Convergence Issues with Fourier Series for Piecewise Function?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the convergence issues of the Fourier series for a piecewise function defined as f(x) = 1 for x in (-π/2 + 2πn, π/2 + 2πn) and f(x) = -1 for x in [π/2 + 2πn, 3π/2 + 2πn]. The user calculated the Fourier coefficients a_n and b_n, resulting in the series ∑(n=1 to ∞) cos(nx)(4(-1)^(n+1)/π(2n-1)). However, the series diverges at x = π despite meeting the Fourier theorem's requirements. The solution provided indicates that the user should use cos((2n-1)x) instead of cos(nx) and suggests leveraging the function's periodicity and evenness to simplify calculations.

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  • Familiarity with piecewise functions and their representation
  • Knowledge of trigonometric identities and series
  • Experience with periodic functions and their Fourier coefficients
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Mathematicians, physicists, and engineering students focusing on Fourier analysis, particularly those working with piecewise functions and convergence issues in series.

estro
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I'm trying to find Fourier series for the following function:
[tex]f(x) = \begin{cases}1, & \mbox{if x $\in (-\frac{\pi}{2}+2\pi n,\frac{\pi}{2}+2\pi n)$ } \\ <br /> -1, & \mbox{if x $\in [\frac{\pi}{2}+2\pi n,\frac{3\pi}{2} + 2\pi n]$} \end{cases}[/tex]

This is how I calculated a_n and b_n:
[Please See 2.pdf and 3.pdf]

So I got the following series: [tex]\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \cos{nx}\frac{4(-1)^{n+1}}{\pi(2n-1)}[/tex]

But when I checked if it converges to f(x) at point \pi I get that it diverges, however all requirements of Fourier theorem are met.

What am I doing wrong?
 

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estro said:
I'm trying to find Fourier series for the following function:
[tex]f(x) = \begin{cases}1, & \mbox{if x $\in (-\frac{\pi}{2}+2\pi n,\frac{\pi}{2}+2\pi n)$ } \\ <br /> -1, & \mbox{if x $\in [\frac{\pi}{2}+2\pi n,\frac{3\pi}{2} + 2\pi n]$} \end{cases}[/tex]

This is how I calculated a_n and b_n:
[Please See 2.pdf and 3.pdf]

So I got the following series: [tex]\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \cos{nx}\frac{4(-1)^{n+1}}{\pi(2n-1)}[/tex]

But when I checked if it converges to f(x) at point \pi I get that it diverges, however all requirements of Fourier theorem are met.

What am I doing wrong?

The cos(nx) term in the sum should be cos((2n-1)x) since you only pick up the odd subscripts. Otherwise it is correct. You could have saved half the work by noting that since the function is period 2pi, you could have used the formula on (-pi,pi) and observed the function is even. That's why the bn are 0. And using the half range integral for an would have made less work there too.
 
Thanks, indeed it saved me a lot of work!
 

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