Deriving of the constants in Fourier Analysis

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the derivation of constants in Fourier Analysis, specifically focusing on the integrals that arise when attempting to show that the coefficients \(a\) and \(b\) are derived from the Fourier series representation of a function \(v(t)\). Participants are examining the conditions under which certain integrals equal zero.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the reasons why the first two integrals in the context of Fourier Analysis equal zero, discussing properties of sine and cosine functions, as well as the implications of odd and even functions.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered explanations regarding the behavior of sine and cosine functions, particularly in relation to their properties as odd and even functions. There is an ongoing inquiry into the nature of these functions and their products, with no explicit consensus reached on all points raised.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with LaTeX formatting issues and are attempting to clarify mathematical expressions, which may affect the clarity of their questions and responses. The discussion is framed within the context of homework help, indicating a structured approach to understanding Fourier Analysis.

PsychonautQQ
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Homework Statement


Wow LaTex fail... anyone know how i make this look like not ****? I had it looking all pretty on http://www.codecogs.com/latex/eqneditor.php and it gave me these codes as my latex markup but it didn't come out right... why do they look like source code and not the pretty equations they are supposed to?

Fourier Analysis equation:
$\displaystyle v(t)=a_0 + \sum_{n=1}^N a_ncos(nwt) + \sum_{m=1}^M a_msin(mwt)
\displaystyle a_n= \frac{2}{T}\int\limits_{\frac{-T}{2}}^{\frac{T}{2}}v\(t)cos(nwt)\, dt
\displaystyle b_n= \frac{2}{T}\int\limits_{\frac{-T}{2}}^{\frac{T}{2}}v\(t)sin(mwt)\, dt

To show that the coefficients a and b are given by the equations above, we multiply v(t) by cos(2∏kt/T) and integrate with respect to time from t = -T/2 to t = T/2

\displaystyle \int\limits_{\frac{-T}{2}}^{\frac{T}{2}}\ ((a_0+\sum_{n=1}^N a_n cos(\frac{2\pi nt}{T}) +\sum_{m=1}^M b_m sin(\frac{2\pi mt}{T}))

which will give us three types of integrals
\displaystyle a_0\int\limits_{\frac{-T}{2}}^{\frac{T}{2}}cos\frac{2\pi kt}{T}\,\ dt=0
\displaystyle \sum_{m=1}^M b_m\int\limits_{\frac{-T}{2}}^{\frac{T}{2}}sin\frac{2\pi mt}{T}cos\frac{2\pi kt}{T}dt=0
\displaystyle \sum_{n=1}^N a_n\int\limits_{\frac{-T}{2}}^{\frac{T}{2}}cos\frac{2\pi nt}{T}cos\frac{2\pi kt}{T}dt= T/2 (n=k)

My question is why do the first two of these three integrals equal zero?
(first time using LaTex holy crap took forever
 
Last edited:
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Assuming I'm deciphering the equations correctly, then the first integrals equal zero because the integral will be a sin function, and between the limits you will always have integer multiples of pi for any k (sin k*pi = sin(-k*pi) = 0)
The second integral is zero because it is an odd function integrated between symmetric limits. (an odd function multiplied by an even function is an odd function).
 
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PsychonautQQ said:

Homework Statement


Wow LaTex fail... anyone know how i make this look like not ****? I had it looking all pretty on http://www.codecogs.com/latex/eqneditor.php and it gave me these codes as my latex markup but it didn't come out right... why do they look like source code and not the pretty equations they are supposed to?

Fourier Analysis equation:
$$\displaystyle v(t)=a_0 + \sum_{n=1}^N a_ncos(nwt) + \sum_{m=1}^M a_msin(mwt)$$
$$\displaystyle a_n= \frac{2}{T}\int\limits_{\frac{-T}{2}}^{\frac{T}{2}}v\(t)cos(nwt)\, dt$$
$$\displaystyle b_n= \frac{2}{T}\int\limits_{\frac{-T}{2}}^{\frac{T}{2}}v\(t)sin(mwt)\, dt$$

To show that the coefficients a and b are given by the equations above, we multiply v(t) by cos(2∏kt/T) and integrate with respect to time from t = -T/2 to t = T/2

$$\displaystyle \int\limits_{\frac{-T}{2}}^{\frac{T}{2}}\ ((a_0+\sum_{n=1}^N a_n cos(\frac{2\pi nt}{T}) +\sum_{m=1}^M b_m sin(\frac{2\pi mt}{T}))$$

which will give us three types of integrals
$$\displaystyle a_0\int\limits_{\frac{-T}{2}}^{\frac{T}{2}}cos\frac{2\pi kt}{T}\,\ dt=0$$
$$\displaystyle \sum_{m=1}^M b_m\int\limits_{\frac{-T}{2}}^{\frac{T}{2}}sin\frac{2\pi mt}{T}cos\frac{2\pi kt}{T}dt=0$$
$$\displaystyle \sum_{n=1}^N a_n\int\limits_{\frac{-T}{2}}^{\frac{T}{2}}cos\frac{2\pi nt}{T}cos\frac{2\pi kt}{T}dt= T/2 (n=k)$$

My question is why do the first two of these three integrals equal zero?
(first time using LaTex holy crap took forever

Use $$ instead of $. More here:https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=3977517&postcount=3
 
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DeltaFunction said:
Assuming I'm deciphering the equations correctly, then the first integrals equal zero because the integral will be a sin function, and between the limits you will always have integer multiples of pi for any k (sin k*pi = sin(-k*pi) = 0)
The second integral is zero because it is an odd function integrated between symmetric limits. (an odd function multiplied by an even function is an odd function).

So sin is an odd function then? Why is cos * sin an odd function? I can't find any good explanations on google.

P.S thanks Tsny
 
It is kinda simple, just like multiplying numbers, an odd times an even number results in an odd number.

If you want a more rigorous definition then you can go back to the definition of odd and even. Assume g(x) is odd and f(x) is even.

Then the product h(x)= f(x)*g(x). To check the parity of h(x) we find h(-x)= g(-x)*f(-x).

Remembering what it means to be an odd or even function we get g(-x)*f(-x)= -g(x)*f(x)= -h(x).

Leaving you with h(x)= -h(-x); otherwise known as an odd function.
 

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