Fourier Series - proving a sum

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around computing the Fourier series for the function f(x) = x defined on the interval [-π, π) and its periodic extension. Participants are tasked with demonstrating specific summation identities involving odd and even integers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to compute the Fourier series and has successfully shown one of the required sums but is uncertain about deriving the second sum. They express confusion regarding the treatment of even terms in the series.
  • Some participants question the validity of the original poster's assumptions about the Fourier series and its terms, particularly concerning the even indices.
  • Others suggest exploring alternative functions and methods to prove related summation identities, indicating a search for connections between different series.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants actively questioning assumptions and exploring different approaches. There is no explicit consensus on the methods to derive the second sum, and multiple interpretations of the Fourier series are being examined.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of handling terms with even indices, as the original poster claims these terms are zero, which complicates the derivation of the total sum. There is also mention of potential constraints related to the functions chosen for analysis.

ramdayal9
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Homework Statement


Let [itex]f(x)=x[/itex] on [itex][-\pi,\pi)[/itex] and peridically extended. Compute the Fourier series and hence show:

[itex]\sum_{n \geq 1,nodd} \frac{1}{n^2} = \frac{\pi^2}{8}[/itex] and [itex]\sum_{n \geq 1} \frac{1}{n^2} = \frac{\pi^2}{6}[/itex]

Homework Equations



Parseval's equality

The Attempt at a Solution


I computed the Fourier series to be [itex]-\sum_{n=1,nodd} \frac{4}{n^2 \pi} e^{inx}+\frac{\pi}{2}[/itex] (even terms [itex]\hat{f}(n)=0[/itex]) and proved the first sum (letting x=0).
How would I compute the second part? how do i get the whole sum from this? I tried to slipt the sum into even and odd parts, but i don't know how to compute the even sum when I don't have any terms for the even sum! thanks
 
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You can't. If, in fact, all terms with even indices are 0, then "[itex]\sum_{n\ge 1, n odd}[/itex]" and [itex]\sum_{n\ge 1}[/itex] must be the same!
 
HallsofIvy said:
You can't. If, in fact, all terms with even indices are 0, then "[itex]\sum_{n\ge 1, n odd}[/itex]" and [itex]\sum_{n\ge 1}[/itex] must be the same!
Ok, so how would I use what I have to prove the second sum? That's assuming that Fourier series is right - I think it is, because the first sum works out. On a related note, how would I go about proving that [itex]\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{1}{(2n+1)^4} = \frac{\pi^4}{96}[/itex]? I have started by saying that this is equivalent to the sum [itex]\sum_{n \geq 1, n odd} \frac{1}{n^4}[/itex]. I use a similar method as before and consider the function [itex]f(x) = |x^3|[/itex] on [itex][-\pi, \pi)[/itex] but I don't seem to get the sum I require in the end...I get the sum of even numbers instead!
Thanks
 
ramdayal9 said:

Homework Statement


Let [itex]f(x)=x[/itex] on [itex][-\pi,\pi)[/itex] and peridically extended. Compute the Fourier series and hence show:

[itex]\sum_{n \geq 1,nodd} \frac{1}{n^2} = \frac{\pi^2}{8}[/itex] and [itex]\sum_{n \geq 1} \frac{1}{n^2} = \frac{\pi^2}{6}[/itex]


Homework Equations



Parseval's equality

The Attempt at a Solution


I computed the Fourier series to be [itex]-\sum_{n=1,nodd} \frac{4}{n^2 \pi} e^{inx}+\frac{\pi}{2}[/itex] (even terms [itex]\hat{f}(n)=0[/itex]) and proved the first sum (letting x=0).
How would I compute the second part? how do i get the whole sum from this? I tried to slipt the sum into even and odd parts, but i don't know how to compute the even sum when I don't have any terms for the even sum! thanks
I don't get the same Fourier series for f(x)=x that you do.
 

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