What is the Fourier series for a periodic function over [-\pi,\pi]?

In summary, the Fourier series for the given function is: f(x) = \frac{1}{2} + \frac{2}{\pi} \sum^\infty_{n=1} \frac{sin((2n-1)x)}{2n-1}
  • #1
TFM
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Homework Statement



Find the Fourier series corresponding to the following functions that are periodic over the
interval [tex][-\pi,\pi][/tex]

[tex] f(x) = 1, -\pi/2 < x< \pi/2; f(x) [/tex] otherwise.

Homework Equations



Fourier Series:

[tex] f(x) = \frac{1}{2}a_0 + \sum^\infty_{n=1}a_n cos\frac{2*\pi*n*x}{l} + \sum^\infty_{n=1} b_n sin\frac{2*\pi*n*x}{l}[/tex]

[tex] \frac{1}{l}\int^{l/2}_{-l/2}f(x) dx [/tex]

[tex] a_n = \frac{1}{l}\int^{l/2}_{-l/2}f(x) cos frac{2*\pi*n*x}{l}dx [/tex]

[tex] a_n = \frac{1}{l}\int^{l/2}_{-l/2}f(x) sin frac{2*\pi*n*x}{l}dx [/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



So far I have:

[tex] a_0 = 1 [/tex]

[tex] a_n = \frac{1}{\pi n}[sin(nx)]^{\pi/2}_{-\pi/2} [/tex]

[tex] b_n = -\frac{1}{\pi n}[cos(nx)]^{\pi}_{-\pi} [/tex]

But I am not sure what to do now. I seem to be mainly confused about the n's

TFM
 
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  • #2
My equations didn't come out quite right...Sorry. Should be:


[tex]
a_0 = \frac{1}{l}\int^{l/2}_{-l/2}f(x) dx
[/tex]

[tex]
a_n = \frac{1}{l}\int^{l/2}_{-l/2}f(x) cos \frac{2*\pi*n*x}{l} dx
[/tex]

[tex]
b_n = \frac{1}{l}\int^{l/2}_{-l/2}f(x) sin \frac{2*\pi*n*x}{l}dx
[/tex]

TFM
 
  • #3
Note that:

[tex] \sin( n \cdot \pi /2)= 1 [/tex] if n = 1,3,5...
[tex] \sin( n \cdot \pi /2) = 0 [/tex] if n = 2,4,6,...and

[tex] \cos( n \cdot \pi ) = (-1)^{n} [/tex]
 
  • #4
So for [tex] a_n [/tex]

[tex]
a_n = \frac{1}{\pi n}[sin(nx)]^{\pi/2}_{-\pi/2}
[/tex]

n = 1,3,5...

so

[tex] a_n = \frac{1}{\pi 1}[sin(1x)]^{\pi/2}_{-\pi/2}, [/tex]

[tex] \frac{1}{\pi * 3}[sin(3x)]^{\pi/2}_{-\pi/2}, [/tex]

[tex] \frac{1}{\pi * 5}[sin(5x)]^{\pi/2}_{-\pi/2} ... [/tex]


and

[tex]
\cos( n \cdot \pi ) = (-1)^{n}
[/tex]

cos of n pi always = -1? (as long as pi is a whole number)

TFM
 

1. What is a Fourier Series?

A Fourier series is a mathematical representation of a periodic function as a sum of sine and cosine functions. It can be used to decompose any periodic function into an infinite series of simple trigonometric functions.

2. How is a Fourier Series calculated?

A Fourier series is calculated by finding the coefficients of the sine and cosine functions that best fit the periodic function. This can be done using integration techniques or by using Fourier transform methods.

3. What is the significance of Fourier Series in science?

Fourier series have many applications in science, including signal processing, image reconstruction, and solving differential equations. They are also used in fields such as physics, engineering, and mathematics to analyze and model periodic phenomena.

4. Can Fourier Series be used for non-periodic functions?

No, Fourier series can only be used for periodic functions. However, techniques such as the Fourier transform can be used to analyze non-periodic functions.

5. Are there any limitations to using Fourier Series?

Fourier series have some limitations, such as only being applicable to periodic functions and requiring infinite terms for an exact representation. They also have convergence issues for discontinuous functions. However, these limitations can often be overcome with variations of the Fourier series or other mathematical techniques.

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