Solve 3 Integrals with Fourier Integral - Cyrus

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving three integrals involving trigonometric functions: \(\int \cos(nx) \cos(mx) \, dx\), \(\int \sin(nx) \sin(mx) \, dx\), and \(\int \sin(nx) \cos(mx) \, dx\). Participants are exploring the challenges posed by the different coefficients of \(m\) and \(n\) in these integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants suggest using trigonometric identities to rewrite the integrals in a more manageable form. There are discussions about how to express the products of sine and cosine functions in terms of sums or differences of sine and cosine.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing insights into the use of trigonometric identities. There is recognition of the complexity of the integrals due to the differing coefficients, and some participants express confusion about specific steps in the reasoning.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of missing information and potential misunderstandings regarding notation and the application of trigonometric identities. Participants are also reflecting on previous knowledge of series and their application to the problem at hand.

Cyrus
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Can someone please show me how to solve these three integrals, or proivde a link that does. I can't think of a way to solve it right now and I don't have any free time to do so. Thank you!


\int cos(nx)cos(mx)dx

\int sin(nx)sin(mx)dx

\int sin(nx)cos(mx) dx

The thing that makes it tricky is the different coefficients of m and n in each trig term, so you can't make them cos^2(x) or sin^2(x) or use trig identities. (at least I can't see how). Anywho, thanks once more.


Cyrus. :smile:
 
Last edited:
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Trig identities.

sin(a+ b)= sin(a)cos(b)+ cos(a)sin(b)
sin(a- b)= sin(a)cos(-b)+ cos(a)sin(-b) but cos(-b)= cos(b) sin(-b)= -sin(b)
= sin(a)cos(b) - cos(a)sin(b)

Adding, sin(a+b)+ sin(a- b)= 2sin(a)cos(b).

To integrate sin(nx)cos(mx) let a= nx, b= mx to write
sin(nx)cos(mx)= (1/2)sin((m+n)x)+ (1/2)sin((m-n)x).

cos(a+ b)= cos(a)cos(b)- sin(a)sin(b)
cos(a- b)= cos(a)cos(b)+ sin(a)sin(b)

Adding, cos(a+b)+ cos(a-b)= 2cos(a)cos(b)
To integrate cos(nx)cos(mx), let a= nx, b= mx to write
cos(nx)cos(mx)= (1/2)cos((m+n)x)+ (1/2)cos((m-n)x)

Subtracting, cos(a+b)- cos(a-b)= 2sin(a)sin(b)
To integrate sin(nx)sin(mx), let a= nx, b= mx to write
sin(nx)sin(mx)= (1/2)cos((m+n)x)- (1/2)cos((m-n)x)
 
cos(-b)= cos(b) sin(-b)= -sin(b)

Im not following how this is true, pluging in a value for b and none of them are coming out equal?

Ahhh, I figure your just missing a comma inbetween there. You meant cos(-b) = cos(b) and sin(-b)= - sin(b).

Thats a VERY clever trick to solve it. I would never have spotted it! Thanks!
 
Last edited:
A follow up, can you show me how the series is reduced, its been a while since i touched a series, a long while.

cos(n \pi) = (-1) ^n

My book says cos(x) = (-1)^n x^{2n} / (2n!)

what happened to the fractional part?

The n is different for each equation, poor notation sorry.

Thanks twice.

Cyrus
 
Last edited:
Isn't it more like

cos(x) = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^n x^{2n} / (2n!).

Your question is strangely worded. What do you mean by reduced?
 
oops your right.
My question is how did they arrive at this:

cos(n \pi) = (-1) ^n

oh, I see now, because its just positive of negative 1 depending on the coefficient. Crap. never mind......I got it now. :-)
 

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