Fourier series integration help required.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the coefficient a0 for a periodic function defined piecewise with a period of 2. The function is expressed in two segments, one for the interval [-1, 0) and another for (0, 1]. Participants are exploring the integration process required to compute a0.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup of the integral for a0, questioning the correct form of the function segments and the integration process. There is uncertainty about the implications of the function being odd or even and how that relates to the calculation of coefficients.

Discussion Status

Some participants are beginning to clarify their understanding of the function's structure and integration. There is acknowledgment of confusion regarding the expressions used in the function, and one participant has suggested corrections to the expressions. However, no consensus has been reached on the integration method or the significance of odd/even functions.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention limited coverage of Fourier series concepts in their coursework, which may be impacting their understanding of the problem. There is also a reference to a lack of examples that address the specific nuances of odd and even functions in relation to Fourier coefficients.

andycampbell1
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Homework Statement



I have a periodic function which has a period 2, which is defined as

f(x) = ( 1.7(x + 1) , -1 ≤ x < 0 With f(x+2) = f(x) for all x
( 1.7(x - 1), 0 < x ≤ 1

I have to determine a0

The Attempt at a Solution



I have started this as

a0 = 1/T ∫ top limit = T/2 Bottom limit = -T/2 f(x) dx
= 1/2 ∫ top limit = 0 Bottom limit = -1. 1.7(x+1) dx + ∫Top limit 1, Bottom limit 0 1.7(x-1) dx.

Is this right what I am doing so far, the 1.7(x+1) and 1.7(x-1) part is confusing me should I make it 1.7x+1 and 1.7x-1 ? And how would I integrate them?
 
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Have you drawn a picture of that function? Is it even, odd, or neither? Does that matter when calculating a0?
 
I haven't drawn it yet I have an example from my lecturer which is similar up until that point, when I have to integrate using 1.7(x+1) on the example there is no mention of odd or even numbers. I couldn't tell you if it mattered or not.
 
andycampbell1 said:
I haven't drawn it yet I have an example from my lecturer which is similar up until that point, when I have to integrate using 1.7(x+1) on the example there is no mention of odd or even numbers. I couldn't tell you if it mattered or not.

I wasn't talking about odd or even numbers. It was about odd or even functions. Have you studied half-range Fourier expansions yet? Do you know what odd or even functions are and what that has to do with the coefficients?
 
No, we covered Fourier series over an hour we didn't really get into it much we got a couple of pages of notes and some examples nothing like that was mentioned.
 
andycampbell1 said:

Homework Statement



I have a periodic function which has a period 2, which is defined as

f(x) = ( 1.7(x + 1) , -1 ≤ x < 0 With f(x+2) = f(x) for all x
( 1.7(x - 1), 0 < x ≤ 1

I have to determine a0


The Attempt at a Solution



I have started this as

a0 = 1/T ∫ top limit = T/2 Bottom limit = -T/2 f(x) dx
= 1/2 ∫ top limit = 0 Bottom limit = -1. 1.7(x+1) dx + ∫Top limit 1, Bottom limit 0 1.7(x-1) dx.

Is this right what I am doing so far, the 1.7(x+1) and 1.7(x-1) part is confusing me should I make it 1.7x+1 and 1.7x-1 ? And how would I integrate them?

andycampbell1 said:
No, we covered Fourier series over an hour we didn't really get into it much we got a couple of pages of notes and some examples nothing like that was mentioned.

OK. Well I was going to suggest a shortcut but you haven't covered it yet. So to answer your original question, first you need to correct the colored expressions above. You aren't removing parentheses correctly. a(x-1) = ax - a. Once you fix that your integrals should work. You should come up with a0= 0.
 
Hi thanks for the help things are starting to make sense now so just so I'm clear my expressions should be 1.7x + 1.7 and 1.7x - 1.7
 

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