What is the Correct Fourier Series for e^x?

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the Fourier series of e^x and comparing two different solutions. The first solution is given by twoflower, while the second solution is from a professor. The conversation ends with a question about integration and understanding the concept of e^x.
  • #1
twoflower
368
0
Hi all,

I've been having little problems getting Fourier series of [itex]e^x[/itex].

I have given

[tex]
f(x) = e^{x}, x \in [-\pi, \pi)
[/tex]

Then

[tex]
a_0 = \frac{1}{\pi}\int_{-\pi}^{\pi} e^{x}\ dx = \frac{2\sinh \pi}{\pi}
[/tex]

[tex]
a_{n} = \frac{1}{\pi}\int_{-\pi}^{\pi} e^{x}\cos (nx)\ dx =

\frac{1}{\pi}\left\{\left[ \frac{1}{n}\ e^{x} \sin (nx)\right]_{-\pi}^{\pi} -

\frac{1}{n}\int_{-\pi}^{\pi} e^{x}\sin (nx)\ dx\right\} =

\frac{(-1)^{n+1}\left(e^{-\pi} - e^{\pi}\right)}{\pi(1+n^2)}
[/tex]

[tex]
b_{n} = \frac{1}{\pi}\int_{-\pi}^{\pi}e^{x}\sin (nx)\ dx = \frac{1}{\pi}\left\{

\left[ -\frac{1}{n}\ e^{x}\cos (nx)\right]_{-\pi}^{\pi} +

\frac{1}{n}\int_{-\pi}^{\pi} e^{x}\cos(nx)\ dx\right\} =

\frac{n(-1)^{n}\left(e^{-\pi} - e^{\pi}\right)}{\pi(1+n^2)}
[/tex]

So the Fourier series looks like this:

[tex]
S(f,x) = \frac{\sinh \pi}{\pi}\ +\ \frac{2\sinh \pi}{\pi}\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}

\frac{(-1)^{n+1}}{1+n^2}\left(\cos(nx) - n\sin(nx))
[/tex]

Anyway, our professor gave us another right (I hope so) result:

[tex]
S(f,x) = \frac{\sinh \pi}{\pi}\ +\ \frac{2\sinh \pi}{\pi}\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}

\frac{(-1)^{n}}{1+n^2}\left(\cos(nx) - n\sin(nx))
[/tex]

Obviously my series is just of opposite sign than it should be, but I can't find
the mistake, could you help me please?
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
twoflower,

Am I missing something? The two solutions look the same to me!
 
  • #3
jdavel, twoflower's solution has (-1)^(n + 1) inside the sum, while the professor's solution has (-1)^n.
 
Last edited:
  • #4
Muzza said:
jdavel, twoflower's solution has (-1)^(n + 1) inside the sum, while the professor's solution has (-1)^n.

Muzza,

Doh!
 
  • #5
You must have made a mistake in the integrals. It's hard to tell because you've skipped 3 or 4 steps in your post, but it looks like at least your bottom integral is wrong (wrong sign) for the case where n is odd (the only case I felt like doing in my head).
 
  • #6
as far as i can tell, when you have taken (e^-pi - e^pi) out from the summation you have left it as sinh(pi) whereas it should be -sinh(pi), this should then match with the professors solution.
I have a similar question, using this series i must show that [tex]\sum1/(1 + n^2)[/tex] = 1/2(picoth(pi) -1), however when i calculate it to be 1/2(picoth(pi) + pi - 1), can anyone help?
 
  • #7
Why is integration of e^x=2sinh (pie)/pie ?
i am not able to understand this concept can some body enlighten this for me !
 
  • #8
Sinh(x)= 1/2 [e^x - e^(-x)]
 

1. What is a Fourier series?

A Fourier series is a mathematical tool used to represent a periodic function as a sum of trigonometric functions. It allows us to decompose a complex function into simpler components, making it easier to analyze.

2. How is e^x represented in a Fourier series?

In a Fourier series, the function e^x is represented as a combination of sine and cosine functions with varying coefficients. The coefficients are determined by the frequency and amplitude of the original function.

3. What are the applications of Fourier series of e^x?

Fourier series of e^x has various applications in mathematics, physics, and engineering. It is used in signal processing, image reconstruction, and solving differential equations. It also has applications in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and vibration analysis.

4. How accurate is the Fourier series representation of e^x?

The accuracy of the Fourier series representation of e^x depends on the number of terms included in the series. The more terms included, the closer the approximation is to the original function. However, the series may not converge for some values of x, leading to inaccuracies.

5. Can e^x be represented by a finite Fourier series?

No, e^x cannot be exactly represented by a finite Fourier series. This is because e^x is a non-periodic function and a Fourier series can only accurately represent periodic functions. However, a finite Fourier series can provide a close approximation of e^x for a specific range of x values.

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