Compute Fourier Series of f(x)=sin(x) & Parseval's Identity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around computing the Fourier series for the piecewise function defined by \( f(x) = \sin x \) when \( \sin x \ge 0 \) and \( f(x) = 0 \) when \( \sin x < 0 \). Additionally, participants explore the application of Parseval's identity to a different periodic function to derive a specific series sum.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the Fourier series computation for \( f(x) = \sin x \) and provides formulas for the coefficients \( a_n \) and \( b_n \).
  • Another participant questions the bounds of integration, specifically why the interval is set to \( 0 \le x < \pi \) for the Fourier series computation.
  • A further reply reiterates the concern about the bounds, emphasizing that for \( -\pi < x < 0 \), the function \( f(x) \) is zero, which may affect the calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the choice of integration bounds for the Fourier series, indicating a lack of consensus on this aspect of the problem.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential limitations in understanding the behavior of the function across different intervals and how this impacts the computation of Fourier coefficients.

Markov2
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1) Compute Fourier series of $f(x)=\left\{\begin{array}{cl}\sin x,&\sin x\ge0,\\0,&\sin x<0.\end{array}\right.$

2) Consider the $2\pi-$periodic function $f(x)=\left\{\begin{array}{cl}1,&\text{ if }\phantom{-}0\le x<\pi,\\0,&\text{ if }-\pi\le x<0.\end{array}\right.$ Use Parseval's identity to prove that $\displaystyle\sum_{n\ge1}\frac1{(2n-1)^2}=\frac{\pi^2}8.$

Attempts:

1) How can I get the bounds to compute the Fourier series?

2) I think this is straightforward, I just need t compute $a_n$ and $b_n$ by writing for example $a_n=\displaystyle\frac1\pi\int_{-\pi}^{\pi}f(x)\cos (nx)\,dx=\frac{1}{\pi }\left( {\int_{ - \pi }^0 {f(x)\cos (nx)\,dx} + \int_0^\pi {f(x)\sin (nx)\,dx} } \right),$ and the same for $b_n,$ the rest is using $\displaystyle\frac{{a_0^2}}{2} + \sum\limits_{n = 1}^\infty {\left( {a_n^2 + b_n^2} \right)} = \frac{1}{\pi }\int_{ - \pi }^\pi {f{{(x)}^2}\,dx} ,$ but I have a problem here, when calculating the integral of the last formula, I'd need to split it up into two integrals but the fact that $f(x)=1$ for $0\le x<\pi$ doesn't imply that $f(x)^2=1,$ doesn't?
 
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Markov said:
1) Compute Fourier series of $f(x)=\left\{\begin{array}{cl}\sin x,&\sin x\ge0,\\0,&\sin x<0.\end{array}\right.$

If f(x) is $2 \pi$ periodic You have...

$\displaystyle a_{n}= \frac{1}{\pi}\ \int_{0}^{\pi} \sin x\ \cos nx\ dx = \frac{1}{\pi} \frac{-1+(-1)^{n+1}}{n^{2}-1}$

$\displaystyle b_{n}= \frac{1}{\pi}\ \int_{0}^{\pi} \sin x\ \sin nx\ dx = \left\{\begin{array}{cl}\frac{1}{2},&n=1\\0,&n \ne 1\end{array}\right.$

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
Last edited:
Okay but why $0\le x<\pi$ ?
 
Markov said:
Okay but why $0\le x<\pi$ ?

For $- \pi< x<0$ [or, that is the same, for $-1< \sin x<0$...] is $f(x)=0$...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 

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