Can we find the fourier transform of a function?

In symbolic tool box, there is a function called fourier which is supposed to give the FT of a function. Example below works

syms x y
f = exp(-x^2);
fourier(f, x, y)

But I find that this does not work. why?

syms x y
f = exp(-x^4);
fourier(f, x, y)

How do you represent a rectangular pulse function in MATLAB so that I can get the FT of it?

rect(t) = 1 if t is between -0.5 and 0.5 inclusive and zero outside.

[Walter Roberson]

What happens when it "does not work" ?

[Seetha Rama Raju Sanapala]

It just gives the answer as FT of the given function. Basically it just repeats your question as answer. I tried expand, simplify etc but to no avail.

Answer 1

[Walter Roberson]

Rectangular pulse that is 1 between A and B is

Heaviside(x-A) - Heaviside(x-B)