Final answer:
A Fourier analysis is used to break down a complex tone into its constituent pure tones.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to break a complex tone down into its constituent pure tones, you would perform a Fourier analysis. Fourier analysis is a mathematical technique used to decompose a complex waveform into its individual sine and cosine components. By analyzing the different frequencies present in the complex tone, you can identify the specific pure tones that make it up.