Does Bessel's Inequality Imply Fourier Coefficients Approach Zero?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Bessel's inequality to demonstrate that the Fourier coefficients of a function approach zero as their index goes to infinity. Participants explore the implications of this inequality within the context of continuous functions and convergence in mathematical analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents Bessel's inequality and suggests using it to show that the limits of the Fourier coefficients \( a_n \) and \( b_n \) approach zero as \( n \) approaches infinity.
  • Another participant expresses confusion about how to start solving the problem and requests clarification.
  • A participant attempts to clarify the notation and structure of the problem, suggesting that the set \( C_p(-c,c) \) refers to piecewise continuous functions.
  • There is a discussion about the appropriate categorization of the question, with some participants suggesting it belongs in a calculus subforum rather than discrete mathematics.
  • One participant questions how to determine the appropriate content category for math problems, seeking advice on identifying relevant topics.
  • Another participant points out that the topics of continuity, limits, and integrals are typically associated with calculus rather than discrete mathematics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the problem and its context. There is no consensus on the categorization of the question, with some arguing it fits better in calculus while others believe it relates to discrete mathematics. The mathematical claims regarding Bessel's inequality and the behavior of Fourier coefficients remain under discussion without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the importance of using LaTeX for clarity in mathematical expressions, and there are unresolved questions about the definitions and assumptions underlying the problem.

Joystar77
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1. Let c > 0 be a constant. For F E Cp (-C, C), the Bessel inequality is

ao squared/ 2 + N E n = 1 (an squared + bn squared) is less than or equal to 1/C { c on top, c on bottom [ f (x)] squared of x, N = 1, 2, ...

Where an and bn are the Fourier coefficients for f (x), -c < x < c.

Using this inequality show that lim an = 0, n ---> infinity and lim bn = 0, n ----> infinity.

Is this the correct way of working out this problem?
 
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Sorry, I forgot to mention that I am totally lost and don't know where to start with this problem.
 
Hi Joystar1977, I think I might be able to help with some of your recent questions but I'm not quite sure what the questions are exactly. If you look at the pdf linked to http://mathhelpboards.com/latex-tips-tutorials-56/math-help-boards-latex-guide-pdf-1142.html you can quickly learn enough LaTeX to write your maths in a much more readable form.

E.g. $$\sum_{r=1}^n r=\frac{1}{2}n(n+1)$$
 
I hope that this problem above is easier to read. Here it is again as follows:

Let c > o be a constant. For F € Cp, the Bessel inequality is

〖^2〗a_0/2+∑_(n=1)^N▒(a_n 〖^2〗+b_n 〖^2〗≤1/c[c on top,-c on bottom {f (x)}〖〖^2〗 of x,N=1,2,…〗⁡ )
Where an and bn are the Fourier coefficients for f (x), -c < x < c

Using this inequality show that

〖lim⁡an=0,〗┬(n→∞)⁡〖lim⁡bn=0〗┬(n→∞)⁡
 
Joystar1977 said:
I hope that this problem above is easier to read.
To be honest, it's not much easier. Do you mean the following?

Let $c > 0$ be a constant. For $f\in C_p(-c,c)$, the Bessel inequality is \[\frac{a_0^2}{2} +\sum_{k=1}^N (a_k^2+b_k^2) \le\frac{1}{c} \int_{-c}^c(f(x))^2\,dx,\quad N=1,2,\dots\tag{*}\] where $a_n$ and $b_n$ are the Fourier coefficients for $f(x)$, $-c < x < c$.

Using this inequality show that \[\lim\limits_{n\to\infty} a_n=0,\quad \lim_{n\to\infty}⁡b_n=0\enspace.\]

Does $C_p(-c,c)$ here means the set of piecewise continuous functions?

I am not sure what you have covered with respect to series and sequence convergence, but the key here is the $n$th term test. Since the series in the left-hand side of (*) converges, $a_n^2+b_n^2\to0$ as $n\to\infty$.

A couple of administrative issues. Please read the link provided in post #3 about LaTeX on this forum. If you click "Reply With Quote" button under this post, you can use the LaTeX code in it as an example. Using LaTeX is crucial for questions like this, with complicated formulas. You could also post a photo of a question. Second, rule #5 from the http://mathhelpboards.com/rules/ asks one to choose a subforum not based on the course from which the question has come, but on the content of the question itself. Since this question is about convergence, it should be posted in the Calculus subforum.
 
Yes, Evgeny! Accept when using the Math Math symbol on top of it is a capital N and the bottom saying n=1 (instead of k=1). Also, instead of a of k squared and b of k squared. It is suppose to be a of n squared and b of n squared. Also, I wasn't too sure which section and figured that since I am in a Discrete Mathematics course then it would fall under the Discrete Mathematics category. Thanks for teaching me something new! I know for next time if a math problem has to do with Convergence, then it goes under the Calculus category.

Evgeny.Makarov said:
To be honest, it's not much easier. Do you mean the following?

