Complex Fourier Series for f(x) = 2 - x, -2<x<2

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the complex Fourier series for the function f(x) = 2 - x, defined in the interval -2 < x < 2. Participants are exploring the necessary steps and considerations for evaluating the series.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to determine whether to evaluate the integral for a general n or to separate cases for n=0, n>0, and n<0. Some participants suggest that summing over positive n values might simplify the evaluation by incorporating sine and cosine terms.
  • Participants discuss the contribution of the constant part of the function and the implications of the odd function nature of -x on the integrals.
  • There are suggestions to express the complex exponential in terms of sine and cosine to facilitate integration, while others express uncertainty about handling positive and negative cases.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with various participants offering insights and tips on how to approach the problem. Some guidance has been provided regarding the evaluation of integrals and the treatment of different components of the function. However, there is no explicit consensus on the best path forward, and multiple interpretations are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of the function's periodicity and the nature of the Fourier series coefficients. There is a mention of homework constraints regarding the format of the solution, specifically the preference for complex exponential form.

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Having some trouble with this, any help is appreciated

Homework Statement


Give the complex Fourier series for [tex]f(x) = 2 - x, -2<x<2[/tex]


Homework Equations


[tex]f(x) = \sum_{n=-\infty}^\infty C_ne^{\frac{i n \pi x}{l}[/tex]

[tex]C_n=\frac{1}{2l} \int_{-l}^l f(x)e^{\frac{-i n \pi x}{2}} dx[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]f(x) = 2 - x, l = 2[/tex]

[tex]f(x) = \sum_{n=-\infty}^\infty \frac{1}{4} \int_{-2}^2 ((2-x)e^{\frac{-i n \pi x}{2}}dx) e^{\frac{i n \pi x}{2}[/tex]


now here, I don't know which steps I should take next. Should I take this integral for general n? Or should I break it up into the case for when n=0, n>0, and n<0?

I've kind of tried both to no avail :(
 
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from a quick look here's a ew helpful (hopefully) tips:

the sum over negative & positive n values in the complex exponent, is equivalent to summing only over positive n's with both sin & cos terms, & this one might be easier to evaluate in terms of sin's & cos's

also you should find a proof of the integral of sin(2.pi.n.x/L).sin(2.pi.n.x/L) over L = 0 for integers m not equal p and similar for cosines & mixes, this will allow you to write each coefficient in terms of single integral

now consider your function
g(x) = 2-x

first consider the constant part, 2. Any integral of a sinusoid over an integer times period will be zero, real or complex so only the n= 0 (or constant cos part will contribute)

now -x is an odd function, the cos integrals will be zero, (assuming it is just repeated),so only sin's will contribute...

so you should be able to reduce the integrals to required to ~x.sin(n.pi.x/2)
 
lanedance said:
from a quick look here's a ew helpful (hopefully) tips:

the sum over negative & positive n values in the complex exponent, is equivalent to summing only over positive n's with both sin & cos terms, & this one might be easier to evaluate in terms of sin's & cos's

also you should find a proof of the integral of sin(2.pi.n.x/L).sin(2.pi.n.x/L) over L = 0 for integers m not equal p and similar for cosines & mixes, this will allow you to write each coefficient in terms of single integral

now consider your function
g(x) = 2-x

first consider the constant part, 2. Any integral of a sinusoid over an integer times period will be zero, real or complex so only the n= 0 (or constant cos part will contribute)

now -x is an odd function, the cos integrals will be zero, (assuming it is just repeated),so only sin's will contribute...

so you should be able to reduce the integrals to required to ~x.sin(n.pi.x/2)

yeah, i think that was part a), they had us find the Fourier series in sin/cos form, now they want us to re-derive it with complex exponentials

as a side note, i didnt think about splitting up the 2 - x into both 2 and the -x part, that makes sense now and seems quicker for part a :)
 
not sure if you are allowed, but you could always write your complex exponential as:
[tex]e^{i x } = cos(x) + i sin(x)[/tex]
then use what you know about sin & cos integrals - evaluating the integrals will essentially be the same then...

and the negative n ones will just be complex conjugates of the poistives
 
lanedance said:
not sure if you are allowed, but you could always write your complex exponential as:
[tex]e^{i x } = cos(x) + i sin(x)[/tex]
then use what you know about sin & cos integrals - evaluating the integrals will essentially be the same then...

and the negative n ones will just be complex conjugates of the poistives

i think they want it purely in the e^ix form :(

just stuck on whether to worry about positive/negative cases and whether i do or don't how to simplify it to something reasonable
 
hmm.. by separating 2 & -x should be able to integrate *2 easy,for n = 0

then simple int by parts on the *(-x) for when n is not equal to zero

knowing what is going to happen to the terms based on what you have already done (sin & cos), i would attempt it for a generic n & -n, then show what happens when you sum the result... so express you results as a sum from 0 to n
 

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