Can somebody check my work on this Fourier Series problem?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a Fourier Series problem, where the original poster is attempting to verify their calculations for coefficients related to a periodic function. The context includes determining the values of \( L \) and calculating the Fourier coefficients \( a_0 \), \( a_n \), and \( b_n \).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster presents their calculations for the Fourier coefficients and questions whether their approach is correct. Some participants suggest verifying the results through graphing the original function and the Fourier series. There is also a discussion about the correct value of \( L \) in the context of the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem setup, particularly regarding the value of \( L \). Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of graphing as a verification method, but no consensus has been reached on the correctness of the calculations presented.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the value of \( L \), with participants questioning whether it should be 1 or 2, which is relevant to the setup of the Fourier series problem.

Aristotle
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Homework Statement


pix.jpg


Homework Equations



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img3.gif

The Attempt at a Solution



Since P=2L, L=1 ?

a_o = 1/2 [ ∫(from -1 to 0) -dx + ∫(from 0 to 1) dx ] = 1/2 [ (0-1) + (1-0) ] = 1/2(0) = 0

a_n = - ∫ (from -1 to 0) cosnπx dx + ∫ (from 0 to 1) cosnπx dx = 0

b_n = - ∫ (from -1 to 0) sinnπx dx + (from 0 to 1) sinnπx dx = 2/nπ - 2/nπ*(cosnπ) = 2nπ / (1-cosnπ) = { 4/nπ n is odd ; 0 is even
The problem is my teacher has this as his answer:
pic2.jpg


Am i doing something incorrectly?
 
Last edited:
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Why not check by graphing the original function and the Fourier series?
 
Dr. Courtney said:
Why not check by graphing the original function and the Fourier series?
I understand you can check through graphing, but I just wanted some verification that my math is correct?
 
Wait L is suppose to equal 2 correct? Not 1?
 
Aristotle said:
Wait L is suppose to equal 2 correct? Not 1?

If you mean that one period of the function goes from ##-L## to ##+L## then yes, of course ##L = 2##. That was implied in the question.
 
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Ray Vickson said:
If you mean that one period of the function goes from ##-L## to ##+L## then yes, of course ##L = 2##. That was implied in the question.
I figured...
For my b_n I got 2/(n*pi) [1 - cos(n*pi / 2 ).

Is this correct?
 
Aristotle said:
I figured...
For my b_n I got 2/(n*pi) [1 - cos(n*pi / 2 ).

Is this correct?
Why don't you do as suggested and graph the resulting series? That'll tell you immediately if you got the right series. If you still want someone to check your work, you need to show it. Just posting the answer is next to useless.
 

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