Fourier Series of f(x) for a, b, and c Cases

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the Fourier series for the function f(x) = x defined on the interval (0,1) under different periodic conditions: 1-periodic, even and 2-periodic, and odd and 2-periodic. Participants are exploring how the function's definition must change to satisfy these conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand how to define f(x) on the interval (-1,0) to maintain the properties of being even or odd while agreeing with f(x) = x on (0,1). Questions are raised about the implications of these definitions on the Fourier series.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how the function must be defined on the interval (-1,0) for the even and odd cases. There is recognition that different periodic functions can agree on the interval (0,1) but will have distinct Fourier series. The discussion is ongoing with participants seeking further clarification.

Contextual Notes

Participants express confusion regarding the implications of the problem's conditions, particularly how the definitions on (-1,0) affect the overall function and its periodicity. There is acknowledgment of the need for different approaches to find the Fourier series based on the periodicity and symmetry of the function.

BustedBreaks
Messages
62
Reaction score
0
Let [tex]f(x):= x[/tex] when 0<x<1. Find the Fourier series for f if:
a) f is 1 periodic
b) f is even and 2 periodic
c) f is odd and 2 periodic.


I am very lost and behind. I'm reading through my notes and book and hopefully will be able to to this soon, but can anyone give me a hint or just explain how the differences between a, b, and c?

I get a, that is f(x) = x from 0 to 1, and that graph repeats for every interval of one because it is 1-periodic.

I don't get how f can be even and 2 periodic and also be = x on 0 to 1

or odd and 2 periodic an be = to x on 0 to 1...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You are given f(x) = x on (0,1). If f is to have period 2 you need its definition on an interval of length 2. So what might you want it to be on (-1,0)? Do you see what you might want it to be on (-1,0) if you wanted the function to be odd on (-1,1)? Or if you wanted it to be even on (-1,1)? Do you know what the graph must look like on (-1,1) if it has to agree with x on (0,1) and be odd? even?

These are different functions on (-1,1) that happen to agree on (0,1). And if you write their Fourier Series, one of them will have only cosine terms and one only sine terms.
 
LCKurtz said:
You are given f(x) = x on (0,1). If f is to have period 2 you need its definition on an interval of length 2. So what might you want it to be on (-1,0)? Do you see what you might want it to be on (-1,0) if you wanted the function to be odd on (-1,1)? Or if you wanted it to be even on (-1,1)? Do you know what the graph must look like on (-1,1) if it has to agree with x on (0,1) and be odd? even?

These are different functions on (-1,1) that happen to agree on (0,1). And if you write their Fourier Series, one of them will have only cosine terms and one only sine terms.

I am having trouble understanding this.

If it is even and 2-periodic are you saying that it would be basically the graph of |x| on (-1,1)?

for odd just the graph of x on (-1,1)?

What confuses me if this is right is that it says in the question that the interval is (0,1)

Also can you confirm that for a) it would be just the function x from (0,1) repeated for ever interval of 1 before and after that?
 
Last edited:
Yes, that is exactly what I am saying. If you plot your 1p periodic function and these two 2p periodic function for a couple of periods, you will see that they are three different periodic functions that all happen to agree on (0,1). They will have different Fourier series, but they will all sum to x on (0,1).
 
And I should have added, since you have to actually find the series, that in the last two cases you have special "half range" formulas for the an and bn. They are each half the work because half the coefficients are zero compared to the 1p function, which is neither even nor odd.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K