Let $c > 0$ be a constant. For $f\in C_p(-c,c)$, the Bessel inequality is \[\frac{a_0^2}{2} +\sum_{k=1}^N (a_k^2+b_k^2) \le\frac{1}{c} \int_{-c}^c(f(x))^2\,dx,\quad N=1,2,\dots\tag{*}\] where $a_n$ and $b_n$ are the Fourier coefficients for $f(x)$, $-c < x < c$.

Using this inequality show that \[\lim\limits_{n\to\infty} a_n=0,\quad \lim_{n\to\infty}⁡b_n=0\enspace.\]

Does $C_p(-c,c)$ here means the set of piecewise continuous functions?

I am not sure what you have covered with respect to series and sequence convergence, but the key here is the $n$th term test. Since the series in the left-hand side of (*) converges, $a_n^2+b_n^2\to0$ as $n\to\infty$.

A couple of administrative issues. Please read the link provided in post #3 about LaTeX on this forum. If you click "Reply With Quote" button under this post, you can use the LaTeX code in it as an example. Using LaTeX is crucial for questions like this, with complicated formulas. You could also post a photo of a question. Second, rule #5 from the http://mathhelpboards.com/rules/ asks one to choose a subforum not based on the course from which the question has come, but on the content of the question itself. Since this question is about convergence, it should be posted in the Calculus subforum.
 
Evgeny: I forgot to answer your other question. Can I ask you something please? How am I suppose to know about a math problem for the content itself? I figured that since I was in a Discrete Mathematics course that the questions should strictly relate to Discrete Mathematics. I will be honest that I am not familiar on how to base the content itself when it comes to a math question. Can you give me tips or clues on what to look for in math problems?

Evgeny.Makarov said:
To be honest, it's not much easier. Do you mean the following?

Let $c > 0$ be a constant. For $f\in C_p(-c,c)$, the Bessel inequality is \[\frac{a_0^2}{2} +\sum_{k=1}^N (a_k^2+b_k^2) \le\frac{1}{c} \int_{-c}^c(f(x))^2\,dx,\quad N=1,2,\dots\tag{*}\] where $a_n$ and $b_n$ are the Fourier coefficients for $f(x)$, $-c < x < c$.

Using this inequality show that \[\lim\limits_{n\to\infty} a_n=0,\quad \lim_{n\to\infty}⁡b_n=0\enspace.\]

Does $C_p(-c,c)$ here means the set of piecewise continuous functions?

I am not sure what you have covered with respect to series and sequence convergence, but the key here is the $n$th term test. Since the series in the left-hand side of (*) converges, $a_n^2+b_n^2\to0$ as $n\to\infty$.

A couple of administrative issues. Please read the link provided in post #3 about LaTeX on this forum. If you click "Reply With Quote" button under this post, you can use the LaTeX code in it as an example. Using LaTeX is crucial for questions like this, with complicated formulas. You could also post a photo of a question. Second, rule #5 from the http://mathhelpboards.com/rules/ asks one to choose a subforum not based on the course from which the question has come, but on the content of the question itself. Since this question is about convergence, it should be posted in the Calculus subforum.
 
Joystar1977 said:
I figured that since I was in a Discrete Mathematics course that the questions should strictly relate to Discrete Mathematics.
I would be surprised to see this question in a Discrete Math course. Discrete math usually does not deal with such topics as continuous functions, limits and integrals. In fact, introductory discrete math courses do not usually (but not always) deal with real numbers.

Joystar1977 said:
I will be honest that I am not familiar on how to base the content itself when it comes to a math question. Can you give me tips or clues on what to look for in math problems?
If you know that continuity, limits and integrals are topics from calculus, then you know where to put such question. Otherwise, you may have doubts that this question fits into discrete math since it talks about continuous functions, and continuous is the opposite of discrete. Then click the triangle with the exclamation point below and to the left of the post and report it to the moderators, asking for an advice where to put the question. This is described in the same rule #5; please read it!

Do you have more questions about this problem (the math one, not the administrative issue)?
 
Alright, then I would just look at the topics for mathematics and the sub topics of what is being talked about in the math problem. If something doesn't exactly state the mathematical term, then possibly look at other words that have the same meaning such as Integral:
a function of which a given function is the derivative, i.e., which yields that function when differentiated, and which may express the area under the curve of a graph of the function; a function satisfying a given differential equation. Am I correct to possibly look for another word that has the same meaning in mathematics?
Evgeny.Makarov said:
I would be surprised to see this question in a Discrete Math course. Discrete math usually does not deal with such topics as continuous functions, limits and integrals. In fact, introductory discrete math courses do not usually (but not always) deal with real numbers.

If you know that continuity, limits and integrals are topics from calculus, then you know where to put such question. Otherwise, you may have doubts that this question fits into discrete math since it talks about continuous functions, and continuous is the opposite of discrete. Then click the triangle with the exclamation point below and to the left of the post and report it to the moderators, asking for an advice where to put the question. This is described in the same rule #5; please read it!

Do you have more questions about this problem (the math one, not the administrative issue)?
 
  • #10
Look, don't worry about nomenclature. Spend your time studying theory and then solving problems. If you invest enough time in this, you'll become better.
 
  • #11
Evgeny: In response to your question, yes Cp (-c, c) does mean the set of piecewise continuous functions.
 

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