Integrals of an Even Function
For an even function,
= − =
Thus,
= +
Now, ≥ 0. So the first integral on the right is over the same range of
as the second integral. Hence, for an even function,
= + = 2
Examples
−
= = − =0
2
2 2
3 =
= − −
= 2
4 =
= − −
=0
5 = 2 5 = 2
cos = 2 cos = 2sin
sin = 0
cos = 0