Fourier series for exponentials even or odd function?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the classification of the exponential function \( e^x \) as either an even or odd function, and how this classification relates to the Fourier series representation of exponential functions, including hyperbolic functions like cosh and sinh. Participants explore the definitions of even and odd functions and their implications for Fourier series.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether \( e^x \) is an even or odd function, noting that it does not satisfy the definitions of either.
  • Another participant asserts that \( e^x \) is neither odd nor even, providing definitions for even and odd parts of a function.
  • Participants agree that the even part of \( e^x \) is \( \cosh(x) \) and the odd part is \( \sinh(x) \).
  • A participant introduces a new function \( f(x) = x^2 e^{-x} \) and asks about the classification of this product, suggesting it may also be neither odd nor even.
  • Another participant confirms that the product of an even function and a function that is neither odd nor even is also neither odd nor even.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that \( e^x \) is neither odd nor even, and they provide definitions and examples to support this. However, the classification of the new function \( f(x) = x^2 e^{-x} \) remains open for discussion, with some uncertainty about its properties.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes definitions of even and odd functions and their implications for Fourier series, but does not resolve the classification of the new function introduced.

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hi peeps. just a quick one.
(a) how would you go around working out the Fourier for exponential functions..
simply something like e^x? (b) and how can this be applied to work out Fourier series for cosh and sinh (considering cosh = e^x + e^-x / 2) etc etc..

first of all.. is e^x even or odd function..
i appreciate even function is: f(x) = f(-x)
odd function is : -f(x) = f(-x)

if for example , x =1.. e^x = e1...
so f(x) = e1
so e1 = 2.718...
e(-1) = 0.367... which is neither f(x) or -f(x)?? so there's a sticky point as its not clear whether this is even or odd..??
 
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Not all functions are even, or odd. Some are neither, f(x)=ex is such a function.
 
ex is neither odd nor even. Given any function, f(x), we can define the even and odd parts of f by
f_e(x)= \frac{f(x)+ f(-x)}{2} and
f_o(x)= \frac{f(x)- f(-x)}{2}
In particular, the even and odd parts of ex are
\frac{e^x+ e^{-x}}{2}= cosh(x) and
\frac{e^x- e^{-x}}{2}= sinh(x)
 
HallsofIvy said:
ex is neither odd nor even. Given any function, f(x), we can define the even and odd parts of f by
f_e(x)= \frac{f(x)+ f(-x)}{2} and
f_o(x)= \frac{f(x)- f(-x)}{2}
In particular, the even and odd parts of ex are
\frac{e^x+ e^{-x}}{2}= cosh(x) and
\frac{e^x- e^{-x}}{2}= sinh(x)

okej but what about such function then
f(x)=x^2e^{-x} what kind of function do we get if we multiply an even function with a function that is neither odd nor even?
 
ah I know
it is neither odd nor even
 

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