Finding the harmonic function of a function?

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The discussion revolves around finding the harmonic function of a given piecewise function defined by t(u(t-2) - u(t-5)), which is periodically expanded with a period of 9. The user seeks clarification on how to graphically represent the function and integrate it correctly to apply the Fourier series formula. There is acknowledgment that the integral setup appears correct, but concerns about potential arithmetic errors persist. The conversation highlights the need for assistance in understanding the next steps to derive the harmonic function from the computed integral. Overall, the user is looking for guidance on correctly applying the Fourier series to their specific function.
YeeHaa
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Hello everyone,

Since I needed some place to ask my question, I ended up here. I sure hope you can help me :).

I'm "completely" new to Signals & Systems, and although I'm new to it, I already have loads of assignments I need to make (note this is NOT homework!, they are to make me understand S&S..., if this is interpreted as HW, my apalogies). The problem is I don't really understand how some of the formulas work or what steps I need to take...

The book I'm using: Signals & Systems by M.J. Roberts

The question:

Given : The function t(u(t-2) - u(t-5)) is periodically expanded with period 9.

Find the harmonic function, using the fundamental period as base period.
The formule that I'm supposed to use is:
complexCoefficients.jpg


I could also find this harmonic function by using the appendix E in the book (second question).

My questions:
Graphical expression: I know the function exists out of a substraction of two unit step functions, multiplied with "t"? I'm not sure how to picture the function in total?

Could anyone give me a head start, or help me explain how I integrate this function in the formula?
 
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T = 9. Your graph is identical to f(t) = t between 2 and 5 and zero elsewhere on the interval (0,9). Then extended periodically. So break your integral from 0 to 9 into three parts, two of which are very easy.
 
Then I get this as my function:

[PLAIN]http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/5808/function.jpg

Is this solution done the right way? I have the feeling I messed up somewhere...

[PLAIN]http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/2446/function2.png

If it is right, do I just let k be a chosen integer?

Thanks for your help so far.
 
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I didn't check all your steps. But you do have the function right and the integral set up correctly. And it does look like you dropped an fF along the way.

I'm not an EE so am unfamiliar with Signals & Systems. And I'm guessing that what you refer to as the "harmonic function" is what I would call the Fourier Series.

Anyway, barring other arithmetic mistakes, it looks good to me.
 
The formula is a formula given in the section 'Fourier series', so I would presume that is correct.

My question really was if the arithmetic was correct? The fF is (1/9), and i integrated that.

Hope someone can help me.

Thanks.
 
Assuming the integral output is correct, I'm not sure what to do with X[k] afterwards so I can find the harmonic of the function?
 

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